Engine Controls/fuel - 3.6l - Description and Operation Chevrolet Malibu VIII

Camshaft Actuator System Description

The camshaft (CMP) actuator system enables the engine control module (ECM) to change camshaft timing of all camshafts while the engine is running. The CMP actuator assembly varies the camshaft position in response to directional changes in oil pressure. The CMP actuator solenoid valve controls the oil pressure that is applied to advance or retard a camshaft. Modifying camshaft timing under changing engine demand provides better balance between the following performance concerns

1. Engine power output
2. Fuel economy
3. Lower tailpipe emissions

The CMP actuator solenoid valve is controlled by the ECM. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the CMP sensors are used to monitor changes in camshaft positions. The ECM uses the following information in order to calculate the desired camshaft positions

1. The engine speed
2. The engine load
3. The camshaft position (CMP) sensors
4. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
5. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
6. The throttle position (TP) sensors
7. The barometric pressure (BARO)

The CMP actuator assembly has an outer housing that is driven by an engine timing chain. Inside the assembly is a rotor with fixed vanes that is attached to the camshaft. Oil pressure that is applied to the fixed vanes will rotate a specific camshaft in relationship to the crankshaft. The movement of the intake camshafts will advance the intake valve timing. The movement of the exhaust camshafts will retard the exhaust valve timing. When oil pressure is applied to the return side of the vanes, the camshafts will return to 0 crankshaft degrees, or top dead center (TDC). The CMP actuator solenoid valve directs the oil flow that controls the camshaft movement. The ECM commands the CMP solenoid to move the solenoid plunger and spool valve until oil flows from the advance passage. Oil flowing through the CMP actuator assembly from the CMP solenoid advance passage applies pressure to the advance side of the vanes in the CMP actuator assembly. When the camshaft position is retarded, the CMP actuator solenoid valve directs oil to flow into the CMP actuator assembly from the retard passage. The ECM can also command the CMP actuator solenoid valve to stop oil flow from both passages in order to hold the current camshaft position.

The ECM operates the CMP actuator solenoid valve by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the solenoid coil. The higher the PWM duty cycle, the larger the change in camshaft timing. The CMP actuator assembly also contains a lock pin that prevents movement between the outer housing and the rotor vane assembly. The lock pin is released by oil pressure before any movement in the CMP actuator assembly takes place. The ECM is continuously comparing CMP sensor inputs with CKP sensor input in order to monitor camshaft position and detect any system malfunctions. If a condition exists in either the intake or exhaust camshaft actuator system, the opposite bank, intake or exhaust, camshaft actuator will default to 0 crankshaft degrees.

CMP Actuator System Operation

Electronic Ignition System Description

The electronic ignition system produces and controls a high-energy secondary spark. This spark is used to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time. This provides optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. This ignition system uses an individual coil for each cylinder. The ignition coils are mounted in the center of each camshaft cover with short integrated boots connecting the coils to the spark plugs. The driver modules within each ignition coil are commanded ON/OFF by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM primarily uses engine speed, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor signal, and position information from the crankshaft position and the camshaft position sensors. This controls the sequence, dwell, and timing of the spark. The electronic ignition system consists of the following components

Crankshaft Position Sensor

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor works in conjunction with a 58 tooth reluctor wheel on the crankshaft. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the voltage frequency on the crankshaft position sensor signal circuit. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the sensor, the sensor creates a digital ON/OFF pulse. This digital signal is processed by the ECM. The reluctor wheel teeth are 6 degrees apart. Having only 58 teeth leaves a 12 degree span that is uncut. This creates a signature pattern that enables the ECM to determine the crankshaft position. The ECM uses the signal to determine which pair of cylinders is approaching top dead center based on the crankshaft position signal alone. The camshaft position sensor signals are used in order to determine which of these 2 cylinders is on a firing stroke, and which is on the exhaust stroke. The ECM uses this to properly synchronize the ignition system, the fuel injectors, and the knock control. This sensor is also used in order to detect misfire.

