Emissions Control System: Other — Dodge Caravan IV (2000-2007)

VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL

All models have a Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label. Chrysler permanently attaches the label in the engine compartment. It cannot be removed without defacing information and destroying the label.

The label contains the vehicle's emission specifications and vacuum hose routings. All hoses must be connected and routed according to the label.

TRIP DEFINITION

A "Trip" means vehicle operation (following an engine-off period) of duration and driving mode such that all components and systems are monitored at least once by the diagnostic system. The monitors must successfully pass before the PCM can verify that a previously malfunctioning component is meeting the normal operating conditions of that component. For misfire or fuel system malfunction, the MIL may be extinguished if the fault does not recur when monitored during three subsequent sequential driving cycles in which conditions are similar to those under which the malfunction was first determined.

Anytime the MIL is illuminated, a DTC is stored. The DTC can self erase only after the MIL has been extinguished. Once the MIL is extinguished, the PCM must pass the diagnostic test for the most recent DTC for 40 warm-up cycles (80 warm-up cycles for the Fuel System Monitor and the Misfire Monitor). A warm-up cycle can best be described by the following

The engine must be running
A rise of 40°F in engine temperature must occur from the time when the engine was started
Engine coolant temperature must crossover 160°F
A "driving cycle" that consists of engine start up and engine shut off.

Once the above conditions occur, the PCM is considered to have passed a warm-up cycle. Due to the conditions required to extinguish the MIL and erase the DTC, it is most important that after a repair has been made, all DTC's be erased and the repair verified by running 1-good trip.

COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENTS

Along with the major monitors, OBD II requires that the diagnostic system monitor any component that could affect emissions levels. In many cases, these components were being tested under OBD I. The OBD I requirements focused mainly on testing emissions-related components for electrical opens and shorts.

However, OBD II also requires that inputs from powertrain components to the PCM be tested for rationality , and that outputs to powertrain components from the PCM be tested for functionality . Methods for monitoring the various Comprehensive Component monitoring include

Circuit Continuity Open Shorted high Shorted to ground
Rationality or Proper Functioning Inputs tested for rationality Outputs tested for functionality

Note. Comprehensive component monitors are continuous. Therefore, enabling conditions do not apply. All will set a DTC and illuminate the MIL in 1- trip.

Input Rationality- While input signals to the PCM are constantly being monitored for electrical opens and shorts, they are also tested for rationality. This means that the input signal is compared against other inputs and information to see if it makes sense under the current conditions.

PCM sensor inputs that are checked for rationality include

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
Oxygen Sensor (O2S) (slow response)
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
Vehicle Speed Sensor
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor
Ambient/Battery Temperature Sensors
Power Steering Switch
Oxygen Sensor Heater
Engine Controller
Brake Switch
Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD)
P/N Switch
Trans Controls

Output Functionality- PCM outputs are tested for functionality in addition to testing for opens and shorts. When the PCM provides a voltage to an output component, it can verify that the command was carried out by monitoring specific input signals for expected changes. For example, when the PCM commands the Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor to a specific position under certain operating conditions, it expects to see a specific (target) idle speed (RPM). If it does not, it stores a DTC.

PCM outputs monitored for functionality include

Fuel Injectors
Ignition Coils
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
Idle Air Control
Purge Solenoid
EGR Solenoid
Radiator Fan Control
Trans Controls

OXYGEN SENSOR (O2S) MONITOR

DESCRIPTION- Effective control of exhaust emissions is achieved by an oxygen feedback system. The most important element of the feedback system is the O2S. The O2S is located in the exhaust path. Once it reaches operating temperature 300° to 350°C (572° to 662°F), the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. When there is a large amount of oxygen in the exhaust caused by a lean condition, misfire or exhaust leak, the sensor produces a low voltage, below 450 mV. When the oxygen content is lower, caused by a rich condition, the sensor produces a higher voltage, above 450mV.

The information obtained by the sensor is used to calculate the fuel injector pulse width. The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.

The O2S is also the main sensing element for the EGR, Catalyst and Fuel Monitors, and purge.

