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Home >> Lexus >> 2017 >> NX 300h >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Accessories & Equipment >> Cruise Control Systems >> Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System - Diagnostics - Introduction >> Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System >> System Description [10/2014 - 09/2017] >> System Description [10/2014 - 09/2017]
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System Description [10/2014 - 09/2017]

  1. GENERAL 
    1. The dynamic radar cruise control system has two cruise control modes: constant speed control mode and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.
      • Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is selected by default when the dynamic radar cruise control system is turned on using the cruise control main switch.
      • Operation of constant speed control mode is the same as that for a conventional cruise control system.
    2. This system maintains the vehicle at the speed that the driver has set, as long as there are no vehicles ahead. In addition to this, the system maintains the vehicle-to-vehicle distance that has been set by the driver. If the system detects a preceding vehicle traveling at a slower speed while the driver is driving at a constant speed, it controls the engine to decelerate the vehicle. If further deceleration is required, the system controls the brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU) in order to apply the brakes. Thereafter, if there are no vehicles ahead within the set vehicle-to-vehicle distance because either the vehicle ahead or the driver has changed lanes, the system accelerates gradually to the set speed, then maintains that speed.
    3. Constant speed control mode is designed to maintain a constant vehicle speed. Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is designed to control vehicle speed and vehicle-to-vehicle distance using the constant speed function, deceleration cruising function, follow-up cruising function, and acceleration cruising function.
    4. The millimeter wave radar sensor assembly and the driving support ECU assembly control the system while vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is operating, and send signals to each actuator and ECU.
    5. In vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the dynamic radar cruise control system receives signals from the airbag ECU assembly and the steering angle sensor. Based on these signals, the system then estimates curve radius and compensates for information on the preceding vehicle while turning. It can also compensate using brake control when approaching another vehicle.
    6. This system judges the presence of a preceding vehicle and the distance to it based on the signals from the radar sensor while vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is operating. Using this information, the system informs the driver of danger with the warning buzzer, performs brake control, and turns on the stop lights when approaching a preceding vehicle.
    7. The following illustration shows a control example under the following conditions: own vehicle speed is 100 km/h (62 mph) and the speed of the preceding vehicle is 80 km/h (50 mph). The vehicle distance can be set to any of the following 3 distances by operating the steering pad switch assembly (distance control switch): long (approximately 50 m (164 ft.)), middle (approximately 40 m (131 ft.)), or short (approximately 30 m (98 ft.)) when the vehicle speed is approximately 80 km/h (50 mph).
      Fig 1: Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System Control Example
      GTY384129Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      HINT: 

      • Vehicle distance increases and decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
      • Control conditions are indicated on the multi-information display in the combination meter assembly.
  2. FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS 
    Item Outline
    Combination Meter Assembly (Cruise Control Indicator Light (Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control Mode))
    • Comes on when the dynamic radar cruise control system has been turned on using the cruise control main switch
    • If the driving support ECU assembly detects a malfunction, this light goes off to warn the driver
    Combination Meter Assembly (Cruise Control Indicator Light (Constant Speed Control Mode)) Comes on when the dynamic radar cruise control system has been turned on using the cruise control main switch, and constant speed control mode is selected
    Combination Meter Assembly (Buzzer) If the driving support ECU assembly detects an automatic cancel signal while the dynamic radar cruise control system is controlling vehicle speed, this buzzer sounds only once to inform the driver
    Combination Meter Assembly (Cruise Control SET Indicator Light) The driving support ECU assembly illuminates the cruise control SET indicator light in the combination meter assembly when constant speed control is started by pushing the cruise control main switch to -SET
    Combination Meter Assembly (Multi-information Display)
    • While the system is in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the multi-information display receives signals from the driving support ECU assembly, in order to display system conditions in the graphic area
    • If the driving support ECU assembly detects a malfunction signal while the dynamic radar cruise control system is operating, a warning message will be displayed in the warning area to inform the driver
    Cruise Control Main Switch (ON/OFF) Turns the dynamic radar cruise control system on or off
    Cruise Control Main Switch (Control Switch)
    • Vehicle speed setting, deceleration, preset speed resumption, acceleration, and cancel request signals are sent to the driving support ECU assembly through the operation of this switch
    • Switches the control mode: constant speed control mode and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
    Steering Pad Switch Assembly (Distance Control Switch) While the system is in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the driver can operate the steering pad switch assembly (distance control switch) to select the vehicle-to-vehicle distance in 3 stages: long, middle, and short
    Stop Light Switch Assembly Detects the depression of the brake pedal and transmits signals to the driving support ECU assembly
    Windshield Wiper Switch Assembly Transmits wiper control switch signals to the driving support ECU assembly
    Millimeter Wave Radar Sensor Assembly
    • Radiates radar waves forward, uses the reflected waves for detecting the presence of a preceding vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle distance and relative speed, and transmits this information to the driving support ECU assembly
    • Upon receiving signals from the driving support ECU assembly, the millimeter wave radar sensor assembly sounds the skid control buzzer
    Spiral with Sensor Cable Sub-assembly (Steering Angle Sensor) Detects the angle and direction of steering and transmits signals to the driving support ECU assembly
    Vehicle Speed Sensor (SP1) A vehicle speed signal which is output from the brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU) is sent to the driving support ECU assembly
    Airbag ECU Assembly Detects the airbag ECU assembly of the vehicle and transmits signals to the driving support ECU assembly
    Brake Booster with Master Cylinder Assembly (Skid Control ECU)
    • Actuates the brakes in accordance with signals from the brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU)
    • While the system is in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU) actuates the brake actuator in accordance with a brake request signal received from the driving support ECU assembly
    Skid Control Buzzer This buzzer sounds upon receiving signals from the millimeter wave radar sensor assembly
    Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU Controls the dynamic radar cruise control system in accordance with signals from switches, sensors, and the driving support ECU assembly
    Throttle with Motor Body Assembly Upon receiving signals from the hybrid vehicle control ECU, the throttle control motor actuates the throttle valve
    Driving Support ECU Assembly
    • While the system is in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the driving support ECU assembly detects vehicles in front based on signals from the millimeter wave radar sensor assembly. Then, the driving support ECU assembly calculates the acceleration or deceleration required in order to attain the target vehicle-to-vehicle distance, and outputs request signals to the hybrid vehicle control ECU and brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU)
    • If the driving support ECU assembly detects a malfunction in the dynamic radar cruise control system, it will store DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
  3. LIMIT CONTROL 
    1. Low speed limit