Camshaft Position Sensor

This engine uses a camshaft position (CMP) sensor for each camshaft. The camshaft position sensor signals are a digital ON/OFF pulse and output 4 times per revolution of the camshaft. The camshaft position sensor does not directly affect the operation of the ignition system. The camshaft position sensor information is used by the engine control module (ECM) to determine the position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft position. By monitoring the camshaft position and crankshaft position signals the ECM can accurately time the operation of the fuel injectors. The ECM supplies the camshaft position sensor with a 5 V reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The camshaft position sensor signals are an input to the ECM. These signals are also used to detect camshaft alignment with the crankshaft.

Knock Sensor

The knock sensor system enables the control module to control the ignition timing for the best possible performance while protecting the engine from potentially damaging levels of detonation, also known as spark knock. The knock sensor system uses 1 or 2 flat response 2-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 depend upon the level of knock that the knock sensor detects. The control module receives the knock sensor signal through the signal circuit. The knock sensor ground is supplied by the control module through the low reference circuit.

The control module learns a minimum noise level, or background noise, at idle from the knock sensor 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 knock sensor 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 knock sensor signal, keeping the signal within the channel. In order to determine which cylinders are knocking, the control module only uses knock sensor 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 knock sensor signal will stay outside of the noise channel or will not be present. Knock sensor diagnostics are calibrated to detect faults with the knock sensor circuitry inside the control module, the knock sensor wiring, or the knock sensor 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.

Ignition Coils

Each ignition coil contains a solid state driver module as its primary element. The engine control module (ECM) signals the coil driver to initiate a firing event by applying ignition control (IC) circuit voltage for the appropriate amount of time otherwise known as dwell. When the voltage is removed the coil fires the spark plug.

Engine Control Module (ECM)

The engine control module (ECM) controls all ignition system functions and constantly corrects the spark timing. The ECM monitors information from various sensor inputs that may include the following components, if applicable

1. Throttle position sensor
2. Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
3. Mass air flow (MAF) sensor
4. Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
5. Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
6. Transmission gear position or range information sensors
7. Engine knock sensors
8. Ambient pressure sensor (BARO)

Ignition System Diagnostic Aids

The cylinder 1 intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor is used for injector and ignition system synchronization. A stalling condition will occur if the cylinder 1 intake camshaft position sensor signal is intermittent although a DTC will not set. Inspect all cylinder 1 intake camshaft position sensor circuits for poor connections.

Engine Control Module Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) interacts with many emission related components and systems, and monitors emission related components and systems for deterioration. OBD II diagnostics monitor the system performance and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets if the system performance degrades. The ECM is part of a network and communicates with various other vehicle control modules.

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) operation and DTC storage are dictated by the DTC type. A DTC is ranked as a Type A or Type B if the DTC is emissions related. Type C is a non-emissions related DTC.

The ECM is the control center of the engine controls system. Review the components and wiring diagrams in order to determine which systems are controlled by the ECM.

The ECM constantly monitors the information from various sensors and other inputs, and controls the systems that affect engine performance and emissions. The ECM also performs diagnostic tests on various parts of the system and can turn on the MIL when it recognizes an operational problem that affects emissions. When the ECM detects a malfunction, the ECM stores a DTC. The condition area is identified by the particular DTC that is set. This aids the technician in making repairs.

ECM Function

The ECM can supply 5 V or 12 V to various sensors or switches. This is done through pull-up resistors to regulated power supplies within the ECM. In some cases, even an ordinary shop voltmeter will not give an accurate reading due to low input resistance. Therefore, a digital multimeter (DMM) with at least 10 megaohms input impedance is required in order to ensure accurate voltage readings.

The ECM controls the output circuits by controlling the ground or the power feed circuit through transistors or a device called an output driver module.

EEPROM

The electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) is an integral part of the ECM. The EEPROM contains program and calibration information that the ECM needs in order to control engine operation.

Special equipment, as well as the correct program and calibration for the vehicle, are required in order to reprogram the ECM.

Data Link Connector (DLC)

The data link connector (DLC) provides serial data communication for ECM diagnosis. This connector allows the technician to use a scan tool in order to monitor various serial data parameters, and display DTC information. The DLC is located inside the driver's compartment, underneath the instrument panel.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is inside the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The MIL is controlled by the ECM and illuminates when the ECM detects a condition that affects vehicle emissions.