The O2S may fail in any or all of the following manners

Slow response rate (Big Slope)
Reduced output voltage (Half Cycle)
Heater Performance

Slow Response Rate (Big Slope)- Response rate is the time required for the sensor to switch from lean to rich signal output once it is exposed to a richer than optimum A/F mixture or vice versa. As the PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio, the sensor must be able to rapidly detect the change. As the sensor ages, it could take longer to detect the changes in the oxygen content of the exhaust gas. The rate of change that an oxygen sensor experiences is called 'Big Slope'. The PCM checks the oxygen sensor voltage in increments of a few milliseconds.

Reduced Output Voltage (Half Cycle)- The output voltage of the O2S ranges from 0 to 1 volt. A good sensor can easily generate any output voltage in this range as it is exposed to different concentrations of oxygen. To detect a shift in the A/F mixture (lean or rich), the output voltage has to change beyond a threshold value. A malfunctioning sensor could have difficulty changing beyond the threshold value. Many times the condition is only temporary and the sensor will recover. Under normal conditions the voltage signal surpasses the threshold, and a counter is incremented by one. This is called the Half Cycle Counter.

Heater Performance- The heater is tested by a separate monitor. Refer to the OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR .

OPERATION- As the Oxygen Sensor signal switches, the PCM monitors the half cycle and big slope signals from the oxygen sensor. If during the test neither counter reaches a predetermined value, a malfunction is entered and a Freeze Frame is stored. Only one counter reaching its predetermined value is needed for the monitor to pass.

The Oxygen Sensor Signal Monitor is a two trip monitor that is tested only once per trip. When the Oxygen Sensor fails the test in two consecutive trips, the MIL is illuminated and a DTC is set. The MIL is extinguished when the Oxygen Sensor monitor passes in three consecutive trips. The DTC is erased from memory after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without test failure.

Enabling Conditions- The following conditions must typically be met for the PCM to run the oxygen sensor monitor

Battery voltage
Engine temperature
Engine run time
Engine run time at a predetermined speed
Engine run time at a predetermined speed and throttle opening
Transmission in gear (automatic only)
Fuel system in Closed Loop
Long Term Adaptive (within parameters)
Power Steering Switch in low PSI (no load)
Engine at idle
Fuel level above 15%
Ambient air temperature
Barometric pressure
Engine RPM within acceptable range of desired idle
Closed throttle speed

Pending Conditions- The Task Manager typically does not run the Oxygen Sensor Signal Monitor if overlapping monitors are running or the MIL is illuminated for any of the following

Misfire Monitor
Front Oxygen Sensor and Heater Monitor
MAP Sensor
Vehicle Speed Sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Throttle Position Sensor
Engine Controller Self Test Faults
Cam or Crank Sensor
Injector and Coil
Idle Air Control Motor
EVAP Electrical
EGR Solenoid Electrical
Intake Air Temperature
5 Volt Feed

Conflict- The Task Manager does not run the Oxygen Sensor Monitor if any of the following conditions are present

A/C ON (A/C clutch cycling temporarily suspends monitor)
Purge flow in progress
Ethenal content learn is taking place and the ethenal used once flag is set

Suspend- The Task Manager suspends maturing a fault for the Oxygen Sensor Monitor if an of the following are present

Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor, Priority 1
Misfire Monitor, Priority 2

OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR (NGC)

DESCRIPTION- If the Oxygen sensor (O2S) DTC as well as a O2S heater DTC is present, the O2S Heater DTC MUST be repaired first. After the O2S Heater is repaired, verify that the sensor circuit is operating correctly.

The voltage reading taken from the O2S are very temperature sensitive. The readings taken from the O2S are not accurate below 300 degrees C. Heating the O2S is done to allow the engine controller to shift to closed loop control as soon as possible. The heating element used to heat the O2S must be tested to ensure that it is heating the sensor properly. Starting with the introduction on the NGC module the strategy for checking the heater circuit has changed. The heater resistance is checked by the NGC almost immediately after the engine is started. The same O2S heater return pin used to read the heater resistance is capable of detecting an open circuit, a shorted high or shorted low condition.

OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR (SBEC)

DESCRIPTION- If there is an oxygen sensor (O2S) DTC as well as a O2S heater DTC, the O2S heater fault MUST be repaired first. After the O2S fault is repaired, verify that the heater circuit is operating correctly.

The voltage readings taken from the O2S are very temperature sensitive. The readings are not accurate below 300°C. Heating of the O2S is done to allow the engine controller to shift to closed loop control as soon as possible. The heating element used to heat the O2S must be tested to ensure that it is heating the sensor properly.