      The lowest possible set speed is approximately 40 km/h (25 mph). The dynamic radar cruise control system cannot be set when the vehicle speed is below the low speed limit. Control of vehicle speed will be automatically canceled but the stored vehicle speed will be retained when the vehicle speed drops below the low speed limit while the cruise control is controlling vehicle speed.

    2. High speed limit (constant speed control mode)

      The highest possible set speed is approximately 200 km/h (124 mph). The dynamic radar cruise control system will be set at the high speed limit when the cruise control is set while the vehicle speed is over the high speed limit. Also, +RES cannot be used to increase the speed beyond the high speed limit.

    3. High speed limit (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

      The highest possible set speed is approximately 170 km/h (106 mph). The dynamic radar cruise control system will be set at the high speed limit when the cruise control is set while the vehicle speed is over the high speed limit. Also, +RES cannot be used to increase the speed beyond the high speed limit.

  4. CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION 

    The cruise control main switch is used to turn the dynamic radar cruise control system on and off, as well as operate 8 functions: SET, - (COAST), TAP-DOWN, RES (RESUME), + (ACCEL), TAP-UP, CANCEL and MODE. The SET, TAP-DOWN and - (COAST) functions, and the RES (RESUME), TAP-UP and + (ACCEL) functions are operated with the same switch. The cruise control main switch is an automatic return type switch which turns on only while operating it in the direction of each arrow and turns off when it is released. The dynamic radar cruise control system has 2 cruise control modes: constant speed control mode and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.

    • Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is selected by default when the dynamic radar cruise control system is turned on using the cruise control main switch. (The cruise control indicator light and "RADAR READY" indicator illuminate.)
      Fig 2: Cruise Control Indicator Light And "Radar Ready" Indicator Illuminate
      GTY516692Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *1 Cruise Control Indicator Light
      (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)
      *2 Multi-information Display
    • Operation of constant speed control mode is the same as that for a conventional cruise control system.
    1. MODE CONTROL

      Pushing the switch to MODE for more than 1 second while vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is ready switches the cruise control system to constant speed control mode.

    2. SET CONTROL (Constant speed control mode)
      Fig 3: Set Control (Constant speed control mode)
      GTY446039Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *1 Cruise Control Indicator Light
      (Constant speed control mode)
      *2 Cruise Control SET Indicator Light

      The vehicle speed is stored and constant speed control mode begins controlling vehicle speed when the cruise control main switch is pushed to -SET while driving with the cruise control system on, and the vehicle speed is over the low speed limit after entering constant speed control mode. The cruise control SET indicator light will illuminate, and the set speed will be displayed on the multi-information display.

    3. SET CONTROL (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)
      Fig 4: Set Control (Vehicle-To-Vehicle Distance Control Mode)
      GTY447910Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *1 Cruise Control Indicator Light
      (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)
      *2 Cruise Control SET Indicator Light

      The vehicle speed is stored and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode begins controlling vehicle speed when the cruise main control switch is pushed to -SET while driving with the cruise control system on, and the vehicle speed is over the low speed limit. The cruise control SET indicator light will illuminate, and the set speed will be displayed on the multi-information display.

