Electronic Suspensions (Skyhook) (Optional) - Maserati Quattroporte Automatic Owner's Manual

M139_UM_ing.book Page 171 Friday, September 5, 2008 8:19 AM
Electronic suspensions
(Skyhook) (optional)
The electronic system controlling the
vehicle suspensions uses the
sophisticated on board sensors and is
aimed at optimising vehicle
performance.
The system is capable of constantly
monitoring suspensions' damping
through the actuator fitted on each
shock absorber. This way, the shock
absorber setting is suited to the
roadbed conditions and vehicle
dynamics, thus improving passenger
comfort and road-holding.
By pressing button A the driver can
choose, even while driving, a normal or
racing-type setting for the
suspensions, depending on his/her
own driving style. This way, the system
operates with a shock absorber
"softer" setting in Normal mode, and a
"harder" setting if the SPORT mode is
selected.
The system is controlled by an ECU
which manages the solenoid valves on
each shock absorber in response to the
sensor signals, adjusting the
suspension damping and setting.
The sensors that enable the ECU to
calculate the vehicle speed, vertical
and side acceleration, as well as the
instantaneous brake circuit pressure,
and consequently to control the
suspension damping, are the
following:
– side acceleration sensor
– front LH vertical acceleration sensor
– front RH vertical acceleration sensor
– rear vertical acceleration sensor
– front LH wheel acceleration sensor
– front RH wheel acceleration sensor
– vehicle speed sensor
– brake pedal switch.
The strategy used by the system
controlling the suspension damping is
aimed at reducing the vertical
oscillations of the vehicle (rolling and
pitching) to a minimum.
The activation of SPORT mode sets the
suspension for sports-style driving and
acts on the ASR and Automatic
Gearbox systems (if present) as well,
modifying their setting for racing-style
driving.
Self-diagnosis
Each time the engine is started, the
system runs a self-diagnostics cycle,
which is indicated by the switching on
of the warning light on the display.

Electronic suspensions (Skyhook) (optional)

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