OPERATION
The switch inputs to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) have two recognized states; HIGH and LOW. For this reason, the PCM cannot recognize the difference between a selected switch position versus an open circuit, a short circuit, or a defective switch. If the State Display screen shows the change from HIGH to LOW or LOW to HIGH, assume the entire switch circuit to the PCM functions properly. From the state display screen, access either State Display Inputs and Outputs or State Display Sensors.
DESCRIPTION
The EGR valve consists of three major components. First there is the pintle, valve seat, and housing which contains and regulates the gas flow. Second there is the armature, return spring, and solenoid coil to provide the operating force to regulate the flow by changing the pintle position. The solenoid coil assembly is in parallel with a diode and connects to the two connectors in the connector assembly. The third major component which senses pintle position and is connected to the three connectors in the electrical connector.
The exhaust gas recirculation flow is determined by the engine controller. For a given set of conditions, the engine controller knows the ideal exhaust gas recirculation flow to optimize NOx and fuel economy as a function of the pintle position. Pintle position is obtained from the position sensor. The engine controller adjusts the duty cycle of 128 Hz power supplied to the solenoid coil to obtain the correct position.
The EGR back pressure sensor is located in the exhaust stream next to the EGR valve. The sensor determines the exhaust pressure before the catalytic converter. The ECM uses the EGR back pressure sensor for engine protection and exhaust gas turbocharger protection.
The exhaust gas effects a sensor membrane that acts against a potentiometer internal to the sensor. The potentiometer changes the resistance value and thus influences the signal voltage of the sensor.
The PCM is responsible for efficiently coordinating the operation of all the emissions-related components. The PCM is also responsible for determining if the diagnostic systems are operating properly. The software designed to carry out these responsibilities is call the "Task Manager".
The Task Manager determines when tests happen and when functions occur. Many of the diagnostic steps required by OBD II must be performed under specific operating conditions. The Task Manager software organizes and prioritizes the diagnostic procedures. The job of the Task Manager is to determine if conditions are appropriate for tests to be run, monitor the parameters for a trip for each test, and record the results of the test. Following are the responsibilities of the Task Manager software
- Test Sequence
- MIL Illumination
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- Trip Indicator
- Freeze Frame Data Storage
- Similar Conditions Window