As the complexity of cars, safety, control, and handling is increasing, driving on especially sharp curves is becoming safer. Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) is another standout technology designed to improve on-road stability during turns. By using sensors and a hydraulic fluid management system, ACE reduces body roll and keeps the car level, giving drivers greater confidence and control on winding roads. Let’s take a closer look at how this system works and what it does for a more secure drive.
Whether you’re navigating twisting city streets or the open highway, ACE adjusts to real-time driving conditions for a reliable ride wherever you go. In today’s blog, we are going to dissect all of the crucial factors in the Active Cornering Enhancement system, what it does, troubleshooting tips, common issues, and the “real world” benefits it provides safety and comfort for drivers. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how this innovative technology balances thrilling rides with safe ones.
Table of Contents
What is Active Cornering Enhancement?
Active Cornering Enhancement, or ACE, is a revolutionary automobile technology that reduces body roll in a vehicle when cornering. Body roll happens when your vehicle leans to one side through a corner, making it feel reluctant and unstable, especially when you drive quickly. By constantly adjusting the suspension ride height to maintain a level ride, Active Cornering Enhancement(ACE) improves handling, decreases body roll, boosts stability, and improves comfort while driving. Specifically, ACE has proven to be useful on larger vehicles, such as SUVs, which are prone to rolling due to their higher centre of gravity.
Land Rover’s Implementation of ACE
The Land Rover Discovery 2 was an early adopter of active cornering enhancement, which was integrated with the vehicle’s air suspension system for improved dynamic behaviour especially in muscle cars. This mixture enabled the active cornering enhancement discovery 2 to offer excellent on-road comfort as well as off-road capability. Some key features of Land Rover Active Cornering Enhancement include:
- Land Rover Active Cornering Enhancement Fluid: A high-quality hydraulic oil, such as STC50519 or LR003401, is required for the system. To keep your machine operating correctly, you also need to perform routine checks and cooling changes.
- Active Cornering Enhancement Pump: At the heart of the system, the active cornering enhancement pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, enabling the system to function and allowing for quick turning.
- Land Rover Active Cornering Enhancement Unit: The ACE unit consists of the valve block and actuators that direct the flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the suspension units.
- ACE Pressure Transducer: A critical sensor that can trigger the yellow ACE light on the dashboard if it fails.
How Active Cornering Enhancement Functions
The Active Cornering Enhancement system is a complex network of sensors, electronics, and hydraulics that function in unison to combat body roll. Here’s a closer look at its components and how it works:
Key Components of the Active Cornering Enhancement System
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Accelerometers | Two sensors, one at the front and one at the rear, detect lateral forces during turns. |
| Electronic Control Unit (ECU) | Processes sensor data and issues commands to adjust the suspension. |
| ACE Pump | Maintains hydraulic pressure for rapid actuator response. |
| Valve Block | It contains directional control valves (DCVs) and a pressure control valve to direct and regulate hydraulic fluid. |
| Hydraulic Actuators | Apply force to torsion bars to stabilize the vehicle, such as the RQK100000 actuator ram in the Discovery 2. |
| Torsion Bars | Actuators adjust suspension components that store and release energy to maintain vehicle stability. |
| Active Cornering Enhancement Fluid | Specialized fluid is used in hydraulic systems to transmit pressure to actuators. |
| Pressure Transducer | Monitors hydraulic pressure within the ACE system to ensure proper operation |
Operational Mechanism of ACE
When the vehicle enters a corner, sensors pick up lateral acceleration and immediately transmit it to the ECU. Then, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) calculates how much the car is leaning and orders the hydraulic pump to make some pressure. A valve block then directs the pressurized fluid to actuators that apply pressure to torsion bars to maintain the vehicle’s levelness when body roll occurs.
Simultaneously, the ECU may coordinate with the Timing Advance Processor to optimize ignition timing based on dynamic load changes during the maneuver. At the same time, a pressure sensor continuously checks the system to keep it in safe working conditions. When the car leaves the corner, the system immediately jumps back to a neutral setting for the next curve.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While it has its advantages, the Land Rover active cornering enhancement system can also develop issues. Common problems include:
- Land Rover Discovery Active Cornering Enhancement Light:
- Amber Light: This usually indicates a small error, such as low fluid levels or improperly placed sensors. Moreover, it may also be presented during the system self-test when the vehicle is started.
- Red Light (Flashing or Constant): The red light is a severe warning, and it lights when a serious failure condition has occurred, such as the total loss of ACE function or major hydraulic leaks that will require prompt action.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your ACE light might turn on:
- Fluid Leaks: Fluid can leak from the valve block, pipes, or seals from normal wear and crimp ends that fracture. These can compromise the efficiency of the system and trip warning lights.
- Low Fluid Levels: Low hydraulic fluid levels, usually from a leak, can cause pressure reduction and thus illuminate the ACE warning light.
- Sensor Malfunctions: Defective or missing accelerometers or pressure transducers can override system operation, triggering the amber ACE light.
