Engine Control System - 4.6L (LH2) - Introduction: Overview Cadillac STS I

Engine Controls Schematic Icons

Engine Controls Schematic Icons Icon Icon Definition NOTE: The OBD II symbol is used on the circuit diagrams in order to alert the technician that the circuit is essential for proper OBD II emission control circuit operation. Any circuit which fails and causes the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to turn ON, or causes emissions-related component damage, is identified as an OBD II circuit. IMPORTANT: Twisted-pair wires provide an effective shield that helps protect sensitive electronic components from electrical interference. If the wires were covered with shielding, install new shielding. In order to prevent electrical interference from degrading the performance of the connected components, you must maintain the proper specification when making any repairs to the twisted-pair wires shown : The wires must be twisted a minimum of 9 turns per 31 cm (12 in) as measured anywhere along the length of the wires The outside diameter of the twisted wires must not exceed 6.0 mm (0.25 in)

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Spark Plug Operation

Worn or dirty spark plugs may operate well at idle speeds, but frequently fail at higher load. Bad spark plugs are often responsible for the following conditions

1. Power loss
2. Poor fuel economy
3. Loss of speed
4. Hard starting
5. Poor engine performance

Normal spark plug operation results in brown to grayish tan deposits on the area of the spark plug that enters the cylinder. A small amount of reddish brown, yellow, and white powdery residue may also be present on the insulator tip around the center electrode. These deposits are normal combustion by-products of fuels and lubricating oils which contain additives.

Misfiring is a general term that applies to a poor running engine. With misfiring, the ignition spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the proper time. While other possible causes must be investigated, the spark plugs should be inspected first. Spark voltage should not reach ground before jumping across the gap at the tip of the spark plug. This leaves the air/fuel mixture unburned, causing misfiring. Pre-ignition misfiring occurs when the spark plug tip overheats, igniting the mixture before the spark jumps.

Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry carbon deposits on the portion of the spark plug inside of the cylinder. Excess idling and driving at slower speeds under light engine loads can keep the spark plug temperatures so low that these deposits are not burned off. Rich fuels or poor ignition system output may also cause carbon fouling.

Oil fouling of the spark plug appears as wet oily deposits on the portion of the spark plug inside of the cylinder. This may be caused by the following conditions

1. Oil getting past worn piston rings
2. Breaking in a new or recently overhauled engine

Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the normal reddish brown, yellow, or white deposits of combustion by-products become sufficient enough to cause misfiring. In some cases, these deposits melt and form a shiny glaze on the insulator around the center electrode. If the fouling is found only in one or two of the cylinders, valve stem clearances or the intake valve seals may be allowing excess lubricating oil to enter the cylinder, particularly if the deposits are heavier on the intake valve side of the spark plug.

Excess gap means that the air space between the center and side electrodes at the bottom of the spark plug is too wide for consistent firing. This may be due to improper gap adjustment or to excess wear of the electrodes during use. A gap that is too small may cause idling instability. Excess gap wear might indicate vehicle operation at continual high speeds or with high engine loads. This causes the spark plugs to run too hot. Excessively lean fuel may also cause the wear.

Improper torque or seating can cause a spark plug to run hot, eventually leading to excess gap wear. In extreme cases, an overtightened or under-tightened spark plug can cause exhaust blow-by. The cylinder head seats must make good contact for sufficient heat transfer and spark plug cooling. Dirty or damaged threads in the head or on the spark plug can keep the spark plug from seating even though the proper torque is applied. Once the spark plugs are properly seated, tighten the spark plugs properly.

Cracked or broken insulators and insulator tips may be the result of improper installation or heat shock. Heat shock is a rapid increase in the insulator tip temperature which causes the insulator material to crack. The upper insulators can be broken when a poorly-fitting tool is used during servicing, or when the spark plug is hit from the outside. Cracks in the upper insulator may be inside the shell or invisible. The breakage may not cause problems until oil or water penetrates the crack later. Heat shock breakage in the lower insulator tip generally occurs during severe engine operating conditions such as higher RPM or heavy loading. Over advanced timing or low grade fuels may also cause heat shock breakage. Always replace spark plugs with broken or cracked insulators.

Damage during gapping can occur when the tool is pushed against the center electrode or the surrounding insulator, causing the insulator to crack. When gapping a spark plug, bend only the outside electrode. Keep tools free of any other parts.

Spark plugs with less than the recommended amount of service can sometimes be cleaned and regapped, then returned to service. If there is any doubt about the serviceability of a spark plug, replace the spark plug.