ECM Service Precautions

The ECM, by design, can withstand normal current draws that are associated with vehicle operations. However, care must be used in order to avoid overloading any of these circuits. When testing for opens or shorts, do not ground or apply voltage to any of the ECM circuits unless the diagnostic procedure instructs you to do so. These circuits should only be tested with a DMM unless the diagnostic procedure instructs otherwise.

Emissions Diagnosis For State I/M Programs

This OBD II equipped vehicle is designed to diagnose any conditions that could lead to excessive levels of the following emissions

1. Hydrocarbons (HC)
2. Carbon monoxide (CO)
3. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
4. Evaporative emission (EVAP) system losses

Should this vehicle's on-board diagnostic system (ECM) detect a condition that could result in excessive emissions, the ECM turns ON the MIL and stores a DTC that is associated with the condition.

Aftermarket (Add-On) Electrical And Vacuum Equipment

Aftermarket, add-on, electrical and vacuum equipment is defined as any equipment installed on a vehicle after leaving the factory that connects to the vehicle's electrical or vacuum systems. No allowances have been made in the vehicle design for this type of equipment.

Add-on electrical equipment, even when installed to these strict guidelines, may still cause the powertrain system to malfunction. This may also include equipment not connected to the vehicle electrical system, such as portable telephones and radios. Therefore, the first step in diagnosing any powertrain condition is to eliminate all of the aftermarket electrical equipment from the vehicle. After this is done, if the problem still exists, the problem may be diagnosed in the normal manner.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage

Note. In order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge damage to the ECM, DO NOT touch the connector pins on the ECM.

The electronic components that are used in the control systems are often designed to carry very low voltage. These electronic components are susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Less than 100 V of static electricity can cause damage to some electronic components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4, 000 V for a person to even feel a static discharge.

There are several ways for a person to become statically charged. The most common methods of charging are by friction and by induction. An example of charging by friction is a person sliding across a car seat.

Charging by induction occurs when a person with well insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object and momentarily touches ground. Charges of the same polarity are drained off leaving the person highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static charges can cause damage, therefore, it is important to use care when handling and testing electronic components.

Emissions Control Information Label

The underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label contains important emission specifications. This identifies the year, the displacement of the engine in liters, and the class of the vehicle.

This label is located in the engine compartment of every General Motors vehicle. If the label has been removed, it can be ordered from GM service parts operations (GMSPO).

Scheme 136

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 EVAP vapor tube, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent hose 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 engine control module (ECM) will command the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the normally open EVAP vent solenoid valve OFF, fresh air is drawn through the vent solenoid valve and the vent hose 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 tube and EVAP purge solenoid valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The ECM uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking or restricted.

Purge Solenoid Valve Leak Test

If the EVAP purge solenoid valve does not seal properly fuel vapors could enter the engine at an undesired time, causing driveability concerns. The ECM tests for this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid valve OFF and the vent solenoid valve ON which seals the system. With the engine running, the ECM then monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor for an increase in vacuum. The ECM will log a fault if a vacuum develops in the tank under these test conditions.

Large Leak Test

This diagnostic creates a vacuum condition in the EVAP system. When the enabling criteria has been met, the ECM commands the normally open EVAP vent solenoid valve closed and the EVAP purge solenoid valve open, creating a vacuum in the EVAP system. The ECM then monitors the FTP sensor voltage to verify that the system is able to reach a predetermined level of vacuum within a set amount of time. Failure to achieve the expected level of vacuum indicates the presence of a large leak in the EVAP system or a restriction in the purge path. The ECM will log a fault if it detects a weaker than expected vacuum level under these test conditions.

Canister Vent Restriction Test

If the EVAP vent system is restricted, fuel vapors will not be properly purged from the EVAP canister. The ECM tests this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON while commanding the EVAP vent solenoid valve OFF, and then monitoring the FTP sensor for an increase in vacuum. If the vacuum increases more than the expected amount, in a set amount of time, a fault will be logged by the ECM.

Small Leak Test

The engine off natural vacuum diagnostic is the small-leak detection diagnostic for the EVAP system. The engine off natural vacuum diagnostic monitors the EVAP system pressure with the ignition OFF. Because of this, it may be normal for the ECM to remain active for up to 40 min after the ignition is turned OFF. This is important to remember when performing a parasitic draw test on vehicles equipped with engine off natural vacuum.

