Land Cruiser URJ200 URJ202 GRJ200 VDJ200 - VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING


VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM - SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system controls the steering angle in accordance with vehicle speed. The system is controlled by the steering control ECU which operates the steering actuator mounted on the steering intermediate shaft. The operating angle of the steering actuator is added to the steering angle of the pinion gear in order to vary the turning angle of the front wheels in accordance with vehicle speed.

When the VGRS system is operating normally, the steering wheel can be turned approximately 2.7 turns from lock to lock, with the engine running and the vehicle stopped.

If a malfunction occurs in the VGRS system, steering actuator operation will immediately stop and the input and output shafts will be directly connected to enable the conventional steering mechanism to operate, maintaining the steering function (fail-safe). At the same time, the master warning light will come on to inform the driver of the malfunction.

FUNCTIONS OF COMPONENTS

Functions of VGRS system components

ComponentFunction
Steering Control ECUCalculates the steering gear ratio based on vehicle speed signals, steering wheel angle and steering wheel angle speed. Drives the steering actuator based on calculation results of steering cooperative control received from the skid control ECU, and steering gear ratio control.
Steering ActuatorDrives the motor using the output current from the steering control ECU to change the output shaft angle.
Rotation Angle Sensor
(Built into Steering Actuator)
Outputs the motor rotation angle to the steering control ECU.
Steering Angle SensorOutputs the steering wheel angle to the steering control ECU.
Master Warning LightLocated in the combination meter. Comes on in accordance with system conditions to inform the driver of system malfunctions.
Multi-information DisplayLocated in the combination meter. Displays a warning message to inform the driver of system malfunctions.