Engine Control Module (ECM) Description

The powertrain has electronic controls to reduce exhaust emissions while maintaining excellent driveability and fuel economy. The engine control module (ECM) is the control center of this system. The ECM monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions. The ECM constantly monitors at the information from various sensors and other inputs, and controls the systems that affect vehicle performance and emissions. The ECM also performs the diagnostic tests on various parts of the system. The ECM can recognize operational problems and alert the driver via the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). When the ECM detects a malfunction, the ECM stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). The problem area is identified by the particular DTC that is set. The control module supplies a buffered voltage to various sensors and switches. Review the components and wiring diagrams in order to determine which systems are controlled by the ECM.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Operation

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is located in the instrument panel cluster. The MIL will display as either SERVICE ENGINE SOON or one of the following symbols when commanded ON

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The MIL indicates that an emissions related fault has occurred and vehicle service is required.

The following is a list of the modes of operation for the MIL

1. The MIL illuminates when the ignition is turned ON, with the engine OFF. This is a bulb test to ensure the MIL is able to illuminate.
2. The MIL turns OFF after the engine is started if a diagnostic fault is not present.
3. The MIL remains illuminated after the engine is started if the control module detects a fault. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored any time the control module illuminates the MIL due to an emissions related fault. The MIL turns OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which a Test Passed has been reported for the diagnostic test that originally caused the MIL to illuminate.
4. The MIL flashes if the control module detects a misfire condition which could damage the catalytic converter.
5. When the MIL is illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated as long as the ignition is ON.
6. When the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition is cycled OFF and then ON.

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system delivers improved throttle response and greater reliability and eliminates the need for mechanical cable. The TAC system performs the following functions

1. Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensing
2. Throttle positioning to meet driver and engine demands
3. Throttle position sensing
4. Internal diagnostics
5. Cruise control functions
6. Manage TAC electrical power consumption

The TAC system components include the following

1. The APP sensors
2. The throttle body assembly
3. The engine control module (ECM)

Camshaft Actuator System Description

The camshaft position (CMP) actuator system is used for a variety of engine performance enhancements. The CMP actuator system accomplishes this by controlling the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. These enhancements include the following

1. Lower emission output through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control
2. A wider engine torque range
3. Improved gas mileage
4. Improved engine idle stability

The CMP actuator system is comprised of the following components

1. Four CMP actuator solenoids
2. Four oil control valves
3. Four vane style CMP actuators
4. Four CMP sensors

The CMP actuator system requires a very complex electrical signal from the engine control module (ECM) in order to control the position of the CMP actuators. The electrical signal requires use of an un-fixed pulse width modulation (PWM) signal as well as 2 different operating frequencies of 150 and 500 Hz. Changes in the PWM can happen every 100 milliseconds and thus makes it difficult to measure the correct PWM or frequency with a DMM during CMP actuator control. At idle, the ECM commands a consistent 7 percent duty cycle at 150 Hz. The ECM uses this signal in order to sense certain circuit failures.

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The CMP actuator solenoids, or electromagnets, are located on the front of the engine and are mounted to their corresponding bank CMP actuator housing.

The oil control valves are threaded, and attach the CMP actuators to the front of the camshafts. The oil control valve meters the oil flow to the CMP actuator through the advancing and retarding oil ports. With no command fro the ECM, all of the oil is ported to the advancing chambers of the exhaust CMP actuators and to the retarding chambers of the intake CMP actuators. With full command from the ECM, all of the oil is ported to the retarding chambers of the exhaust CMP actuators and to the advancing chambers of the intake CMP actuators. When the intake or exhaust camshafts reach a desired position, above 0 degrees on the scan tool, the ECM will apply an electrical signal to the solenoids in order to hold the CMP actuators in the desired position. The oil control valves will port engine oil evenly to the advancing and retarding chambers of the CMP actuators in order to hold the camshafts in the desired position. The oil control valves will allow enough engine oil to flow to compensate for any leakage past the CMP actuators in order to hold the camshafts in a steady position.

The CMP actuators interface the timing chain to the camshafts, and are able to change the camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft. The intake CMP actuators have the ability to move the intake camshafts a total of 40 degrees from the parked position. The exhaust CMP actuators have the ability to move the exhaust camshafts a total of 50 degrees from the parked position. With the engine OFF or with the CMP actuators not commanded, the exhaust CMP actuators are parked at the full advance position of 133 degrees ATDC and the intake CMP actuators are parked at the full retard position of 117 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). The CMP Angle parameters on the scan tool will indicate 0 degrees with the engine running and the CMP actuators in the parked position for both exhaust and intake camshafts.

CMP Actuator Authority

A locking pin keeps the CMP actuators in the parked position in order to avoid valve train noise upon engine start-up. The locking pin will release the actuator after the engine oil pressure is sufficient to overcome the locking pin spring pressure. The exhaust CMP actuators have return springs. The return springs are necessary to assist the CMP actuators to return to the parked position due to the rotational inertia of the valve train components upon engine shutdown.