When the vehicle is driven, the temperature rises in the tank due to heat transfer from the exhaust system. After the vehicle is parked, the temperature in the tank continues to rise for a period of time, then starts to drop. The engine off natural vacuum diagnostic relies on this temperature change, and the corresponding pressure change in a sealed system, to determine if an EVAP system leak is present.

The engine off natural vacuum diagnostic is designed to detect leaks as small as 0.51 mm (0.020 in).

EVAP System Components

The EVAP system consists of the following components

EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve

The EVAP purge solenoid valve controls the flow of vapors from the EVAP system to the intake manifold. The purge solenoid valve opens when commanded ON by the ECM. This normally closed valve is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the ECM to precisely control the flow of fuel vapor to the engine. The valve will also be opened during some portions of the EVAP testing when the engine is running, allowing engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system.

Purge Tube Check Valve

Turbocharged vehicles have a check valve in the purge tube between the EVAP purge solenoid valve and the EVAP canister to prevent pressurization of the EVAP system under boost conditions. Note that the presence of this one-way check valve prevents pressure testing the EVAP system for leaks at the EVAP canister purge tube connector.

EVAP Canister

The canister is filled with carbon pellets used to absorb and store fuel vapors. Fuel vapor is stored in the canister until the ECM determines that the vapor can be consumed in the normal combustion process.

Vapor Recirculation Tube

A vapor path between the fuel fill pipe and the vapor tube to the carbon canister is necessary for Vehicle Onboard Diagnostics to fully diagnose the EVAP system. It also accommodates service diagnostic procedures by allowing the entire EVAP system to be diagnosed from either end of the system.

Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

The FTP sensor measures the difference between the pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank and outside air pressure. The ECM provides a 5 V reference and a ground to the FTP sensor. Depending on the vehicle, the sensor can be located in the vapor space on top of the fuel tank, in the vapor tube between the canister and the tank, or on the EVAP canister. The FTP sensor provides a signal voltage back to the ECM that can vary between 0.1-4.9 V. A high FTP sensor voltage indicates a low fuel tank pressure or vacuum. A low FTP sensor voltage indicates a high fuel tank pressure.

Fuel Fill Pipe Check Valve

The check valve on the fuel fill pipe is there to prevent spit-back during refueling.

EVAP Vent Solenoid Valve

The EVAP vent solenoid valve controls fresh airflow into the EVAP canister. The valve is normally open. The canister vent solenoid valve is closed only during EVAP system tests performed by the ECM.

Fuel Fill Cap

The fuel fill cap is equipped with a seal and a vacuum relief valve.

Capless Fuel Fill

Some vehicles may have a capless fuel fill design behind a locking fuel door. There is no fuel fill cap to remove. One just fully inserts the fuel nozzle into the fill neck, making sure it latches before refueling. Flapper valves close to seal this interface once the fill nozzle is removed.

Fuel System Overview

The fuel system is a returnless on-demand design. The fuel pressure regulator is a part of the fuel sender assembly, eliminating the need for a return pipe from the engine. A returnless fuel system reduces the internal temperature of the fuel tank by not returning hot fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. Reducing the internal temperature of the fuel tank results in lower evaporative emissions.

The fuel tank stores the fuel supply. An electric turbine style fuel pump attaches to the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies high pressure fuel through the fuel filter contained in the fuel sender assembly and the fuel feed pipe to the Fuel Injection System. The fuel pump provides fuel at a higher rate of flow than is needed by the fuel injection system. The fuel pump also supplies fuel to a venturi pump located on the bottom of the fuel sender assembly. The function of the venturi pump is to fill the fuel sender assembly reservoir. The fuel pressure regulator, a part of the fuel sender assembly, maintains the correct fuel pressure to the fuel injection system. The fuel pump and sender assembly contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve and the fuel pressure regulator maintain fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe and the fuel rail in order to prevent long cracking times.

Scheme 137

The fuel tank stores the fuel supply. The fuel tank is located in the rear of the vehicle. The fuel tank is held in place by 2 metal straps that attach to the frame. The fuel tank is molded from high density polyethylene.

