Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Equipped Vehicles

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) equipped vehicles
DSC maximizes vehicle stability under all conditions. The DSC system compares actual vehicle course to that intended by the driver. If the intended course differs from the actual course due to over steer or under steer conditions, the DSC system will brake individual wheels and reduce engine torque to bring the vehicle back to the driver's intended direction. By using a combined yaw rate sensor and lateral accelerometer, the vehicles rotational motion around its vertical axis and centrifugal forces generated while cornering are calculated to determine the vehicle's actual behavior. Using additional sensors for detecting steering wheel position and road wheel speed enables the system to recognize the driver's intentions.

DSC/TCS is enabled/disabled via the DSC/TCS ON/OFF switch. When the switch is in the OFF position, the amber DSC/TCS warning lamp solidly illuminates within the instrument cluster message center. The DSC/TCS is automatically activated when the ignition is switched on. The DSC/TCS also provides failure messages via the instrument cluster message center.

On 2.0L vehicles the Traction Control System (TCS) is incorporated into the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Where DSC is fitted, traction control is a function within the DSC system. The vehicle's driven wheels are continually monitored for wheel spin relative to the calculated reference speed and to each other. If wheel spin is detected, the traction control function intervenes independently of the driver, applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel and reducing the engine drive torque supply. Meanwhile, brake pressure is modulated by the traction control until traction is re-established. Traction control brake actuation is diminished above 40 km/h (25 mph). Above this speed traction control relies primarily on engine torque reduction.

The traction control brake intervention is automatically disabled whenever the brakes exceed a temperature limit. The traction brake intervention will remain disabled until the brakes have cooled, irrespective of ignition switch position or ignition switch cycling.