Volvo Control System System Description
Volvo Control System System Description
Volvo Control System System Description
71 07/06/2020
Service
Chassis ID Path
728/Description, Design and function//Air suspension, components
Model Identity
FH 144441257
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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IMPACT 4.07.71 07/06/2020
Control unit
The air suspension control unit controls the solenoid valves that regulate the pressure in the air bellows.
The control unit communicates with the help of two data links, SAE J1939/CAN and SAE J1587/J1708. The latter of
these two is used for system diagnostics. The diagnostic socket is situated under the instrument panel.
The control unit processes information from the level sensors and the pressure sensors during automatic level control.
During manual level control, the control unit receives signals from the level sensors, control box, bogie axle switch and
in some cases, from the differential lock switch.
The major components of the vehicle are controlled by their own control units. Communication between the different
control units, as well as reporting from control units to the diagnostic socket and instruments, is via two data links. The
system's control signals are sent via the SAE J1939 control data link. The system information and diagnostic signals
are transmitted on the SAE J1708 information data link.
In the case of serious faults in the system all automatic regulation ceases and the air suspension continues in blocked
mode. The indication lamp on the instrument panel lights and the symbol for air suspension is displayed. In the blocked
mode the solenoid valves can be operated manually by means of the control box and the bogie axle switch.
Display symbols
The air suspension icon is displayed when:
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The control box has three control functions for full air suspension vehicles and two control functions for rear air
suspension vehicles.
Manual level control can only be used at speeds lower than 30 km/h. If this speed is exceeded, a warning signal is
sounded and no level control is possible. The vehicle will maintain the previously set level.
To raise or lower the vehicle, the control button must be activated to MAN1. Only then can the axle button and the
control buttons for raising/lowering be activated. The axle load distribution can be adjusted without operating the
control button.
Control buttons
Select the mode with the control buttons to specify the function of the air suspension:
1. STOP button - Pressing the STOP button while at driving height causes the system to change to manual
regulation.
2. AUT button - Automatic regulation.
3. MAN button - Manual regulation.
The MAN button can be set in two positions:
- MAN1 - For manual regulation and use of the memory.
- MAN2 - For changing frame height above the ground in the driving mode.
Note: On certain vehicles it is not permitted to change the driving height, see service information group 728
Electronically controlled air suspension (ECS), specifications.
Note: The bogie axle switch can be used even if the control button is set for manual control.
Axle button
(On vehicles with front air suspension.)
Choose position with the axle button to enter which axle is to be regulated/which memory is to be used.
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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Control buttons
Use the up and down adjustment buttons to raise or lower the vehicle.
To retrieve a pre-programmed value, press the memory button while keeping one of the adjustment buttons depressed.
Memory button
Use the memory button to store or retrieve a value into or from the memory.
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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Blocking mode
When the control unit has discovered a fault in any of the central valves (the valve in a solenoid valve assembly that is
connected to the pressure tank) or the level sensor, the system is set to blocked mode. Blocked mode means that the
automatic ride height regulation ceases completely and that the control box takes on redefined functions.
The redefined functions of the control box are described in more detail in the table below.
To test how the vehicle performs in the blocked mode, you can disconnect the cable to one of the rear axle level
sensors.
Resetting from the blocked mode, once the fault has disappeared, occurs next time the starter key is turned to drive.
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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Solenoid valves
There is a solenoid valve for each axle. A solenoid valve regulates the flow of air to and from the air bellows. The
solenoid valves are controlled by the ECS control unit.
The two front axle air bellows are at the same pressure.
For the driving axle, the pressure can be regulated between the left and right air bellows in order to compensate for
lateral inclination.
If the vehicle has a pusher axle, this axle has the same type of solenoid valve as the driving axle. Both bellows of the
pusher axle have the same pressure.
The lifting bellows are controlled from the pusher axle solenoid valve assembly. When the current is switched off the
solenoid valve of the lifting bellows remains closed and the pusher axle is not lowered.
If the vehicle has a tag axle, this axle has the same type of solenoid valve as the driving axle. Both air suspension
bellows of the tag axle have the same pressure.
A separate solenoid valve controls the air bellows for the tag shaft and works together with the solenoid valve for the
tag shaft. When the power is switched off, the solenoid valve of the lifting bellows remains closed and the trailing axle
is not lowered.
Refer to Air suspension, component locations for more information on compressed air diagrams.
Solenoid valves, front axle, driving axle, bogie axle and bogie axle lift
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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IMPACT 4.07.71 07/06/2020
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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Overflow valves
60A
See position in document Location of components on the chassis.
Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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IMPACT 4.07.71 07/06/2020
60B
See position in document Location of components on the chassis.
Level sensors
The level sensor is of the inductive type and senses which position the vehicle is in.
Note: The companion flange and the flange should always point in the same direction, as shown in the illustration
above.
In certain positions the voltage is reduced when the vehicle is raised, which is called the signal being inverted. With a
correctly installed sensor, the voltage from it will be as follows:
Normal = increased voltage during lift
Inverted = decreased voltage during lift
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Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.
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