Scheme 138

The fuel fill pipe (2) has a built-in restrictor and deflector in order to prevent refueling with leaded fuel.

Scheme 139

The fuel fill pipe has a tethered fuel filler cap. A torque-limiting device prevents the cap from being over tightened. To install the cap, turn the cap clockwise until you hear audible clicks. This indicates that the cap is correctly torqued and fully seated. A built-in device indicates that the fuel filler cap is fully seated. A fuel filler cap that is not fully seated may cause a malfunction in the emission system.

Scheme 140

The fuel sender assembly consists of the following major components

1. The fill limit vent valve (1)
2. The fuel tank pressure sensor (2)
3. The fuel feed pipe (3)
4. The fuel pump (4)
5. The fuel level sensor (5)
6. The fuel pressure regulator (6)
7. The fuel sender assembly (7)

Scheme 141

The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a wire float arm, and a ceramic resistor card. The position of the float arm indicates the fuel level. The fuel level sensor contains a variable resistor which changes resistance in correspondence with the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The engine control module (ECM) sends the fuel level information via the class 2 circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This information is used for the instrument panel (I/P) fuel gauge and the low fuel warning indicator, if applicable. The ECM also monitors the fuel level input for various diagnostics.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is mounted in the fuel sender assembly reservoir. The fuel pump is an electric high pressure pump. Fuel is pumped to the fuel rail at a specified flow and pressure. Excess fuel from the fuel rail assembly returns to the fuel tank through the fuel return pipe. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The engine control module (ECM) controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay. The fuel pump flex pipe acts to dampen the fuel pulses and noise generated by the fuel pump.

Fuel Strainer

The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel sender. The fuel strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel strainer are to filter contaminants and to wick fuel. The fuel strainer is self-cleaning and normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water.

Fuel Feed Pipe

The fuel feed pipe carries fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel rail assembly. The fuel pipes consist of 2 sections

1. The rear fuel pipe assembly is located from the top of the fuel tank to the chassis fuel pipe. The rear fuel pipe is constructed of nylon.
2. The chassis fuel pipe is located under the vehicle and connect the rear fuel pipe to the fuel rail pipe. This pipe is constructed of steel.

Nylon Fuel Pipe

Nylon pipes are constructed to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. There are 2 sizes of nylon pipes used: 3/8 in ID for the fuel feed, and 1/2 in ID for the vent. Heat resistant rubber hose or corrugated plastic conduit protect the sections of the pipes that are exposed to chafing, high temperature, or vibration.

Nylon fuel pipes are somewhat flexible and can be formed around gradual turns under the vehicle. However, if nylon fuel pipes are forced into sharp bends, the pipes kink and restrict the fuel flow. Also, once exposed to fuel, nylon pipes may become stiffer and are more likely to kink if bent too far. Take special care when working on a vehicle with nylon fuel pipes.

Quick-Connect Fittings

Quick-connect fittings provide a simplified means of installing and connecting fuel system components. The fittings consist of a unique female connector and a compatible male pipe end. O-rings, located inside the female connector, provide the fuel seal. Integral locking tabs inside the female connector hold the fittings together.

Fuel Pipe O-Rings

O-rings seal the threaded connections in the fuel system. Fuel system O-ring seals are made of special material. Service the O-ring seals with the correct service part.

Scheme 142

The fuel rail assembly attaches to the engine intake manifold. The fuel rail assembly performs the following functions

1. Positions the injectors (2) in the intake manifold
2. Distributes fuel evenly to the injectors

Scheme 143

The Bosch (EVb) fuel injector assembly is a solenoid operated device, controlled by the engine control module (ECM), that meters pressurized fuel to a single engine cylinder. The ECM energizes the high-impedance (12 ohms) injector solenoid (1) to open a normally closed ball valve (2). This allows fuel to flow into the top of the injector, past the ball valve, and through a director plate at the injector outlet. The director plate has a number of precision holes that control the fuel flow, generating a spray of finely atomized fuel at the injector tip. Fuel from the injector tip is directed at the intake valve, causing it to become further atomized and vaporized before entering the combustion chamber. An injector stuck partly open can cause a loss of pressure after engine shutdown. Consequently, long cranking times would be noticed on some engines.

