The differential electronic module (DEM) is one of the most important components of an automotive system, its purpose is to manage the dynamic power delivered by the system to each wheel of the car. As more and more technology is implemented in vehicles, the role of the DEM plays a key role in optimizing the performance and efficiency, safety of the car.
In this article, we’ll look at the role of the differential electronic module, its importance on the vehicle performance and why it is important for car owners.
What is a Differential Electronic Module?
The differential electronic module is an advanced electronic device manager that allows control of the electronic differential of the vehicle. It is in charge of regulating the power that is sent between the vehicle wheels, mainly during corners or uneven road surfaces. While a mechanical differential allows the wheels to turn at a different speed during corners, the differential electronic module does so as well, using sensors and electronic management to optimize the sending of the power between each wheel, improving processing traction, cornering and security.
This module is typically one of several systems that make up a complex control system along with traction control, electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS): a system to provide superhuman control of the vehicle regardless of driving conditions.
How Does the Differential Electronic Module Work?
The differential electronic module obtains real-time data from various vehicle sensors located in different areas, in order to determine whether:
Wheel speed
Throttle position
Steering angle
Yaw rate
Road conditions (e.g., wet or icy surfaces)
These are the inputs the module uses, and it uses the information provided by them to perform its task: it adjusts the differential so that the right amount of torque is sent to the right wheel. For instance, when you turn sharply, the wheel on the outer side of the turn must travel farther than the inner wheel. The module dynamically adjusts the power supplied to each of the wheels so that they spin at the right speeds, which means a sharper turn but one that does not make you slide off the road.
Also, if the surface changes, such as a slippery icy road, or if you find yourself driving over uneven terrain, the module can assist in maintaining control by varying the amounts of torque sent to each wheel, to prevent them from slipping. At the touch of your foot, this system will always calculate the optimum amount of torque to each wheel to maintain traction (or what engineers like to call the ‘performance envelope’).
Key Benefits of a Differential Electronic Module
First paragraph: The differential electronic module of modern cars is beneficial in a few important ways. The main benefits are listed below.
Overall paragraph structure: The differential electronic module of modern cars is beneficial in various ways. Firstly, this module improves the safety standards of cars by helping them to prevent accidents and injuries. Secondly, the module also boosts the performance of vehicles. There are few other important benefits which will be mentioned in the essay.
The first benefit of the differential electronic module of modern cars lies in the improvement of safety. It helps to prevent accidents as much as possible. In fact, it is a crucial part of the electronic module that boosts the safety of cars. When something goes wrong with the car, it recognises the fault and warns the driver. However, if the driver ignores the warning, then the car eventually refuses to drive and might stop.
Additionally, this electronic module also helps to increase the performance of vehicles. It does so by eliminating unnecessary weights and electronics in vehicles. For example, if a car has an automatic transmission system, then gears can be removed from it. As an extra benefit, it also reduces the consumer costs by charging less than its actual value.
Better Traction and Grip The differential electronic module is a primary assistance system and helps to improve grip. Grip is what you need on slippery or uneven road surfaces, such as rain, snow or going off-road to reduce the possibility of wheel lockup (one wheel surface loses traction while another on the same axle retains grip) which is uneven contact resulting in drift. It is managed by sensors and computers.
Enhanced cornering stability When cornering, the differential electronic module adjusts the torque between the inner & outer wheels to make the car more agile and enhanced cornering stability. Controls: Sharp right turn, pressed the right pedal. It is evident that, under the same circumstances, the machine on the right side can not only turn easily, including the car center, but also be a lot stable, especially when the speed is high. The effect of the system in the sports-type or high-end cars is amazing, which greatly improves the cornering.
Increased fuel economy By spreading power optimally, the differential electronic module nicely decreases the workload on the engine and makes it run more efficiently. Due to this optimal power distribution, you can drive more economically, for instance, on hilly roads or in exhausting traffic situations.
Less Tire Wear Tires wear out since they have to grip the road as well as undergo significant stresses as they bend and flex. If the wheels can rotate relative to each other during cornering or other complicated manoeuvres, the amount of stress on the tires is reduced. As a result, the tires wear out more smoothly over time, prolonging their life as well as reducing maintenance costs.
Better control in all conditions Consequently, the differential electronic module reacts to the dynamic changes on the road and inside of your vehicle to provide better control depending on the driving situation. This provides the balance your vehicle requires in extreme off-road driving conditions as well as those unexpected snow and ice storms in the winter.
Common Signs of a Failing Differential Electronic Module
Just as any other electronic component on a car, the differential electronic module can fail or malfunction over the years, so it is important to identify the symptoms of a failing module early, to prevent damage to the drivetrain or other systems in the vehicle. These are the symptoms that may indicate a differential electronic module failure:
Dashboard Warning Lights Sometimes, if the module is having problems, it starts displaying a warning light on the dashboard. This might be a wide-ranging check engine light, for example, or something more specific to your drivetrain. Either way, if you see such a light, have the vehicle looked at by a mechanic; you don’t want to risk exacerbating the issue further.
Problem 3: TurnResponse This differential electronic module helps your vehicle maintain traction and control when turning, but when it fails it can make the car harder to control during turns. When the module fails, you might feel like the vehicle rolls more when going around a corner or loose/drift when turning, especially at high speed, which can be dangerous. It could also contribute to a feeling of the car “fish-tailing” or being uncontrollable when making a turn.
Strange Noises from the DrivetrainIf you hear a grinding, clunking or whining sound coming from the drivetrain during a turn or when accelerating, it suggests that the differential or its electronic control module might be at fault – possibly because the system is incorrectly spreading the power and causing mechanical strain.
Uneven Tire Wear If your differential electronic module is not functioning properly, this could cause your wheels to be spinning at different speeds when you make turns – a sure way to wear out a set of tires prematurely, and not to mention reduced performance.
Drivability And Driving Instability Problems With Vehicle. Poor Traction And Instability Found In High-Speed Driving. Typical Symptoms Include: • Electronic Differential Module Faulty • Difficulty In Steering • Car Feels Like It’s Drifting To One Side • Instability When Driving This Can Occur Especially In Bad Weather Conditions. Drivability Problems When It Rains. Traction Control Setting Alert Light Seems To Continuously Illuminati. If You Experience Problems With Your Car In Any Way, Seek Advice From A Profficontact Real Mechanic .
Maintenance of the Differential Electronic Module
The differential electronic module can serve the drivetrain of your vehicle for a long time, provided that you follow a maintenance plan or take it to an auto service center regularly for check-ups. Here are some recommendations to keep the module functioning properly:
Routine Diagnostics: Regular diagnostics may detect differential electronic module brakeware/brakefault warning early to prevent more damage later.
Fluid Check: This isn’t a fluid in the electronic module itself but rather in the differential system it operates. And, since the differential has fluid as well, it’s a good idea to check the fluid and replace as needed to keep the system happy.
SOFTWARE UPDATE Software updates might be required as a standard service action for some vehicles to support the differential electronic module to perform as intended. It is highly recommended that the vehicle software be kept updated to help prevent issues and increase the performance.
Conclusion
The differential electronic module has an important role in current vehicles. Having electronic control of this function improves the control and moving stability of a modern car in a wide range of driving conditions. Optimizing the feed of power to the wheels improves performance and reduces the stress of moving parts. Making the best use of power weight improves the driving performance.
All that a motorist should know is he should pay more attention to that differential electronic module in their own car, know trouble symptoms, conduct regular maintenance and diagnostics, so that it will work properly, making your driving safe and economical.