The heater element itself is not tested directly. The sensor output is used to test the heater by isolating the effect of the heater element on the O2S output voltage from the other effects. The resistance is normally between 100 ohms and 4.5 megohms. When oxygen sensor temperature increases, the resistance in the internal circuit decreases. The PCM sends a 5 volts biased signal through the oxygen sensors to ground this monitoring circuit. As the temperature increases, resistance decreases and the PCM detects a lower voltage at the reference signal. Inversely, as the temperature decreases, the resistance increases and the PCM detects a higher voltage at the reference signal. The O2S circuit is monitored for a drop in voltage.

OPERATION- The Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor begins after the ignition has been turned OFF and the O2 sensors have cooled. The PCM sends a 5 volt bias to the oxygen sensor every 1.6 seconds. The PCM keeps it biased for 35 ms each time. As the sensor cools down, the resistance increases and the PCM reads the increase in voltage. Once voltage has increased to a predetermined amount, higher than when the test started, the oxygen sensor is cool enough to test heater operation.

When the oxygen sensor is cool enough, the PCM energizes the ASD relay. Voltage to the O2 sensor begins to increase the temperature. As the sensor temperature increases, the internal resistance decreases. The PCM continues biasing the 5 volt signal to the sensor. Each time the signal is biased, the PCM reads a voltage decrease. When the PCM detects a voltage decrease of a predetermined value for several biased pulses, the test passes.

The heater elements are tested each time the engine is turned OFF if all the enabling conditions are met. If the monitor fails, the PCM stores a maturing fault and a Freeze Frame is entered. If two consecutive tests fail, a DTC is stored. Because the ignition is OFF, the MIL is illuminated at the beginning of the next key cycle, after the 2nd failure.

Enabling Conditions- The following conditions must be met for the PCM to run the oxygen sensor heater test

Engine run time of at least 5.1 minutes
Key OFF power down
Battery voltage of at least 10 volts
Sufficient Oxygen Sensor cool down

Pending Conditions- There are not conditions or situations that prompt conflict or suspension of testing. The oxygen sensor heater test is not run pending resolution of MIL illumination due to oxygen sensor failure.

Suspend- There are no conditions which exist for suspending the Heater Monitor.

CATALYST MONITOR

To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These converters reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a catalyst to decay. A meltdown of the ceramic core can cause a reduction of the exhaust passage. This can increase vehicle emissions and deteriorate engine performance, driveability and fuel economy.

The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors (O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The dual O2S strategy is based on the fact that as a catalyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring the oxygen storage capacity of a catalyst, its efficiency can be indirectly calculated. The upstream O2S is used to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas before the gas enters the catalytic converter. The PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content (lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content of oxygen (rich mixture).

When the upstream O2S detects a high oxygen condition, there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas. A functioning converter would store this oxygen so it can use it for the oxidation of HC and CO. As the converter absorbs the oxygen, there will be a lack of oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of the downstream O2S will indicate limited activity in this condition.

As the converter loses the ability to store oxygen, the condition can be detected from the behavior of the downstream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no chemical reaction takes place. This means the concentration of oxygen will be the same downstream as upstream. The output voltage of the downstream O2S copies the voltage of the upstream sensor. The only difference is a time lag (seen by the PCM) between the switching of the O2S's.

To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich switches of upstream and downstream O2S's is counted. The ratio of downstream switches to upstream switches is used to determine whether the catalyst is operating properly. An effective catalyst will have fewer downstream switches than it has upstream switches i.e, a ratio closer to zero. For a totally ineffective catalyst, this ratio will be one-to-one, indicating that no oxidation occurs in the device.

The system must be monitored so that when catalyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions increase to over the legal limit, the MIL (check engine lamp) will be illuminated.

Monitor Operation- To monitor catalyst efficiency, the PCM expands the rich and lean switch points of the heated oxygen sensor. With extended switch points, the air/fuel mixture runs richer and leaner to overburden the catalytic converter. Once the test is started, the air/fuel mixture runs rich and lean and the O2 switches are counted. A switch is counted when an oxygen sensor signal goes from below the lean threshold to above the rich threshold. The number of Rear O2 sensor switches is divided by the number of Front O2 sensor switches to determine the switching ratio.

