Abstract: A suspension system control method comprising the steps of: measuring an ambient temperature outside a vehicle; measuring a relative velocity of a suspension system damper; responsive to the relative velocity and the ambient temperature, estimating a damping fluid temperature of damping fluid within the actuator; comparing the estimated damping fluid temperature to a predetermined threshold; if the damping fluid temperature is not above the predetermined threshold, constraining an actuator command to a cold temperature maximum value, wherein the cold temperature maximum value is less than a corresponding normal non-cold temperature maximum value for the actuator command; and outputting the actuator command to the damper, wherein the occurrence of suspension noise and harshness during cold temperature operation of the vehicle is minimized.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve assembly includes a valve body mounting an electric solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly controls the fluid pressure in a chamber defined in the valve body. Fluid in the chamber is biased against a deflectable disc which controls fluid flow through the valve assembly. Control of electric current to the solenoid assembly controls fluid pressure in the chamber and, thus, fluid flow through the valve assembly. When utilized with a damper and a controller, the present valve assembly provides continuously variable damping in real time.