    4. - (COAST) CONTROL (Constant speed control mode)

      When the cruise control main switch is held to - SET while the cruise control system is operating, the driving support ECU assembly sends a "throttle valve opening angle 0°" demand signal to the cruise control system. Then the vehicle speed, when the cruise control main switch is released, is stored and maintained.

    5. - (COAST) CONTROL (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

      When vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is pushed to -SET and held in that position, the stored vehicle speed decreases by approximately 5 km/h or 5 mph.

    6. TAP-DOWN (CONTROL) (Constant speed control mode)

      When constant speed control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is tapped to the -SET side (for 0.6 seconds or less), the stored vehicle speed decreases by approximately 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each time the switch is tapped. When the cruise control main switch is released from -SET and the difference between the current and stored vehicle speed is more than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph), the current vehicle speed is stored and maintained.

    7. TAP-DOWN CONTROL (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

      When vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is tapped to the -SET side (for 0.6 seconds or less), the stored vehicle speed decreases by approximately 1 km/h or 1 mph for each time the switch is tapped.

    8. + (ACCEL) CONTROL (Constant speed control mode)

      When constant speed control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is pushed to +RES and held in that position, the hybrid vehicle control ECU increases the cruise control demand speed and controls the engine and motor drive force to accelerate the vehicle. Following this, the vehicle speed is stored and maintained when the cruise control main switch is released.

    9. + (ACCEL) CONTROL (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

      When vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is pushed to +RES and held in that position, the stored vehicle speed increases by approximately 5 km/h or 5 mph. Pushing the cruise control main switch to +RES while following a preceding vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode does not increase actual vehicle speed, but changes only the set speed.

    10. TAP-UP CONTROL (Constant speed control mode)

      When constant speed control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is tapped to the +RES side (for 0.6 seconds or less), the stored vehicle speed increases by approximately 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each time the switch is tapped. When the cruise control main switch is released from +RES and the difference between the current and stored vehicle speed is more than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph), the stored vehicle speed will not be changed.

    11. TAP-UP CONTROL (Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

      When vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is controlling vehicle speed and the cruise control main switch is tapped to the +RES side (for 0.6 seconds or less), the stored vehicle speed increases by approximately 1 km/h or 1 mph each time the switch is tapped.

    12. MANUAL CANCEL CONTROL

      Performing any of the following cancels control of vehicle speed by the dynamic radar cruise control system (the stored vehicle speed in the driving support ECU assembly is maintained).

      • Depressing the brake pedal
      • Moving the shift lever from D to any other position
      • Pulling the cruise control main switch to CANCEL
      • Turning the dynamic radar cruise control system off using the cruise control main switch (The stored vehicle speed in the driving support ECU assembly is not maintained.)
    13. Auto cancel
      1. Performing any of the following cancels the cruise control system (the stored vehicle speed in the hybrid vehicle control ECU is not maintained).
        • VSC operates while vehicle is in motion.
        • TRC operates for a certain amount of time while the vehicle is in motion.
        • TRC and VSC are off.
      2. When any of the following conditions occur while the vehicle is stopped during cruise control, the system cancels cruise control.
        • Driver side seat belt is not fastened
        • Driver side door is opened
        • Luggage compartment door or hood is opened
    14. RES (RESUME) CONTROL

      If control of vehicle speed by the dynamic radar cruise control system was canceled by the stop light switch, CANCEL switch or shift lever operation, and if vehicle speed is between the low and high speed limits, pushing the cruise control main switch to +RES restores and maintains the stored vehicle speed from the time of cancellation. In constant speed control mode, once the vehicle speed drops below the low speed limit, RESUME operation is possible after accelerating over the low speed limit and pushing the cruise control main switch to +RES.

  5. BRAKE CONTROL 

    The driving support ECU assembly determines the distance to the preceding vehicle, relative speed, target speed reduction, and deceleration rate. Based on this data, the ECU transmits a brake demand signal to the brake booster with master cylinder assembly (skid control ECU) via the driving support ECU assembly.

  6. DOWN SHIFT CONTROL 

    While the dynamic radar cruise control system is operating, the transmission may downshift from an overdrive gear on an uphill road. After the downshift, if the system determines that the uphill inclination has become smaller based on the throttle valve opening angle, the transmission automatically returns to the overdrive gear.

  7. AUTO CANCEL (FAIL-SAFE) 

    This system has an automatic cancellation function (fail-safe).

    Refer to FAIL-SAFE CHART [10/2014 - 09/2017]