Powertrain Management: Description and Operation

The Control Module refers to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Vehicle Control Module (VCM). The control module is designed to maintain exhaust emission levels to Federal or California standards while providing excellent driveability and fuel efficiency. Review the components and wiring diagrams in order to determine which systems are controlled by each specific control module. The control module monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions. The control module controls the following operations:

^ Fuel control
^ Ignition Control (IC)
^ Knock Sensor (KS) system
^ Automatic transmission shift functions
^ Cruise Control Enable
^ Generator
^ Evaporative Emission (EVA P) Purge A/C Clutch Control
^ Cooling Fan Control


CONTROL MODULE FUNCTION
The Control Module supplies a buffered voltage to various sensors and switches. The input and output devices in the control module include an analog to digital converters, signal buffers, counters, and special drivers.

The Control Module controls most components with electronic switches which complete a ground circuit when turned ON. These switches are arranged in groups of 4 and 7 called one of the following:
^ Quad Driver Module
^ Output Driver Modules

The surface mounted Quad Driver Module can independently control up to 4 outputs (Control Module) terminals. The Output Driver Modules can independently control up to 7 outputs. Not all outputs are always used.