Modes of Operation

The control module monitors the voltages from several sensors in order to determine how much fuel to give the engine. The fuel is delivered under one of several conditions called modes. The control module controls all the modes.

Starting Mode
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, before engaging starter, the Control Module energizes the fuel pump relay for 2 seconds allowing the fuel pump to build up pressure. The Control Module then checks the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor and Throttle Position (TP) sensor in order to determine the proper air and fuel ratio for starting. The Control Module controls the amount of fuel delivered in the starting mode by changing how long the injectors are energized. This is done by pulsing the injectors for very short times.

Clear Flood Mode
If the engine floods, clear the engine by depressing the accelerator pedal down to the floor. The control module then pulses the injector at a 16.5:1 air to fuel ratio. The control module holds this injector rate as long as the throttle stays wide open and the engine is below 600 RPM. If the throttle position becomes less than 65%, the control module returns to the starting mode.

Run Mode
The run mode is the mode under which the engine operates most of the time. In this mode, the engine operates in either Open Loop or Closed Loop.

Open Loop
When the engine is first started and it is above 400 RPM, the system goes into the Open Loop operation. In the Open Loop, the control module ignores the signal from the HO2S, and the control module calculates the air to fuel ratio based on the inputs from the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor and Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor.

The system stays in Open Loop until the following conditions are met:

1. The HO2S has varying voltage output, showing that it is hot enough to operate properly. This depends on engine temperature
2. The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is above a specified temperature.
3. A specific amount of time has elapsed after starting the engine.
A normal functioning system may go into an Open Loop at idle if the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) temperature drops below the minimum requirement to produce the voltage fluctuation.

Closed Loop
The specific values for the above conditions vary with different engines. When these conditions are met, the systems goes into a Closed Loop operation. In a Closed Loop, the control module calculates the air to fuel ratio (injector on-time) based on the signal from the HO2S. This allows the air to fuel ratio to stay very close to 14.7:1.

Acceleration Mode
When the control module senses rapid changes in the throttle position and the manifold pressure, the system enters the acceleration mode. The system provides the extra fuel needed for smooth acceleration.

Deceleration Mode
When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, air flow into the engine is reduced. The corresponding changes in throttle position and manifold air pressure are relayed to the Control Module, which reduces the injector pulse width, to reduce fuel flow. If decel is very rapid, or for long periods (such as long closed throttle coast-down), the Control Module shuts OFF fuel completely to protect the catalytic converter.

Fuel Cutoff Mode
In order to prevent possible engine damage from over-speed, the Control Module cuts off fuel from the fuel injectors when the engine speed is above approximately 5500 RPM with the vehicle in any forward gear or reverse. In order to prevent tire damage, the Control Module also has a fuel cutoff in excess of 108 mph (173 km/h) based on the speed rating of the tires. Fuel is also Cutoff during rapid deceleration. See Deceleration Mode.

Converter Protection Mode
The Control Module constantly monitors engine operation and estimates conditions that could result in high converter temperatures. If the Control Module determines the converter may overheat, it causes the system to return to Open Loop operation and enriches the fuel mixture.

Battery Voltage Correction Mode
When battery voltage is low, the control module can compensate for a weak spark delivered to the distributor by increasing the following items:

- The injector ON time.
- The idle RPM.
- The ignition dwell time.