An oil outlet tube is used to transfer oil from a dedicated oil galley in the engine block, from the replaceable oil filter, up to each head and is located in the timing chain area. The oil outlet tube incorporates a non-replaceable 40 micron oil filter. If the filter becomes clogged with contamination and can not be cleaned, the tube and filter must be replaced as an assembly. Engine oil pressure, level, viscosity, and temperature can have an adverse affect on the CMP actuator performance.

The CMP sensors are used by the ECM to monitor the position of the camshafts. The intake cam sensor wheels have 8X targets. The exhaust cam sensor wheels have a 1X target. The ECM can detect a camshaft position variance as small as 2 degrees. The variance is the difference between the actual camshaft position and the desired camshaft position. A CMP actuator performance DTC will set if the ECM detects the camshaft position has a 2 degree to 11 degree variance. A 2 degree variance takes more time for the ECM to detect than an 11 degree variance. A crankshaft to camshaft correlation DTC will set if the ECM detects a 12 degree variance or more.

If a CMP actuator system DTC is present, the ECM will disable the CMP actuator system control for that ignition cycle.

CMP Actuator System Operation

The engine control module (ECM) sends an electrical signal to the camshaft position (CMP) actuator solenoids through the control circuits when a camshaft timing change is desired. The ground circuit of the CMP actuator solenoid is used as a return. The CMP actuator solenoid uses electromagnetic force to pull on the plunger of the oil control valve. The oil control valve will port the pressurized engine oil to either the advancing or retarding chambers of the CMP actuator. The CMP actuator, in turn, changes the camshaft position relative to crankshaft position. The ECM uses the CMP sensors to determine the position of the camshafts.

The ECM calculates the optimum CMP through the following inputs

1. Engine speed
2. Manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
3. Throttle position indicated angle
4. Crankshaft position (CKP)
5. CMP
6. Engine load
7. Barometric pressure (BARO)

The ECM monitors the following inputs before assuming control of the CMP actuator system

1. Engine coolant temperature (ECT)
2. Loop status
3. Calculated engine oil temperature (EOT)
4. Engine oil pressure (EOP)
5. Engine oil level
6. Crankshaft/camshaft correlation
7. Ignition 1 signal voltage
8. Barometric pressure (BARO)

EVAP System Operation

The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent solenoid valve to the atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the control module will command the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent solenoid valve OFF, fresh air is drawn through the vent solenoid valve and the vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge solenoid valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The control module uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.

Electronic Ignition (EI) System Operation

The electronic ignition (EI) system produces and controls the high energy secondary spark. This spark ignites the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time, providing optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. The engine control module (ECM) primarily collects information from the crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensors to control the sequence, dwell, and timing of the spark.

Modes of Operation

During normal operation, the engine control module (ECM) controls all ignition functions. If either the crankshaft position (CKP) or the camshaft position (CMP) sensor signal is lost, the engine will continue to run because the ECM will default to a limp-home mode using the remaining sensor input. Each coil is internally protected against damage from excessive voltage. Diagnostic trouble codes are available to accurately diagnose the ignition system with a scan tool.

Sensor Description

This KS system uses one or two flat response two-wire sensors. The sensor uses piezo-electric crystal technology that produces an AC voltage signal of varying amplitude and frequency based on the engine vibration or noise level. The amplitude and frequency are dependant upon the level of knock that the KS detects. The control module receives the KS signal through a signal circuit. The KS ground is supplied by the control module through a low reference circuit.

The control module learns a minimum noise level, or background noise, at idle from the KS and uses calibrated values for the rest of the RPM range. The control module uses the minimum noise level to calculate a noise channel. A normal KS signal will ride within the noise channel. As engine speed and load change, the noise channel upper and lower parameters will change to accommodate the normal KS signal, keeping the signal within the channel. In order to determine which cylinders are knocking, the control module only uses KS signal information when each cylinder is near top dead center (TDC) of the firing stroke. If knock is present, the signal will range outside of the noise channel.

If the control module has determined that knock is present, it will retard the ignition timing to attempt to eliminate the knock. The control module will always try to work back to a zero compensation level, or no spark retard. An abnormal KS signal will stay outside of the noise channel or will not be present. KS diagnostics are calibrated to detect faults with the KS circuitry inside the control module, the KS wiring, or the KS voltage output. Some diagnostics are also calibrated to detect constant noise from an outside influence such as a loose/damaged component or excessive engine mechanical noise.

Air Intake System Description

The primary function of the Air Intake System is to provide filtered air to the engine. The system uses a cleaner element mounted in a housing. The cleaner housing is remotely mounted and uses intake ducts to route the incoming air into the throttle body. The secondary function of the Air Intake System is to muffle air induction noise. This is achieved through the use of resonators attached to the air intake ducts. The resonators are tuned to the specific powertrain. The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is used to measure the air entering the engine.