Sunday, February 15, 2009

Configurations for the Brake Electronic Control System

There are three possible configurations for the Brake Electronic Control System.
• Integrated Brake Electronic Control (Automatic Retarder Control and the Traction Control System)
• Automatic Retarder Control (ARC) only
• Traction Control System (TCS) only
Each machine configuration uses a separate ECM. Each ECM has an individual part number. Also, each ECM requires a separate FLASH software in order to instruct the ECM about the machine configuration. A separate part number is available for each FLASH software for each ECM.
The brake ECM determines whether the service/retarder brakes should engage for the function of the Automatic Retarder Control (ARC). This action is accomplished by sending signals to the various components of the ARC.
The brake ECM determines whether the parking and secondary brakes should engage for the function of the Traction Control System (TCS). This action is accomplished by sending signals to the various components of the TCS.
The brake ECM also provides the service technician with enhanced diagnostic capabilities. This is available through the use of onboard memory. Onboard memory stores the possible diagnostic codes for retrieval at the time of service. Service personnel should use the Electronic Technician service tool (ET) for troubleshooting.
The following modules communicate with each other through the CAT data link: the engine ECM, the transmission/chassis ECM, the monitoring system and the brake ECM. Communication between the electronic controls allows the sensors of each system to share information.