The test runs for 20 seconds. As catalyst efficiency deteriorated over the life of the vehicle, the switch rate at the downstream sensor approaches that of the upstream sensor. If at any point during the test period the switch ratio reaches a predetermined value, a counter is incremented by one. The monitor is enabled to run another test during that trip. When the test fails three times, the counter increments to three, a malfunction is entered, and a Freeze Frame is stored. When the counter increments to three during the next trip, the code is matured and the MIL is illuminated. If the test passes the first, no further testing is conducted during that trip.

The MIL is extinguished after three consecutive good trips. The good trip criteria for the catalyst monitor is more stringent than the failure criteria. In order to pass the test and increment one good trip, the downstream sensor switch rate must be less than 80% of the upstream rate (60% for manual transmissions). The failure percentages are 90% and 70% respectively.

Enabling Conditions- The following conditions must typically be met before the PCM runs the catalyst monitor. Specific times for each parameter may be different from engine to engine.

Accumulated drive time
Enable time
Ambient air temperature
Barometric pressure
Catalyst warm-up counter
Engine coolant temperature
Accumulated throttle position sensor
Vehicle speed
MAP
RPM
Engine in closed loop
Fuel level

Pending Conditions

Misfire DTC
Front Oxygen Sensor Response
Front Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Front Oxygen Sensor Electrical
Rear Oxygen Sensor Rationality (middle check)
Rear Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Rear Oxygen Sensor Electrical
Fuel System Monitor
All TPS faults
All MAP faults
All ECT sensor faults
Purge flow solenoid functionality
Purge flow solenoid electrical
All PCM self test faults
All CMP and CKP sensor faults
All injector and ignition electrical faults
Idle Air Control (IAC) motor functionality
Vehicle Speed Sensor
Brake switch
Intake air temperature

Conflict- The catalyst monitor does not run if any of the following are conditions are present

EGR Monitor in progress
Fuel system rich intrusive test in progress
EVAP Monitor in progress
Time since start is less than 60 seconds
Low fuel level
Low ambient air temperature
Ethanel content learn is taking place and the ethenal used once flag is set

Suspend- The Task Manager does not mature a catalyst fault if any of the following are present

Oxygen Sensor Monitor, Priority 1
Upstream Oxygen Sensor Heater, Priority 1
EGR Monitor, Priority 1
EVAP Monitor, Priority 1
Fuel System Monitor, Priority 2
Misfire Monitor, Priority 2

NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS

The PCM does not monitor all circuits, systems and conditions that could have malfunctions causing driveability problems. However, problems with these systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trouble codes for other systems or components. For example, a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault directly, but could cause a rich/lean condition or misfire. This could cause the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or misfire diagnostic trouble code.

The major non-monitored circuits are listed below along with examples of failures modes that do not directly cause the PCM to set a DTC, but for a system that is monitored.

FUEL PRESSURE

The fuel pressure regulator controls fuel system pressure. The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel pump inlet filter, clogged in-line fuel filter, or a pinched fuel supply or return line. However, these could result in a rich or lean condition causing the PCM to store an oxygen sensor, fuel system, or misfire diagnostic trouble code.

SECONDARY IGNITION CIRCUIT

The PCM cannot detect an inoperative ignition coil, fouled or worn spark plugs, ignition cross firing, or open spark plug cables. The misfire will however, increase the oxygen content in the exhaust, deceiving the PCM in to thinking the fuel system is too lean. Also see misfire detection. There are DTC's that can detect misfire and Ionization shorts in the secondary ignition circuit, refer to the POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES article for more information

CYLINDER COMPRESSION

The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression. Low compression lowers O2 content in the exhaust. Leading to fuel system, oxygen sensor, or misfire detection fault.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or leaking exhaust system. It may set a EGR (if equipped) or Fuel system or O2S fault.

FUEL INJECTOR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS

The PCM cannot determine if a fuel injector is clogged, the needle is sticking or if the wrong injector is installed. However, these could result in a rich or lean condition causing the PCM to store a diagnostic trouble code for either misfire, an oxygen sensor, or the fuel system.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION

Although the PCM monitors engine exhaust oxygen content when the system is in closed loop, it cannot determine excessive oil consumption.

