Thread: LLAMS electronic height controller for D3/D4/RRS

Originally Posted by garrycol

Can I solder in a switch to do this, one that automatically springs back to off when not being pushed - or will it prevent normal calibration or other issues??

Garry

No reason why that couldn't be done, although using a connector on the pins instead would avoid the possibility of melting the solder at the base of the pins. I would hope that the switch is mounted in an out of the way place to prevent its accidental use and not whilst driving, as it was expected to only be used during forced access height and there's no indication that the special mode is enabled. I suspect that off-road situations where super-extended height is beneficial shouldn't also require 50 kph travel, so +50 with off-road mode should do the trick.

Thanks - yes mounted out of the way and maybe with a cover.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Hi bbyer,

According to the same documentation, failure of multiple height sensors will trigger a lowering to bump-stops. However unplugging a LLAMS module, which disconnects all 4 height sensors, does not automatically drop my D4, so perhaps it has to move a little as well. It shouldn't be too difficult to unplug 2 height sensors.

Unplugging two sensors and creating a multiple fault is a unique idea. I had never though of that. I then wondered how else one might duplicate that? I am trying to keep my hands clean, or at least warm. Unplugging connectors at -40C is an unfun activity.

Yes, I can understand that unplugging the LLAMS module may do nothing as that may be effectively the same as pulling fuses - the "open the exhaust valve" signal probably cannot get to the air compressor, hence the vehicle stays up, which can be good - very good in fact.

It would be interesting if one could insert a "service" switch into the LLAMS harness somewhere to duplicate a dual / multiple sensor fault; also a setting, (power failure?), to prohibit operation of the exhaust valve.

Then one would have a "service mode, down to the stops" setting, (driving a short distance still probably required), and a "suspension failure somewhere" solution equivalent to pulling the fuses and locking the system at whatever height it was at - hopefully still up.

Unplugging the Llams module from the harness only disconnects the sensors - nothing else. It has on some occasions caused the suspension to fully drop but I haven't got it set in my mind the precise circumstances, although I suspect it occurred when the vehicle started moving, but perhaps not, maybe only when starting the engine or something similar. Anyway, I consider your question was regardless of whether a Llams is fitted or not. Unplugging the suspension ecu grey/large connector unplugs the main suspension supply power which certainly stops the ecu from doing anything such as opening any valves, however its easier to remove the engine bay fuse and is sure to cause less faults to be stored overall. Unplugging at the sensors creates opportunities to damage the waterproof seals so I suppose that's not particularly good.

Maybe we should ask LR to provide the transport mode function on the service menu - there's not much available now so I'm sure they wouldn't mind. Afterall, they haven't acted on the request to provide the option to over-ride the off-road speed limitation so got out of that little programming task.

I will be at my dealer next week so I will see if I can get them to tell me how transportation mode is activated or deactivated.

In particular, I was wondering if their 4's arrive at the dealership down on the stops or if Land Rover brings them up to normal, probably when the vehicles drive off the ship.

If the cars do arrive here still down, I will then try to get them to tell me how they get them back up - is it a T4 thing or just removing some relay/gizmo from somewhere?

I note your comment about fully drop and for no apparent reason. I had that happen, (only once), and I was merely walking away from the 3 and a door was still open - that event has always concerned me - and it was fast - just plunk! Hence I have a very complete set of 4 ton and 6 ton frame jacks now.

Originally Posted by bbyer

Does the LLAMS controller have the ability to set the 3 down on the stops? I know it does high and higher, also low and lower, but how about all the way down?

I see that I haven't answered this specific question.

I know that Llams can be setup to lower my D4 to the stops. I did it to prove that it could be done and did so by using access height instead of off-road height during from the calibration procedure. +50 therefore became -50 and used in access height mode the vehicle dropped totally (-30 didn't fully drop the rear) but I don't know if any or all D3s will, particularly the pre 2007+ models. As Llams now has 2 different mode options available (calibration and recovery) depending on the switch setting (OFF and +50) when the 2 pins in the module are momentarily connected and as the switch has 4 settings, logically another mode could be added that lowered 50mm so that at access height, the vehicle was on the stops, assuming the D3/pre-2010 RRS versions don't object. However, the ICs are chockers with code, with the recovery option only fitting because the diagnostic output code was removed. The diagnostic output was only needed during development and only available from my programming pcb so no disadvantage to now not having it, but there is no room for even 1 more programming instruction. Calibration hasn't been restricted to the switch being OFF, so whilst the instructions say OFF, -20 and +30 has also worked and if -20 is used, the -20 step will already have been accomplished. However a way has been found to restrict calibration to OFF (s/w version 1.1.1). Hence the Llams module in its current form cannot have another option added and I doubt its worth the effort for someone to temporarily recalibrate using access height to make Llams lower fully, then have to recalibrate normally afterwards.

I appreciated your answer. This is classic. One designs something and achieves the goals but then, more ideas evolve, code complexity increases, and soon, a new bigger chip is on the horizon. Classic computing!

You are correct, one would not normally want to recalibrate just to get lower, but now that I think of it, maybe I would. That gives me something to think about.

I have no need for super high as I am just a pavement driver and I want the "on the stops" just for self maintenance - an interesting idea that is just the same.

I thought about the idea of say inserting switches in the ground return signal sensor conductors, but the valid comment about creating error codes seems like not a good idea - kind of like crashing the system, but on purpose - definitely not ideal.

As to freezing the system at some height, yes, it looks like pulling fuses is the best way as compressor power does not go thru the LLAMS; also with the power off the LLAMS, then where would the LLAMS get power to reactivate?

Again, thanks for the reply as it really makes sense. I also note the comments about pre 2007 D3's. My LR3 has an April 2005 production date.

Rich has kindly produced a revised installation & calibration instruction guide for the updated version (1.1). It can be downloaded from http://www.box.net/shared/zzgi1qs5rt - thanks Rich.

Note that with recovery mode enabled, +30 provides the normal Llams +50 lift (about on-road height with the forced lowered height) and +50 provides double +50 lift (about off-road height with the forced lowered height).

If a momentary switch is connected to the module's calibration pins so that recovery mode can be enabled without having to open the box, the switch would need to be well out of the way because if bumped with Llams OFF, the calibration process would be started, even with the ignition off. The calibration process disables Llams height changes and waits for the -20 and +50 settings to create new calibration values, so unless the module was unplugged from the loom before the +50 setting, calibrations are eventually going to be cleared, leaving the driver wondering why Llams no longer works. A proper calibration is all that's required to fix it though.

Thanks again Rich.