Functional Operation
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONAL OPERATIONGENERAL DESCRIPTION
These Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) engine systems have the latest in technical advances. The on-board OBDII diagnostics incorporated with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) are intended to assist the field technician in repairing vehicle problems by the quickest means.
FUNCTIONAL OPERATION
Fuel Control
The PCM controls the air/fuel ratio of the engine by varying fuel injector on time. Mass air flow is calculated using the speed density method using engine speed, manifold absolute pressure, and air temperature change.
Different fuel calculation strategies are used depending on the operational state of the engine. During crank mode, a prime shot fuel pulse is delivered followed by fuel pulses determined by a crank time strategy. Cold engine operation is determined via an open loop strategy until the O2 sensors have reached operating temperature. At this point, the strategy enters a closed loop mode where fuel requirements are based upon the state of the O2 sensors, engine speed, MAP, throttle position, air temperature, battery voltage, and coolant temperature.
On-board Diagnostics
The PCM has been programmed to monitor many different circuits of the fuel injection system. This monitoring is called on-board diagnosis.
Certain criteria, or arming conditions, must be met for a trouble code to be entered into the PCM memory. The criteria may be a range of: engine rpm, engine temperature, and/or input voltage to the PCM. If a problem is sensed with a monitored circuit, and all of the criteria or arming conditions are met, then a trouble code will be stored in the PCM.
It is possible that a trouble code for a monitored circuit may not be entered into the PCM memory even though a malfunction has occurred. This may happen because one of the trouble code criteria have not been met.
The PCM compares input signal voltages from each input device with specifications (the established high and low limits of the range) that are programmed into it for that device. If the input voltage is not within specifications and other trouble code criteria are met, a trouble code will be stored in the PCM memory.
The On Board Diagnostics have evolved to the second Generation of Diagnostics referred to as OBDII. These OBDII Diagnostics control the functions necessary to meet the requirements of California OBDII and Federal OBD regulation. These requirements specify the inclusion of a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) located on the instrument panel for all 1994 and subsequent model-year passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles. The purpose of the MIL is to inform the vehicle operator in the event of a malfunction of any emission system or component.
OBD II Monitor Information:
The table summarizes the various OBDII monitors operation.
Other Controls
Charging System
The charging system is turned ON when the engine is started and ASD relay energized. When the ASD relay is ON, ASD output voltage is supplied to the ASD sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected in some cases, through the PCM and supplied to one of the generator field terminals (Gen Source +). All others, the Gen field is connected directly to the ASD output voltage. The amount of current produced by the generator is controlled by the Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry, in the PCM. Battery temperature is determined from IAT. This temperature along with sensed line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate. This is done by cycling the ground path to the other generator field terminal (Gen field driver).
Speed Control System
The PCM controls vehicle speed by operation of the speed control servo vacuum and vent solenoids, Energizing the vacuum solenoid applies vacuum to the servo to increase throttle position. Operation of the vent solenoid slowly releases the vacuum allowing throttle position to decrease. A special dump solenoid allows immediate release of throttle position caused by braking, cruise control switch turned OFF, shifting into neutral, excessive RPM (tires spinning) or ignition OFF.
Leak Detection Pump System
The leak detection pump is a device that pressurizes the evaporative system to determine if there are any leaks. When certain conditions are met, the PCM will activate the pump and start counting pump strokes. If the pump stops within a calibrated number of strokes, the system is determined to be normal, If the pump does not stop or stops too soon, a DTC will be set.
PCM Operating Modes
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM adjusts its response to output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse width and ignition timing for idle than it does for wide open throttle. There are several different modes of operation that determine how the PCM responds to the various input signals.
There are two types of engine control operation: open loop and closed loop.
In open loop operation, the PCM receives input signals and responds according to preset programming. Inputs from the heated oxygen sensors are not monitored.