THROTTLE BODY AIR FLOW

The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air cleaner inlet or filter element.

VACUUM ASSIST

The PCM cannot detect leaks or restrictions in the vacuum circuits of vacuum assisted engine control system devices. However, these could cause the PCM to store a MAP sensor diagnostic trouble code and cause a high idle condition.

PCM SYSTEM GROUND

The PCM cannot determine a poor system ground. However, one or more diagnostic trouble codes may be generated as a result of this condition. The module should be mounted to the body at all times, including when diagnostics are performed.

PCM CONNECTOR ENGAGEMENT

The PCM may not be able to determine spread or damaged connector pins. However, it might store diagnostic trouble codes as a result of spread connector pins.

Effective control of exhaust emissions is achieved by an oxygen feedback system. The most important element of the feedback system is the O2S. The O2S is located in the exhaust path. Once it reaches operating temperatures of 300° to 350°C (572° to 662°F), the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. The information obtained by the sensor is used to calculate the fuel injector pulse width. The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.

The O2S is also the main sensing element for the EGR (if equipped), Catalyst and Fuel Monitors.

The O2S may fail in any or all of the following manners

Slow response rate
Reduced output voltage
Dynamic shift
Shorted or open circuits

Response rate is the time required for the sensor to switch from lean to rich once it is exposed to a richer than optimum A/F mixture or vice versa. As the sensor starts malfunctioning, it could take longer to detect the changes in the oxygen content of the exhaust gas.

The output voltage of the O2S ranges from 0 to 1 volt (voltages are offset by 2.5 volts on NGC vehicles). A good sensor can easily generate any output voltage in this range as it is exposed to different concentrations of oxygen. To detect a shift in the A/F mixture (lean or rich), the output voltage has to change beyond a threshold value. A malfunctioning sensor could have difficulty changing beyond the threshold value.

OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR

If there is an oxygen sensor (O2S) DTC as well as a O2S heater DTC, the O2S heater fault MUST be repaired first. After the O2S fault is repaired, verify that the heater circuit is operating correctly.

Effective control of exhaust emissions is achieved by an oxygen feedback system. The most important element of the feedback system is the O2S. The O2S is located in the exhaust path. Once it reaches operating temperatures of 300° to 350°C (572° to 662°F), the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. The information obtained by the sensor is used to calculate the fuel injector pulse width. This maintains a 14.7 to 1 Air Fuel (A/F) ratio. At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.

The O2S circuit is monitored for a drop in voltage. The sensor output is used to test the heater by isolating the effect of the heater element on the O2S output voltage from the other effects.

EGR MONITOR (if equipped)

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) performs an on-board diagnostic check of the EGR system.

The EGR monitor is used to test whether the EGR system is operating within specifications. The diagnostic check activates only during selected engine/driving conditions. When the conditions are met, the EGR is turned off (solenoid energized) and the O2S compensation control is monitored. Turning off the EGR shifts the air fuel (A/F) ratio in the lean direction. The O2S data should indicate an increase in the O2 concentration in the combustion chamber when the exhaust gases are no longer recirculated. While this test does not directly measure the operation of the EGR system, it can be inferred from the shift in the O2S data whether the EGR system is operating correctly. Because the O2S is being used, the O2S test must pass its test before the EGR test. Also looks at EGR linear potentiometer for feedback.

MISFIRE MONITOR

Excessive engine misfire results in increased catalyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emissions. Severe misfires could cause catalyst damage. To prevent catalytic convertor damage, the PCM monitors engine misfire.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors for misfire during most engine operating conditions (positive torque) by looking at changes in the crankshaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speed of the crankshaft will vary more than normal.

FUEL SYSTEM MONITOR

To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These converters reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best when the air fuel (A/F) ratio is at or near the optimum of 14.7 to 1.

The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. This is done by making short term corrections in the fuel injector pulse width based on the O2S output. The programmed memory acts as a self calibration tool that the engine controller uses to compensate for variations in engine specifications, sensor tolerances and engine fatigue over the life span of the engine. By monitoring the actual air-fuel ratio with the O2S (short term) and multiplying that with the program long-term (adaptive) memory and comparing that to the limit, it can be determined whether it will pass an emissions test. If a malfunction occurs such that the PCM cannot maintain the optimum A/F ratio, then the MIL will be illuminated.

