Fuel Injection Modes of Operation
Fuel Injection Modes of Operation
As input signals to the powertrain control module change, the PCM adjusts its response to the 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.
The multi-port fuel injection system has the following modes of operation:
• Ignition switch ON (Zero RPM) mode. Refer to => [ Ignition Switch ON Mode ].
• Engine start up mode. Refer to => [ Engine Start-Up Mode ].
• Engine warm up mode. Refer to => [ Engine Warm-Up Mode ].
• Cruise or idle mode. Refer to => [ Cruise or Idle Mode ].
• Acceleration mode. Refer to => [ Acceleration Mode ].
• Deceleration mode. Refer to => [ Deceleration Mode ].
• Wide open throttle mode. Refer to => [ Wide-Open-Throttle Mode ].
• Ignition switch OFF mode. Refer to => [ Ignition Switch OFF Mode ].
Within these modes of operation, there are two different types of operation, open loop and closed loop.
During open loop operation the PCM receives input signals and responds according to preset PCM programming. Inputs from the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensors are not monitored during open loop operation, except for heated oxygen sensor diagnostics (they are checked for shorted conditions at all times).
During closed loop operation the PCM monitors the inputs from the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensors. The upstream heated oxygen sensor input tells the PCM if the calculated injector pulse width resulted in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7 to one. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content through the upstream heated oxygen sensor, the PCM can fine tune injector pulse width. Fine tuning injector pulse width allows the PCM to achieve optimum fuel economy combined with low emissions.
For the PCM to enter closed loop operation, the following must occur:
- Engine coolant temperature must be over 35 °F (1.7 °C).
• If the coolant is over 35 °F (1.7 °C) the PCM will wait 38 seconds.
• If the coolant is over 50 °F (10 °C) the PCM will wait 15 seconds.
• If the coolant is over 167 °F (75 °C) the PCM will wait 3 seconds.
• For other temperatures the PCM will interpolate the correct waiting time.
- The oxygen sensor must read either greater than 0.745 volts or less than 0.29 volt.
Open loop operation is used for engine start up (crank), engine warm up, deceleration with fuel shutoff and WOT. Under most conditions, acceleration, deceleration (with air conditioning on), idle and cruise modes, with the engine at operating temperature occur in closed loop operation.
Ignition Switch ON Mode
When the ignition switch activates the fuel injection system, the following actions occur:
• The powertrain control module monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor and throttle position sensor input. The PCM determines basic fuel injector pulse width from this input.
• The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from the manifold absolute pressure sensor input to modify injector pulse width.
When the key is in the ON position and the engine is not running (zero RPM), the auto shutdown and fuel pump relays de-energize after approximately 1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated oxygen sensors.
Engine Start-Up Mode
This is an open loop mode. If the vehicle is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position the ignition switch energizes the starter relay when the engine is not running. The following actions occur when the starter motor is engaged.
• If the powertrain control module receives the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes the auto shutdown and fuel pump relays. If the PCM does not receive both signals within approximately one second, it will not energize the ASD relay and fuel pump relay. The ASD and fuel pump relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump, fuel injectors, ignition coil, exhaust gas recirculation solenoid and positive crankcase ventilation heater (if equipped) and heated oxygen sensors.
• The PCM energizes the injectors (on the 69 degree falling edge) for a calculated pulse width until it determines crankshaft position from the CMP sensor and CKP sensor signals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within 1 engine revolution.
• After determining crankshaft position, the PCM begins energizing the injectors in sequence. It adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector synchronization by turning the individual ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
• When the engine idles within ±64 RPM of its target RPM, the PCM compares current manifold absolute pressure sensor value with the atmospheric pressure value received during the ignition switch on (zero RPM) mode.
Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been energized, the PCM determines injector pulse width based on the following:
• MAP.
• Engine RPM.
• Battery voltage.
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Throttle position.
• The number of engine revolutions since cranking was initiated.
During start up the PCM maintains ignition timing at 9 degrees before top dead center.
Engine Warm-Up Mode
This is an open loop mode. The following inputs are received by the powertrain control module:
• Manifold absolute pressure.
• Crankshaft position (engine speed).
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Camshaft position.
• Knock sensor.
• Throttle position.
• Air conditioning switch status.
• Battery voltage.
• Vehicle speed.
• Speed control.
• Oxygen sensors.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector synchronization by turning the individual ground paths to the injectors on and off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle air control motor.
Cruise or Idle Mode
When the engine is at operating temperature this is a closed loop mode. During cruising or idle the following inputs are received by the powertrain control module:
• Manifold absolute pressure.
• Crankshaft position (engine speed).
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Camshaft position.
• Knock sensor.
• Throttle position.
• Exhaust gas oxygen content (O2 sensors).
• Air conditioning switch status.
• Battery voltage.
• Vehicle speed.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector synchronization by turning the individual ground paths to the injectors on and off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas (measured by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During active misfire and depending on the severity, the PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine misfire diagnostic trouble code in the memory, if 2nd trip with fault.
The PCM performs several diagnostic routines. They include:
• Oxygen sensor monitor.
• Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics during open loop operation (except for shorted).
• Fuel system monitor.
• Exhaust gas recirculation monitor (if equipped).
• Purge system monitor.
• Catalyst efficiency monitor.
• All inputs monitored for proper voltage range, rationality.
• All monitored components. Refer to => [ On-Board Diagnostics ] On-Board Diagnostics.
The PCM compares the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensor inputs to measure catalytic converter efficiency. If the catalyst efficiency drops below the minimum acceptable percentage, the PCM stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory, after 2 trips.
During certain idle conditions, the PCM may enter a variable idle speed strategy. During variable idle speed strategy the PCM adjusts engine speed based on the following inputs.
• A/C status.
• Battery voltage.
• Battery temperature or calculated battery temperature.
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Engine run time.
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Vehicle mileage.
Acceleration Mode
This is a closed loop mode. The powertrain control module recognizes an abrupt increase in throttle position sensor output voltage or manifold absolute pressure sensor output voltage as a demand for increased engine output and vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector pulse width in response to increased fuel demand.
• Wide open throttle - open loop
Deceleration Mode
This is a closed loop mode. During deceleration the following inputs are received by the powertrain control module:
• Air conditioning status.
• Battery voltage.
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Crankshaft position (engine speed).
• Exhaust gas oxygen content (upstream heated oxygen sensor).
• Knock sensor.
• Manifold absolute pressure.
• Throttle position sensor.
• Idle air control motor (solenoid) control changes in response to manifold absolute pressure sensor feedback.
The PCM may receive a closed throttle input from the throttle position sensor when it senses an abrupt decrease in manifold pressure. This indicates a hard deceleration, open loop. In response, the PCM may momentarily turn off the injectors. This helps improve fuel economy, emissions and engine braking.
Wide-Open-Throttle Mode
This is an open loop mode. During wide open throttle operation, the following inputs are used by the powertrain control module:
• Inlet/Intake air temperature.
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Engine speed.
• Knock sensor.
• Manifold absolute pressure.
• Throttle position.
When the PCM senses a WOT condition through the throttle position sensor it de-energizes the air conditioning compressor clutch relay. This disables the air conditioning system and disables the exhaust gas recirculation, if equipped.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width to supply a predetermined amount of additional fuel, based on manifold absolute pressure and RPM.
Ignition Switch OFF Mode
When the operator turns the ignition switch to the OFF position, the following occurs:
• All outputs are turned off, unless O2 heater monitor test is being run.
• No inputs are monitored except for the heated oxygen sensors. The powertrain control module monitors the heating elements in the oxygen sensors and then shuts down.