Fuel Pressure Regulator

The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm operated relief valve. The fuel pump pressure is on one side of the regulator and the regulator spring pressure is on the other side. The function of the fuel pressure regulator is to maintain a constant fuel pressure under all of the operating conditions. The pressure regulator DOES NOT compensate for the engine load by increasing the fuel pressure as the engine intake manifold vacuum drops. The vent on the fuel pressure regulator is an atmospheric vent only. The fuel pressure regulator is mounted on the fuel tank module, inside the fuel tank.

Fuel Metering Modes of Operation

The engine control module (ECM) monitors 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 ECM controls all modes.

Starting Mode

With the ignition switch in the ON position, before engaging the starter, the engine control module (ECM) energizes the fuel pump relay for 2 seconds allowing the fuel pump to build up pressure. The ECM first tests speed density, then switches to the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The ECM also uses the engine coolant temperature (ECT), the throttle position (TP), and the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors to determine the proper air/fuel ratio for starting. The ECM controls the amount of fuel delivered in the starting mode by changing the pulse width of the injectors. This is done by pulsing the injectors for very short times.

Clear Flood Mode

If the engine floods, clear the engine by pressing the accelerator pedal down to the floor and then crank the engine. When the throttle position (TP) sensor is at wide open throttle, the engine control module (ECM) reduces the injector pulse width in order to increase the air to fuel ratio. The ECM holds this injector rate as long as the throttle stays wide open and the engine speed is below a predetermined RPM. If the throttle is not held wide open, the ECM returns to the starting mode.

Run Mode

The run mode has 2 conditions called Open Loop and Closed Loop. When the engine is first started and the engine speed is above a predetermined RPM, the system begins Open Loop operation. The engine control module (ECM) ignores the signal from the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) and calculates the air/fuel ratio based on inputs from the engine coolant temperature (ECT), mass air flow (MAF), manifold absolute pressure (MAP), and throttle position (TP) sensors. The system stays in Open Loop until meeting the following conditions

1. Both HO2S have varying voltage output, showing that they are hot enough to operate properly. This depends upon the engine temperature.
2. The ECT sensor is above a specified temperature.
3. A specific amount of time has elapsed after starting the engine.

Specific values for the above conditions exist for each different engine, and are stored in the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The system begins Closed Loop operation after reaching these values. In Closed Loop, the ECM calculates the air/fuel ratio (injector on-time) based upon the signal from various sensors, but mainly from the HO2S. This allows the air/fuel ratio to stay very close to 14.7:1.

Acceleration Mode

When the driver pushes on the accelerator pedal, air flow into the cylinders increases rapidly, while fuel flow tends to lag behind. To prevent possible hesitation, the engine control module (ECM) increases the pulse width to the injectors to provide extra fuel during acceleration. The ECM determines the amount of fuel required based upon the throttle position, the coolant temperature, the manifold air pressure, the mass air flow, and the engine speed.

Deceleration Mode

When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, air flow into the engine is reduced. The engine control module (ECM) reads the corresponding changes in throttle position, manifold air pressure, and mass air flow. The ECM shuts OFF fuel completely if the deceleration is very rapid, or for long periods, such as long, closed-throttle coast-down. The fuel shuts OFF in order to protect the catalytic converters.

Battery Voltage Correction Mode

When the battery voltage is low, the engine control module (ECM) compensates for the weak spark delivered by the ignition system in the following ways

1. Increasing the amount of fuel delivered
2. Increasing the idle RPM
3. Increasing the ignition dwell time

Fuel Cutoff Mode

The engine control module (ECM) cuts off fuel from the fuel injectors when the following conditions are met in order to protect the powertrain from damage and improve driveability

1. The ignition is OFF. This prevents engine run-on.
2. The ignition is ON but there is no ignition reference signal. This prevents flooding or backfiring.
3. The engine speed is too high, above red line.
4. The vehicle speed is too high, above rated tire speed.
5. During an extended, high speed, closed throttle coast down. This reduces emissions and increases engine braking.
6. During extended deceleration, in order to protect the catalytic converters.