To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These converters reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors (O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The dual O2S's strategy is based on the fact that as a catalyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring the oxygen storage capacity of a catalyst, its efficiency can be indirectly calculated. The upstream O2S is used to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas before the gas enters the catalytic converter. The PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content (lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content of oxygen (rich mixture).

When the upstream O2S detects a lean condition, there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas. A functioning converter would store this oxygen so it can use it for the oxidation of HC and CO. As the converter absorbs the oxygen, there will be a lack of oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of the downstream O2S will indicate limited activity in this condition.

The system must be monitored so that when catalyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions increase to over the legal limit, the MIL (Check Engine lamp) will be illuminated.

NATURAL VACUUM LEAK DETECTION (NVLD) (if equipped)

The Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) system is the next generation evaporative leak detection system that will first be used on vehicles equipped with the Next Generation Controller (NGC). This new system replaces the leak detection pump as the method of evaporative system leak detection. This is to detect a leak equivalent to a 0.020" (0.5 mm) hole. This system has the capability to detect holes of this size very dependably.

The basic leak detection theory employed with NVLD is the "Gas Law". This is to say that the pressure in a sealed vessel will change if the temperature of the gas in the vessel changes. The vessel will only see this effect if it is indeed sealed. Even small leaks will allow the pressure in the vessel to come to equilibrium with the ambient pressure. In addition to the detection of very small leaks, this system has the capability of detecting medium as well as large evaporative system leaks.

The NVLD seals the canister vent during engine off conditions. If the EVAP system has a leak of less than the failure threshold, the evaporative system will be pulled into a vacuum, either due to the cool down from operating temperature or diurnal ambient temperature cycling. The diurnal effect is considered one of the primary contributors to the leak determination by this diagnostic. When the vacuum in the system exceeds about 1" H2O (0.25 KPA), a vacuum switch closes. The switch closure sends a signal to the NGC. The NGC, via appropriate logic strategies (described below), utilizes the switch signal, or lack thereof, to make a determination of whether a leak is present.

The NVLD device is designed with a normally open vacuum switch, a normally closed solenoid, and a seal, which is actuated by both the solenoid and a diaphragm. The NVLD is located on the atmospheric vent side of the canister. The NVLD assembly may be mounted on top of the canister outlet, or in-line between the canister and atmospheric vent filter. The normally open vacuum switch will close with about 1" H2O (0.25 KPA) vacuum in the evaporative system. The diaphragm actuates the switch. This is above the opening point of the fuel inlet check valve in the fill tube so cap off leaks can be detected. Submerged fill systems must have recirculation lines that do not have the in-line normally closed check valve that protects the system from failed nozzle liquid ingestion, in order to detect cap off conditions.

The normally closed valve in the NVLD is intended to maintain the seal on the evaporative system during the engine off condition. If vacuum in the evaporative system exceeds 3" to 6" H2O (0.75 to 1.5 KPA), the valve will be pulled off the seat, opening the seal. This will protect the system from excessive vacuum as well as allowing sufficient purge flow in the event that the solenoid was to become inoperative.

The solenoid actuates the valve to unseal the canister vent while the engine is running. It also will be used to close the vent during the medium and large leak tests and during the purge flow check. This solenoid requires initial 1.5 amps of current to pull the valve open but after 100 ms. will be duty cycled down to an average of about 150 mA for the remainder of the drive cycle.

Another feature in the device is a diaphragm that will open the seal in the NVLD with pressure in the evaporative system. The device will "blow off" at about 0.5" H2O (0.12 KPA) pressure to permit the venting of vapors during refueling. An added benefit to this is that it will also allow the tank to "breathe" during increasing temperatures, thus limiting the pressure in the tank to this low level. This is beneficial because the induced vacuum during a subsequent declining temperature will achieve the switch closed (pass threshold) sooner than if the tank had to decay from a built up pressure.

The device itself has 3 wires: Switch sense, solenoid driver and ground. It also includes a resistor to protect the switch from a short to battery or a short to ground. The NGC utilizes a high-side driver to energize and duty-cycle the solenoid.