In closed loop operation, the PCM monitors the inputs from the heated oxygen sensors. This input indicates to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content through the oxygen sensor, the PCM can fine tune injector pulse width. Fine tuning injector pulse width allows the PCM to achieve the lowest emission levels while maintaining optimum fuel economy.
The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up, and wide open throttle modes are open loop modes. Under most operating conditions, closed loop modes occur with the engine at operating temperature.
Ignition Switch ON (engine OFF) Mode
When the ignition switch activates the fuel injection system, the following actions occur:
1. The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel strategy.
2. The PCM monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor and throttle position sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy based on this input.
When the key is in the ON position and the engine is not running (zero rpm), the auto shutdown relay and fuel pump relay are riot energized. Therefore, voltage is not supplied to the fuel pump, ignition coil, and fuel injectors.
Engine Start-up Mode - This is an open loop mode. The following actions occur when the starter motor is engaged:
1. The auto shutdown and fuel pump relays are energized. If the PCM does not receive the camshaft and crankshaft signal within approximately one second, these relays are deenergized.
2. The PCM energizes all fuel injectors until it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft and crankshaft signals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within one engine revolution. After the camshaft position has been determined, the PCM energizes the fuel injectors in sequence. The PCM adjusts the injector pulse width and synchronizes the fuel injectors by controlling the fuel injectors' ground paths.
3. Once the engine idles within 64 rpm of its target engine speed, the PCM compares the current MAP sensor value with the value received during the ignition switch ON (zero rpm) mode. A diagnostic trouble code is written to PCM memory if a minimum difference between the two values is not found.
Once the auto shutdown and fuel pump relays have been energized, the PCM determines the fuel injector pulse width based on the following:
- engine coolant temperature
- manifold absolute pressure
- intake air temperature
- engine revolutions
- throttle position
The PCM determines the spark advance based on the following:
- engine coolant temperature
- crankshaft position
- intake air temperature
- manifold absolute pressure
- throttle position
Engine Warm-Up Mode - This is an open loop mode. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector synchronization by controlling the fuel injectors' ground paths. The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle speed. The PCM adjusts the idle speed by controlling the idle air control motor.
Cruise or Idle Mode - When the engine is at normal operating temperature, this is a closed loop mode.
Acceleration Mode - This is a closed loop mode. The PCM recognizes an increase in throttle position and a decrease in Manifold Vacuum as engine load increases. In response, the PCM increases the injector pulse width to meet the increased load. The A/C compressor may be de-energized for a short period of time.
Deceleration - This is a closed loop mode. The PCM recognizes a decrease in throttle position and an increase in Manifold Vacuum as engine load decreases. In response, the PCM decreases the injector pulse width to meet the decreased load. Full injector shut off may be obtained during high speed deceleration.
Wide Open Throttle Mode - This is an open loop mode. The throttle position sensor notifies the PCM of a wide open throttle condition. Once a wide open throttle is sensed, the PCM de-energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay for 20 seconds.
Non-monitored Circuits
The PCM does not monitor the following circuits, systems, and conditions even though they could have malfunctions that result in driveability problems. A diagnostic code may not be displayed for the following conditions. However, problems with these systems may cause a diagnostic code to be displayed for other systems. For example, a fuel pressure problem will not register a diagnostic code directly, but could cause a rich or lean condition. This could cause an oxygen sensor, fuel system, or misfire monitor trouble code to be stored in the PCM.
Engine Timing - The PCM cannot detect an incorrectly indexed timing chain, camshaft sprocket, or crankshaft sprocket. The PCM also cannot detect an incorrectly indexed distributor.(*)
Fuel Pressure - Fuel pressure is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator. The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel pump inlet filter, clogged in-line filter, or a pinched fuel supply.(*)
Fuel Injectors - The PCM cannot detect if a fuel injector is clogged, the pintle is sticking, or the wrong injectors are installed.(*)
Fuel Requirements - Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and stumble. Use of methanol-gasoline blends may result in starting and driveability problems. See individual symptoms and their definitions in (Glossary of Terms).
