Powertrain Management: Description and Operation

System Outline

The engine control system utilizes a microcomputer and maintains overall control of the engine, transmission etc. An outline of the engine control is given here.

1. Input Signals
1. Engine coolant temp. signal circuit
The engine coolant temp. sensor detects the engine coolant temp. and has a built-in thermistor with a resistance which varies according to the engine coolant temp. The engine coolant temp. is input into TERMINAL THW of the engine control module as a control signal.

2. Intake air temp. signal circuit
The intake air temp. sensor is installed in the mass air flow meter and detects the intake air temp., which is input as a control signal to TERMINAL THA of the engine control module.

3. Oxygen sensor signal circuit
The oxygen density in the exhaust emission is detected and is input as a control signal from the heated oxygen sensors to TERMINALS OX1B and OX2B of the engine control module.

4. RPM signal circuit
The camshaft position is detected by the VVT sensor LH and RH, and is input into TERMINALS VV1+ and VV2+ of the engine control module as a control signal. Also, the engine RPM is detected by the crankshaft position sensor and the signal is input into TERMINAL NE+ of the engine control module.

5. Throttle position sensor signal circuit
The throttle position sensor detects the throttle valve opening angle as a control signal, which is input into TERMINALS VTA1 and VTA2 of the engine control module.

6. Vehicle speed circuit
The vehicle speed sensor detects the vehicle speed, and the signal is input into TERMINAL SPD of the engine control module via the combination meter, from TERMINAL SP1 of the skid control ECU with actuator. (A/T)

The vehicle speed is detected by the vehicle speed sensor installed in the transaxle and the signal is input to TERMINAL SPD of the engine control module via the combination meter. (M/T)

7. Battery signal circuit
Voltage is constantly applied to TERMINAL BATT of the engine control module. When the ignition SW is turned on, the voltage for engine control module start up power supply is applied through the EFI relay, to TERMINALS +B and +B2 of the engine control module. The current from the IGN fuse flows to TERMINAL IGSW of the engine control module, and voltage is constantly applied to TERMINAL +BM.

8. Intake air volume signal circuit
The intake air volume is detected by the mass air flow meter, and is input as a control signal to TERMINAL VG of the engine control module.

9. Stop lamp SW signal circuit
The stop lamp SW is used to detect whether the vehicle is braking or not, and the signal is input into TERMINAL STP of the engine control module as a control signal.

10. Starter signal circuit
To confirm whether the engine is cranking, the voltage applied to the starter motor when the engine is cranking is detected, and is input into TERMINAL STA of the engine control module as a control signal.

11. Engine knock signal circuit
Engine knocking is detected by the knock sensors, and is input into TERMINALS KNK1 and KNK2 of the engine control module as a control signal.

12. A/C SW signal system
The operating voltage of the A/C magnetic clutch is detected and input in the form of a control signal to TERMINAL AC1 of the engine control module.

13. Air fuel ratio signal circuit
The air fuel ratio is detected and input as a control signal into TERMINALS A1A+, A2A+ of the engine control module.

2. Control System

- SFI system
The SFI system monitors the engine condition through the signals input from each sensors to the engine control module.

The control signal is sent to the engine control module TERMINALS #10, #20, #30, #40, #50 and #60 to operate the injector (Fuel injection). The SFI system controls the fuel injection by the engine control module in response to the driving conditions.

- ESA system
The ESA system monitors the engine condition through the signals input from each sensors to the engine control module. The best ignition timing is decided according to this data and the data memorized in the engine control module. The control signal is output to TERMINALS IGT1, IGT2, IGT3, IGT4, IGT5 and IGT6, and these signals control the igniter to provide the best ignition timing.

- Heated oxygen sensor heater control system
The heated oxygen sensor heater control system turns the heater on when the intake air volume is low (Temp. of exhaust emission is low), and warms up the heated oxygen sensors to improve their detection performance. The engine control module evaluates the signals from each sensors, and outputs current to TERMINALS HT1B or HT2B to control the heater.

- Air fuel ratio sensor heater control system
The air fuel ratio sensor heater control system turns the heater on when the intake air volume is low (Temp. of exhaust emission is low), and warms up the air fuel ratio sensor to improve detection performance of the sensor.

The engine control module evaluates the signals from each sensor, current is output to TERMINALS HA1A and HA2A, controlling the heater.

- Fuel pump control system
The engine control module supplies current to TERMINAL FPR, and controls the operation speed of the fuel pump with the FUEL PUMP relay.

- ACIS
The ACIS includes a valve in the bulkhead separating the surge tank into two parts. This valve is opened and closed in accordance with the driving conditions to control the intake manifold length in two stages, for increased engine output in all ranges from low to high speeds.

- ETCS-i
The ETCS-i controls the engine output at its optimal level in accordance with the opening of the accelerator pedal, under all driving conditions.

- VVT-i
Controls the intake camshaft to an optimal valve timing in accordance with the engine condition.

3. Diagnosis System
When there is a malfunction in the engine control module signal system, the malfunctioning system is recorded in the memory. The malfunctioning system can be found by reading the code displayed on the malfunction indicator lamp.

4. Fail-Safe System
When a malfunction has occurred in any system, there is a possibility of causing engine trouble due to continued control based on that system. In that case, the fail-safe system either controls the system using the data (Standard values) recorded in the engine control module memory, or else stops the engine.