HIGH AND LOW LIMITS

The PCM compares input signal voltages from each input device with established high and low limits for the device. If the input voltage is not within limits and other criteria are met, the PCM stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory. Other diagnostic trouble code criteria might include engine RPM limits or input voltages from other sensors or switches that must be present before verifying a diagnostic trouble code condition.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors many different circuits in the fuel injection, ignition, emission and engine systems. If the PCM senses a problem with a monitored circuit often enough to indicate an actual problem, it stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM's memory. If the code applies to a non-emissions related component or system, and the problem is repaired or ceases to exist, the PCM cancels the code after 40 warmup cycles. Diagnostic trouble codes that affect vehicle emissions illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). Refer to MIL ILLUMINATION .

Certain criteria must be met before the PCM stores a DTC in memory. The criteria may be a specific range of engine RPM, engine temperature, and/or input voltage to the PCM.

The PCM might not store a DTC for a monitored circuit even though a malfunction has occurred. This may happen because one of the DTC criteria for the circuit has not been met. For example , assume the diagnostic trouble code criteria requires the PCM to monitor the circuit only when the engine operates between 750 and 2000 RPM. Suppose the sensor's output circuit shorts to ground when engine operates above 2400 RPM (resulting in 0 volt input to the PCM). Because the condition happens at an engine speed above the maximum threshold (2000 RPM), the PCM will not store a DTC.

There are several operating conditions for which the PCM monitors and sets DTC's. Refer to DESCRIPTION - MONITORED SYSTEMS , COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENTS and NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS .

Note. Various diagnostic procedures may actually cause a diagnostic monitor to set a DTC. For instance, pulling a spark plug wire to perform a spark test may set the misfire code. When a repair is completed and verified, use the scan tool to erase all DTC's and extinguish the MIL.

Technicians can display stored DTC's. For obtaining the DTC information, use the Data Link Connector with the scan tool. (Scheme 25)

Scheme 25

Scheme 25: SYSTEM

Purge Free Cells

Purge-free memory cells are used to identify the fuel vapor content of the evaporative canister. Since the evaporative canister is not purged 100% of the time, the PCM stores information about the evaporative canister's vapor content in a memory cell.

The purge-free cells are constructed similar to certain purge-normal cells. The purge-free cells can be monitored by the DRB III® Scan Tool. The only difference between the purge-free cells and normal adaptive cells is that in purge-free, the purge is completely turned off. This gives the PCM the ability to compare purge and purge-free operation.

MIL Illumination

The PCM Task Manager carries out the illumination of the MIL. The Task Manager triggers MIL illumination upon test failure, depending on monitor failure criteria.

The Task Manager Screen shows both a Requested MIL state and an Actual MIL state. When the MIL is illuminated upon completion of a test for a good trip, the Requested MIL state changes to OFF. However, the MIL remains illuminated until the next key cycle. (On some vehicles, the MIL will actually turn OFF during the third good trip) During the key cycle for the third good trip, the Requested MIL state is OFF, while the Actual MIL state is ON. After the next key cycle, the MIL is not illuminated and both MIL states read OFF.

Trip Indicator

The Trip is essential for running monitors and extinguishing the MIL. In OBD II terms, a trip is a set of vehicle operating conditions that must be met for a specific monitor to run. All trips begin with a key cycle.

Good Trip

The Good Trip counters are as follows

Global Good Trip
Fuel System Good Trip
Misfire Good Trip
Alternate Good Trip (appears as a Global Good Trip on scan tool) Comprehensive Components Major Monitor
Warm-Up Cycles

Global Good Trip

To increment a Global Good Trip, the Oxygen sensor and Catalyst efficiency monitors must have run and passed, and 2 minutes of engine run time.

Fuel System Good Trip

To count a good trip (three required) and turn off the MIL, the following conditions must occur

Engine in closed loop
Operating in Similar Conditions Window
Short Term multiplied by Long Term less than threshold
Less than threshold for a predetermined time

If all of the previous criteria are met, the PCM will count a good trip (three required) and turn off the MIL.

Misfire Good Trip

If the following conditions are met the PCM will count one good trip (three required) in order to turn off the MIL

Operating in Similar Condition Window
1000 engine revolutions with no misfire

Alternate Good Trip

Alternate Good Trips are used in place of Global Good Trips for Comprehensive Components and Major Monitors. If the Task Manager cannot run a Global Good Trip because a component fault is stopping the monitor from running, it will attempt to count an Alternate Good Trip.

