Coupe
FUEL INJECTOR CONTROLThe electronic control unit is located under the carpet in the passenger footwell at the firewall. The ECU contains information to calculate basic injector duration based upon engine speed and manifold pressure. After the basic duration information is read from memory, the signal is modified by the ECU in reference to the information provided from the other engine sensors. Once the signal is processed, it is passed on to the fuel injectors which respond by opening for the appropriate amount of time.
ELECTRONIC IDLE CONTROL
The intake manifold mounted electronic air control valve (EACV) is used by the ECU to modify idle speed to compensate for engine load or idle instability caused from cold operation, transmission in gear (A/T), alternator charging or air conditioning compressor operation.
BYPASS CONTROL
The bypass control system consists of two solenoids mounting in the vacuum control box in the engine compartment. The ECU controls vacuum routing to the bypass valve diaphragm by control voltage to the solenoids. When engine speed is lower than 3200 rpm, the ECU energizes both solenoids. With the solenoids activated, intake air is routed through a longer path in the intake manifold to deliver higher torque when the engine requires it. At higher speeds, the ECU deactivates the solenoids which close the bypass valves and shorten the intake air path. The shorter air path reduces airflow resistance to improve high speed operation and economy.
IGNITION TIMING CONTROL
Timing control is controlled much the same as injector duration. The ECU contains a basic program for calculating engine timing based on engine speed and manifold pressure. The base signal is then modified by the various other sensor information before the signal is passed on to the igniter unit to fire the spark plugs.
ECU FAIL-SAFE FUNCTION
If a signal from a sensor is determined to be inaccurate, the ECU ignores the signal and substitutes a preset value allowing the engine to remain running until repairs can be made. The ECU then illuminates the check engine light to alert the driver that a malfunction exists.
BACK-UP FUNCTION
In the event of an ECU failure the fuel injectors are controlled by a back-up system independent of the ECU to permit minimal driving until the vehicle can be repaired.
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
If a sensor begins producing inaccurate information, the ECU illuminates the "Check Engine" warning lamp on the dashboard. Once a failure is noticed, the ECU also stores a fault code in eraseable memory. The fault code is indicated by a LED on the ECU which flashes in accordance to the code number of the fault recorded whenever the ignition is on.