General:
The main function of the four corner air suspension system is to maintain the vehicle at the correct ride height,
irrespective of load. Additionally, the system allows the driver to request ride height changes to improve off-road
performance or ease of access or loading. The system automatically adjusts the ride height to improve the vehicle
handling and dynamics when speed increases or decreases.
The system will temporarily inhibit height adjustments when the vehicle is subject to cornering, heavy acceleration or
heavy braking. The inhibit function prevents unsettling of the vehicle by reducing the effective spring rates.
Height changes are also inhibited for safety reasons, when a door is opened and the vehicle is stationary for example.
The air suspension system fitted to Range Rover is controlled by an ECU located behind the passenger side of the
fascia. The ECU monitors the height of each corner of the vehicle via four height sensors, which are mounted in-board
of each road wheel. The ECU also performs an 'on-board diagnostic' function to perform 'health checks' on the
system. If faults are detected, codes are stored in the ECU and can be retrieved using a diagnostic tool.
The independent front and rear suspension offers many design and performance advantages over the conventional
beam axle design.