The Task Manager counts an Alternate Good Trip for Comprehensive components when the following conditions are met

Two minutes of engine run time, idle or driving
No other faults occur

The Task Manager counts an Alternate Good Trip for a Major Monitor when the monitor runs and passes. Only the Major Monitor that failed needs to pass to count an Alternate Good Trip.

Warm-Up Cycles

Once the MIL has been extinguished by the Good Trip Counter, the PCM automatically switches to a Warm-Up Cycle Counter that can be viewed on the scan tool. Warm-Up Cycles are used to erase DTCs and Freeze Frames. Forty Warm-Up cycles must occur in order for the PCM to self-erase a DTC and Freeze Frame. A Warm-Up Cycle is defined as follows

Engine coolant temperature must start below and rise above 160° F
Engine coolant temperature must rise by 40° F
No further faults occur

Freeze Frame Data Storage

Once a failure occurs, the Task Manager records several engine operating conditions and stores it in a Freeze Frame. The Freeze Frame is considered one frame of information taken by an on-board data recorder. When a fault occurs, the PCM stores the input data from various sensors so that technicians can determine under what vehicle operating conditions the failure occurred.

The data stored in Freeze Frame is usually recorded when a system fails the first time for two trip faults. Freeze Frame data will only be overwritten by a different fault with a higher priority.

CAUTION

Erasing DTCs, either with the scan tool; or by disconnecting the battery, also clears all Freeze Frame data.

Similar Conditions Window

The Similar Conditions Window displays information about engine operation during a monitor. Absolute MAP (engine load) and Engine RPM are stored in this window when a failure occurs. There are two different Similar conditions Windows: Fuel System and Misfire.

FUEL SYSTEM

Fuel System Similar Conditions Window - An indicator that 'Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys Fail' and 'RPM When Fuel Sys Failed' are all in the same range when the failure occurred. Indicated by switching from 'NO' to 'YES'.
Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys Fail - The stored MAP reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what engine load the failure occurred.
Absolute MAP - A live reading of engine load to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
RPM When Fuel Sys Fail - The stored RPM reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what engine RPM the failure occurred.
Engine RPM - A live reading of engine RPM to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
Adaptive Memory Factor - The PCM utilizes both Short Term Compensation and Long Term Adaptive to calculate the Adaptive Memory Factor for total fuel correction.
Upstream O2S Volts - A live reading of the Oxygen Sensor to indicate its performance. For example, stuck lean, stuck rich, etc.
SCW Time in Window (Similar Conditions Window Time in Window) - A timer used by the PCM that indicates that, after all Similar Conditions have been met, if there has been enough good engine running time in the SCW without failure detected. This timer is used to increment a Good Trip.
Fuel System Good Trip Counter - A Trip Counter used to turn OFF the MIL for Fuel System DTCs. To increment a Fuel System Good Trip, the engine must be in the Similar Conditions Window, Adaptive Memory Factor must be less than calibrated threshold and the Adaptive Memory Factor must stay below that threshold for a calibrated amount of time.
Test Done This Trip - Indicates that the monitor has already been run and completed during the current trip.

MISFIRE

Same Misfire Warm-Up State - Indicates if the misfire occurred when the engine was warmed up (above 160° F).
In Similar Misfire Window - An indicator that 'Absolute MAP When Misfire Occurred' and 'RPM When Misfire Occurred' are all in the same range when the failure occurred. Indicated by switching from 'NO' to 'YES'.
Absolute MAP When Misfire Occurred - The stored MAP reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what engine load the failure occurred.
Absolute MAP - A live reading of engine load to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
RPM When Misfire Occurred - The stored RPM reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what engine RPM the failure occurred.
Engine RPM - A live reading of engine RPM to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
Adaptive Memory Factor - The PCM utilizes both Short Term Compensation and Long Term Adaptive to calculate the Adaptive Memory Factor for total fuel correction.
200 Rev Counter - Counts 0-100 720 degree cycles.
SCW Cat 200 Rev Counter - Counts when in similar conditions.
SCW FTP 1000 Rev Counter - Counts 0-4 when in similar conditions.
Misfire Good Trip Counter - Counts up to three to turn OFF the MIL.

Emissions Control System: Other Dodge Caravan IV