PCM Grounds - The PCM cannot detect a poor system ground. However, a diagnostic trouble code may be stored in the PCM as a result of this condition.
Throttle Body Air Flow - The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air cleaner inlet or filter element.(*)
Exhaust System - The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted, or leaking exhaust system.(*)
Cylinder Compression - The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression.(*)
Excessive Oil Consumption - Although the PCM monitors the exhaust stream oxygen content through the oxygen sensor when the system is in a closed loop, it cannot determine excessive oil consumption.
NOTE: ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION CAUSING AN OXYGEN SENSOR TROUBLE CODE TO BE STORED IN THE PCM, OR THE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS LISTED IN THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
SKIS Overview
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SMS) is designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. The system consists of a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), ignition key(s) equipped with a transponder chip and PCM. When the ignition switch is turned ON, the SKIM interrogates the ignition key. If the ignition key is Valid or Invalid, the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message to the PCM indicating ignition key status. Upon receiving this message the PCM Will terminate engine operation, or allow the engine to continue to operate.
SKIM On-board Diagnostics
The SKIM has been programmed to transmit and monitor many different coded messages as well as PCI Bus messages. This monitoring is called On Board Diagnosis.
Certain criteria must be met for a diagnostic trouble code to be entered into the SKIM memory. The criteria may be a range of; Input voltage, PCI Bus message, or coded messages to the SKIM. If all of the criteria for monitoring a circuit or function are met and a fault is sensed, a diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the SKIM memory.
SKIS Operation
When ignition power is supplied to the SKIM, the SKIM performs an internal self-test. After the self-test is completed, the SKIM energizes the antenna (this activates the transponder chip) and sends a challenge to the transponder chip. The transponder chip responds to the challenge by generating an encrypted response message using the following:
Secret Key - This is an electronically stored value (identification number) that is unique to each SKIS. The secret key is stored in the SKIM, PCM and all ignition key transponders.
Challenge - This is a random number that is generated by the SKIM at each ignition key cycle.
The secret key and challenge are the two variables used in the algorithm that produces the encrypted response message. The transponder uses the crypto algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the message sent by the SKIM. After responding to the coded message, the transponder sends a transponder I.D. message to the SKIM. The SKIM compares the transponder I.D. to the available valid key codes in the SKIM memory (8 key maximum at any one time). After validating the key ignition the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message called a Seed Request to the engine controller then waits for a PCM response. If the PCM does not respond, the SKIM will send the seed request again. After three failed attempts the SKIM will stop sending the seed request and store a trouble code. If the PCM sends a seed response, the SKIM sends a valid/invalid key message to the PCM. This is an encrypted message that is generated using the following:
VIN - Vehicle Identification Number
Seed - This is a random number that is generated by the PCM at each ignition key cycle.
The VIN and seed are the two variables used in the rolling code algorithm that encrypts the valid/invalid key message. The PCM uses the rolling code algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the valid/invalid key message sent by the SKIM. After sending the valid/invalid key message the SKIM waits 3.5 seconds for a PCM status message from the PCM. If the PCM does not respond with a valid key message to the SKIM, a fault is detected and a trouble code is stored.
The SKIS incorporates a VTSS LED located on the instrument panel upper cover. The LED receives switched ignition voltage and is hardwired to the body control module. The LED is actuated when the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message to the body controller requesting the LED ON. The body controller then provides the ground for the LED. The SKIM will request VTSS LED operation for the following:
- bulb checks at ignition ON
- to alert the vehicle operator to a SKIS malfunction
- customer key programming mode
For all faults except transponder faults and VTSS LED remains ON steady. In the event of a transponder fault the LED flashes at a rate of 1 Hz (once per second). If a fault is present the LED will remain ON or flashing for the complete ignition cycle. If a fault is stored in SKIM memory which prevents the system from operating properly, the PCM will allow the engine to start and run (for 2 seconds) up to six times. After the sixth attempt, the PCM disables the starter relay until the fault is corrected.