Engine Controls/fuel - 1.8L (Luw, Lwe) - Description and Operation: Overview Chevrolet Sonic I

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.

Fuel System Overview

The fuel system is an electronic returnless on-demand design. 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 tank fuel pump module inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies fuel through the fuel feed pipe to the fuel injection system. The fuel tank fuel pump module contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve maintains fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe and the fuel rail in order to prevent long cranking times.

Fuel Metering Modes of Operation

The ECM monitors voltages from several sensors in order to determine how much fuel to feed to the engine. The ECM controls the amount of fuel delivered to the engine by changing the fuel injector pulse width. The fuel is delivered under one of several modes.

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.

Circuit/System Description

The camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust system enables the engine control module (ECM) to change camshaft timing while the engine is running. The camshaft position actuator assembly varies camshaft position in response to directional changes in oil pressure. The camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust controls the oil pressure that is applied to advance or retard the 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 exhaust emissions

The camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust is controlled by the ECM. The crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor - intake and camshaft position sensor - exhaust are used to monitor changes in camshaft position. The ECM uses information from the following sensors in order to calculate the desired camshaft position

1. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
2. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
3. The throttle position sensor
4. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)

Camshaft Position Actuator System Operation

The ECM operates the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the solenoid coil. The higher the PWM duty cycle, the larger the change in camshaft timing. Oil pressure that is applied to the advance side of the fixed vanes will rotate the camshaft in a clockwise direction. The clockwise movement of the camshaft will advance the timing up to a maximum of 21°. When oil pressure is applied to the return side of the vanes, the camshaft will rotate counterclockwise until returning to 0°.

Oil flowing to the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust housing from the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust advance passage applies pressure to the advance side of the vane wheel in the camshaft position actuator assembly. At the same time the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust retard passage is open, allowing oil pressure to decrease on the retard side of the vane wheel. These two simultaneous actions cause the vane wheel to rotate clockwise, advancing camshaft advance timing.

When the oil flowing to the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust housing is from the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust retard passage, oil pressure is applied to the retard side of the vane wheel. Because the solenoid advance passage is open, allowing oil pressure to decrease on the advance side of the vane wheel, the camshaft position retards.

The ECM can also command the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust to stop oil flow from both passages in order to hold the current camshaft position. The ECM is continuously comparing camshaft position sensor - intake and camshaft position sensor - exhaust input with camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - intake and camshaft position actuator solenoid valve - exhaust input in order to monitor camshaft position and detect any system malfunctions. The following table provides camshaft phase commands for common driving conditions

Scheme 142

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.

Electronic Ignition System Operation

The electronic ignition 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) collects information from the crankshaft position sensor and the intake/exhaust camshaft position sensors to determine the sequence, dwell, and timing of the spark for each cylinder. The ECM transmits a frequency signal to the ignition coil module on the individual ignition control circuits to fire the spark plugs.

The knock sensor system enables the engine control module (ECM) to control the ignition timing for the best possible performance while protecting the engine from potentially damaging levels of detonation. The ECM uses the knock sensor system to test for abnormal engine noise that may indicate detonation, also known as spark knock.

Sensor Description

This knock sensor system uses one or two flat response 2-wire sensors. The sensor uses piezo-electric crystal technology that produces an alternating current voltage signal of varying amplitude and frequency based on the engine vibration or noise level. The amplitude and frequency are dependent upon the level of knock that the knock sensor detects. The ECM receives the knock sensor signal through 2 isolated signal circuits.

If the ECM has determined that knock is present, it will retard the ignition timing to attempt to reduce the knock. The ECM is capable of controlling spark retard on an individual cylinder basis. The ECM will always try to work back to a zero compensation level, or no spark retard. Knock sensor diagnostics are calibrated to detect faults with the knock sensor circuitry inside the ECM, 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 mechanical engine noise.

The primary function of the air intake system is to provide filtered air to the engine. The system uses a filter element mounted in a housing. The filter 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 by the use of resonators attached to the air intake ducts. The resonators are tuned to the specific powertrain. The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is used to measure the temperature of the air entering the engine.

Secondary Air Injection System Description

The Secondary Air Injection System aids in the reduction of hydrocarbon exhaust emissions during a cold start. This occurs when the start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -10 to +56°C (14-133°F), the intake air temperature (IAT) is greater than -10°C (14°F) and it has been more than 60 minutes since the last engine start. The secondary air injection pump operates 5-60 s after start-up.

The engine control module (ECM) activates the secondary air injection system by simultaneously completing the ground paths for the secondary air injection pump relay and the secondary air injection solenoid (shutoff and check) valve relay. This action closes the relays' internal contacts. The pump and valve are in turn energized. The pump turns ON and the valve opens.

The secondary air injection pump sends pressurized filtered fresh air into the pipe/hose, through the open valve and into the exhaust manifold. The extra air accelerates the catalyst operation, helping it to reach operating temperature faster. The secondary air injection pump remains ON for a short period of time after the valve is commanded OFF. When the pump is commanded OFF it will not run or be activated until the next vehicle cold start. When the secondary air injection system is inactive, the valve is closed to prevent air/exhaust flow in either direction.

The ECM monitors the secondary air injection system pressure by tracking voltage signal from the pressure sensor, which is integral to the solenoid (shutoff and check) valve assembly.

The ECM utilizes a 3 phase diagnostic routine to test the secondary air injection system

During phase 1, DTCs P0411 and P2430 run and both the secondary air injection pump and the solenoid (shutoff and check) valve are activated. Normal secondary air function occurs. Expected system pressure is 5-13 kPa (0.7-1.9 psi) above BARO.

During phase 2, DTCs P2430 and P2440 run and only the secondary air injection pump is activated. The valve is closed. Pressure sensor performance and valve deactivation are tested. Expected system pressure is 14-25 kPa (2.0-3.6 psi) above BARO.

During phase 3, DTC P2444 runs and neither the secondary air injection pump nor the valve are activated. Secondary air injection pump deactivation is tested. Expected system pressure equals BARO.

The secondary air injection system includes the following components

1. The secondary air injection pump-The electric secondary air injection pump supplies pressurized, filtered air to the secondary air injection solenoid (shutoff and check) valve. The secondary air injection pump is a turbine type pump that is permanently lubricated and requires no periodic maintenance.
2. The secondary air injection solenoid (shutoff and check) valve assembly-The valve assembly has a direct current (DC) motor operated valve. When the valve motor is energized by the secondary air injection solenoid valve relay, the valve opens, pressurized air from the secondary air injection pump flows through the valve and is directed into the exhaust manifold.
3. The secondary air injection pressure sensor-The pressure sensor is integral to the secondary air injection solenoid valve assembly. The sensor is a 3-wire sensor that measures the secondary air injection system pressure at the inlet of the valve assembly.
4. The secondary air injection pump relay-The relay supplies high current and battery voltage to the secondary air injection pump. The ECM commands the relay ON by supplying a ground to the relay control circuit.
5. The secondary air injection solenoid valve relay-The relay supplies high current and battery voltage to the secondary air injection solenoid valve. The ECM commands the relay ON by supplying a ground to the relay control circuit.
6. The pipes and hoses-The secondary air injection pump inlet hose carries filtered air from the engine intake air cleaner to the secondary air injection pump inlet. The secondary air injection pump pipe carries the air from the pump outlet to the solenoid valve which in turn feeds the exhaust manifold.