Short Term Fuel Trim

The short term fuel trim values change rapidly in response to the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) signal voltages. These changes "fine tune" the engine fueling. The ideal fuel trim values are around 0 percent. A positive fuel trim value indicates that the engine control module (ECM) is adding fuel in order to compensate for a lean condition. A negative fuel trim value indicates that the ECM is reducing the amount of fuel in order to compensate for a rich condition.

When the ECM determines that the short term fuel trim is out of the operating range, the following DTCs will set

1. DTC P0171 Bank 1 Too Lean
2. DTC P0172 Bank 1 Too Rich

Long Term Fuel Trim

The long term fuel trim is a matrix of cells arranged by RPM and manifold absolute pressure (MAP). Each cell of the long term fuel trim is a register like the short term fuel trim. As the engine operating conditions change, the engine control module (ECM) will switch from cell to cell to determine what long term fuel trim factor to use in the base pulse width equation.

While in any given cell, the ECM also monitors the short term fuel trim. If the short term fuel trim is far enough from 0 percent, the ECM will change the long term fuel trim value. Once the long term fuel trim value is changed, it should force the short term fuel trim back toward 0 percent. If the mixture is still not correct, the short term fuel trim will continue to have a large deviation from the ideal 0 percent. In this case, the long term fuel trim value will continue to change until the short term fuel trim becomes balanced. Both the short term fuel trim and long term fuel trim have limits which vary by calibration. If the mixture is off enough so that long term fuel trim reaches the limit of its control and still cannot correct the condition, the short term fuel trim would also go to its limit of control in the same direction. If the mixture is still not corrected by both short term fuel trim and long term fuel trim at their extreme values, a fuel trim diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will likely result. When the ECM determines that the long term fuel trim is out of the operating range, the following DTCs will set

1. DTC P0171 Bank 1 Too Lean
2. DTC P0172 Bank 1 Too Rich

Under the conditions of power enrichment, the ECM sets the short term fuel trim to 0 percent until power enrichment is no longer in effect. This is done so the Closed Loop factor and the long term fuel trim will not try to correct for the power enrichment condition.

Scheme 144

The engine control module (ECM) is the control center for the throttle actuator control (TAC) system. The ECM determines the driver's intent based on input from the accelerator pedal position sensors, then calculates the appropriate throttle response based on the throttle position sensors. The ECM achieves throttle positioning by providing a pulse width modulated voltage to the throttle actuator motor. The throttle blade is spring loaded in both directions, and the default position is slightly open.

Modes Of Operation

Normal Mode

During the operation of the TAC system, several modes, or functions, are considered normal. The following modes may be entered during normal operations

1. Minimum pedal value-At key-up, the ECM updates the learned minimum pedal value.
2. Minimum throttle position values-At key-up, the ECM updates the learned minimum throttle position value. In order to learn the minimum throttle position value, the throttle blade is moved to the Closed position.
3. Ice break mode-If the throttle blade is not able to reach a predetermined minimum throttle position, the ice break mode is entered. During the ice break mode, the ECM commands the maximum pulse width several times to the throttle actuator motor in the closing direction.
4. Minimum pedal value-At key-up, the ECM updates the learned minimum pedal value.
5. Battery saver mode-After a predetermined time without engine RPM, the ECM commands the Battery Saver mode. During the Battery Saver mode, the TAC module removes the voltage from the motor control circuits, which removes the current draw used to maintain the idle position and allows the throttle to return to the spring loaded default position.

Reduced Engine Power Mode

When the ECM detects a condition with the TAC system, the ECM may enter a reduced engine power mode. Reduced engine power may cause one or more of the following conditions

1. Acceleration limiting-The ECM will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control, however, the vehicle acceleration is limited.
2. Limited throttle mode-The ECM will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control, however, the maximum throttle opening is limited.
3. Throttle default mode-The ECM will turn OFF the throttle actuator motor, and the throttle will return to the spring loaded default position.
4. Forced idle mode-The ECM will perform the following actions: Limit engine speed to idle positioning the throttle position, or by controlling the fuel and spark if the throttle is turned OFF. Ignore the accelerator pedal input.
5. Engine shutdown mode-The ECM will disable fuel and de-energize the throttle actuator.

See also:
• Fuel and Evaporative Emission Pipe Warning