- Pump Failure: Low pressure might result from insufficient oiling of the hydraulic pump or its prolonged use. This is usually detected by the car automatically and causes the ACE warning light to illuminate.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Possible Cause | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Amber ACE Warning Light | Sensor issue, low fluid, or connection fault | Adjust fluid levels, reset sensors, or utilize diagnostics tools |
| Red ACE Warning Light | Fluid leak, pressure loss | Stop the vehicle immediately and seek professional repair |
| Low Fluid Levels | Insufficient fluid in the reservoir | Inspect the level of the fluid in the reservoir and fill it with Ravenol SSF (STC50519 LR003401). |
| Fluid Leaks | Leaks in the pump, valve block, or actuators | Check the pump, valve block, and actuators for leaks and replace seals or parts if required. |
| Sensor Failures | Faulty accelerometers or wiring issues | Re-calibrate accelerometers or replace accelerometers using TestBook and check the wiring. |
| Pump Issues | Damaged pump or air in the system | Check the pump for damage or leaks; ensure the use of Ravenol SSF fluid; replace the pump if necessary; bleed the system to remove air. |
Maintenance Tips for Active Cornering Enhancement
Maintenance is of utmost importance to make sure that the ACE system works at its optimal level. Here are some key tips:
- Regular Fluid Checks: Check the ACE fluid level in the fluid reservoir and top up with the recommended fluid. Moreover, the fluid must be clean to avoid contamination.
- Inspect for Leaks: To prevent fluid loss, the valve block, pipes, and O-rings need to be regularly inspected for leaks and fixed right away.
- Use Diagnostic Tools: Use TestBook to diagnose any systems and read trouble codes, particularly when the Land Rover Discovery Active Cornering Enhancement light is on.
- Bleeding the System: After maintenance, bleed the hydraulic system to remove trapped air, ensuring proper operation.
- Cleanliness: When it comes to dirt, the ACE system is quite sensitive. For this reason, it is necessary to use clean tools and fluid containers and to cover all ports while not in use.
- Component Checks: Inspect actuators for gaiter condition and ensure torque settings are correct (e.g., actuator to short arm: 185 Nm, to long arm: 48 Nm).
Benefits and Drawbacks of Active Cornering Enhancement
Active Cornering Enhancement technology offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Handling: ACE reduces body roll, reducing the amount of lost contact between tyres and the road, enhancing traction and vehicle stability.
- Enhanced Safety: A safe vehicle will not slide or become uncontrollable while going around corners, thus reducing the chances of having an accident.
- Increased Comfort: A reduction of body roll produces trips that feel smoother and softer than vehicles equipped with a control system, especially on tight turns and winding roads.
- Versatility: ACE makes the vehicle function better under many varied conditions, from city roads to extreme off-road conditions, making it a valuable feature of Land Rover vehicles.
On the negative side, there are some drawbacks of the system, including:
- Maintenance Costs: Some parts of the system, such as the active cornering enhancement pump or valve block, are pricey to replace $150 to $500 or more.
- Complexity: Because the system uses hydraulics and sensors, it’s not always the easiest thing to fix. Therefore, when something goes wrong, it generally takes a professional to diagnose and fix it.
- Ageing Systems: Corrosion in pipes or valve blocks on ageing discovery 2’s costs can be extensive, which would then provoke some owners to convert to standard anti-roll bars.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) is a robust suspension system that transforms the way vehicles handle curves, offering superior balance, control, and ride comfort. Especially in larger SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery 2, it reduces body roll and boosts driver confidence in both on-road and off-road environments. With real-time hydraulic adjustments and advanced sensors, ACE ensures a more composed and responsive driving experience.
As an advanced system, ACE does need regular servicing and can become less responsive as the vehicle gets older. Therefore, daily fluid checks, leak examinations, and sensor readings can help keep it going smoothly. However, repairs can be costly, but the increase in handling and comfort is usually worth the payoff. Ultimately, ACE is still an outstanding autotech feature that combines luxury, safety, and performance into one cutting-edge driving solution.
FAQs
The Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system is included in the Land Rover Discovery Series II (1998–2004) and some Range Rover P38 models. Some models of the Range Rover Sport (2005–2013) also feature ACE.
Signs of ACE pump failure include greater body roll during cornering and a flashing amber or red ACE warning light on the dashboard. Additionally, a moaning sound from the pump or low fluid levels might point to problems. In this case, confirm pump problems using diagnostics and check fluid levels.
No, you should only use Land Rover-approved fluids like Ravenol SSF (STC50519 or LR003401) to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. The system can be damaged by improper fluid.
Discovery 2 ACE components can be purchased from vendors such as Famous Four, Twinwoods 4×4, LR Parts, and Atlantic British. Also, eBay UK and Lucky8 Off Road sell new and secondhand parts.
Yes, some owners switch to standard anti-roll bars if they can’t afford the ACE maintenance costs, but this requires professional modification and can affect handling.
