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Home >> Toyota >> 2013 >> Matrix S, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Transmission >> Transfer Case >> Active Torque Control 4WD System (Diagnostics - Introduction) >> Active Torque Control 4WD System >> System Description >> System Description
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System Description

  1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
    1. The Active Torque Control 4WD system detects the driving conditions based on signals from each ECU and the wheel speed sensor. The system controls the electronic current passing through the linear solenoid of the electromagnetic control coupling, and performs electronic control to distribute the optimum torque to the rear wheels.
      Fig 1: Identifying Active Torque Control 4WD System Diagram
      GTY293462Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Main components and their functions.
      Component Function
      4WD Warning Light Displays warning to driver when system malfunctions
      Stop Light Switch Detects brake operation
      Throttle Position Sensor Detects opening angle of throttle
      Park/Neutral Position Switch Detects "P" position
      4WD Linear Solenoid Detects electronic control limiting clutch operation using signals from 4WD control ECU
      Skid Control ECU with Actuator Detects signals from each sensor and outputs them to 4WD control ECU
      4WD Control ECU Detects signals from each sensor via skid control ECU to operate linear solenoid and control system
      Crankshaft Position Sensor Detects engine rpm and inputs it into ECM
      Electromagnetic Control Coupling Based on the amount of current sent from 4WD control ECU, torque is distributed to rear wheels
  2. DRIVING FUNCTION 
    Vehicle Condition Status
    Control at Vehicle Startup This controls the amount of sideway sliding that occurs at rear of vehicles when accelerating from stop to improve acceleration and hill climbing capacity
    Slip Control at Vehicle Startup This helps prevent vehicle from sliding sideways. When accelerating a stopped vehicle with the steering wheel turned, it ensures steering stability
    Slip Control This ensures high turning performance and that stability is not affected by road surface conditions during mid and high speed running
    Control During Acceleration This controls straight-line running when accelerating during mid and high speeds to ensure straight-line stability of the vehicle
  3. REFERENCE MECHANISM 
    1. Electromagnetic control coupling
      1. The outer part of the main clutch is attached together with the front housing. The inner part of the main clutch is attached together with the shaft. The control clutch is attached together with the control cam. The activation energy from the transfer is transferred from the propeller shaft to the front housing. However, when the linear solenoid is not operating, the main clutch and control clutch are in a free state, and the activation energy from the transfer is not transferred to the rear wheels.
        Fig 2: Electromagnetic Control Coupling Reference Mechanism
        GTY243519Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. If current is applied to the linear solenoid, the solenoid magnetizes, and the electromagnet pull force causes the armature to attach to the control clutch side. Or, if there is a difference between the rotation speed of the front and rear wheels and the control clutch attaches, a difference occurs in the rotation of the main cam attached to the shaft and the control cam attached to the front housing. As a result, each ball pushes its cam, and the main clutch attaches. The activation energy from the front housing passes through main clutch to the shaft, and then to the rear differential. Then the activation energy is transferred to the rear wheels.
        Fig 3: Electromagnetic Control Coupling Reference Mechanism - Current Is Applied To Linear Solenoid
        GTY243521Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      3. Depending on the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels, the system controls the current flowing to the linear solenoid. Then the activation energy applied to the rear wheels is smoothly controlled. Depending on the amount of current, the restraint energy of the outer and inner side of the main clutch changes, and the activation energy from the propeller shaft is smoothly controlled from a limited condition to condition that is nearly a direct-link 4WD condition.
        Fig 4: Electromagnetic Control Coupling Reference Mechanism - Depending On Rotation Difference
        GTY243522Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002