Variable Induction Control Solenoid: Description and Operation

OPERATION

The 3.5L gas engine is equipped with an intake manifold swirl control valve to promote maximum air/fuel atomization. The valve restricts airflow, causing it to tumble or swirl. The tumbling action helps ensure that the fuel and air mix thoroughly and burn faster. The intake manifold flow control valve and variable valve timing work together to improve fuel economy, idle stability, and emissions.

The electrically controlled vacuum actuated intake manifold swirl control valve is located in the intake manifold at the cylinder head. The intake manifold is divided into runners that vary in length. At the end of each runner is an intake manifold swirl control valve flap. The intake manifold swirl control valve actuator controls the flaps through a common shaft.

The intake manifold swirl control valve actuator is vacuum actuated and controlled by a solenoid that is pulse-width driven by the PCM. The solenoid applies vacuum to actuator, which moves the flaps out of the way to the wide-open position or up, to a restricted position.

The intake manifold swirl control valve has a sensor so the PCM can sense the actual position of the intake manifold swirl valve. The PCM compares the actual position with the desired position to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. The intake manifold swirl control valve flaps are the mechanical components that restrict airflow to the intake ports. When the valves are moved upward, airflow is restricted and tumble occurs. When the valves are flat against the manifold, air flow to the intake ports is unrestricted.