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Deceleration Control System Ford Cab & Chassis Ranger

Testing & Diagnostics 1 illustration ~1095 words

DESCRIPTION

Decel throttle control (modulator) system keeps throttle valves open slightly during sudden deceleration to help reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.

System consists of governor module or speed sensor, ported vacuum switch (some models), solenoid vacuum valve, throttle positioner (modulator) on throttle linkage, electrical wiring and vacuum hoses. (Scheme 62)

Some systems also utilize vacuum switch that notifies module or speed sensor when manifold vacuum is at predetermined level. System is electrically connected to ignition switch and to "TACH" terminal of ignition coil.

OPERATION

Manifold vacuum is routed through solenoid vacuum valve, which is normally closed, to vacuum throttle positioner (modulator).

Schematic of Ford Decel Throttle Control System Components indicated with dotted lines may not be found on all models. Scheme 62

Scheme 62: Schematic of Ford Decel Throttle Control System Components indicated with dotted lines may not be found on all models.
Scheme 62: Schematic of Ford Decel Throttle Control System Components indicated with dotted lines may not be found on all models.

Power is available to solenoid vacuum valve through an electronic sensor, but sensor ground circuit is open. When engine speed is higher than predetermined RPM setting, signal is sent to solenoid, which allows manifold vacuum to activate throttle positioner.

Note. On some models, vacuum switch notifies sensor when manifold vacuum reaches predetermined value. Sensor then signals solenoid to activate throttle positioner (modulator).

Vacuum pulls throttle positioner diaphragm, which pushes throttle to high idle position, during deceleration.

ADJUSTMENT

Note. This adjustment is to be performed when replacing components found defective during "Testing" sequence.

  1. With engine at normal operating temperature, set transmission in Neutral (all transmissions).
  2. Adjust carburetor to specified curb idle speed. On Auto. Trans. vehicles, this will be set to 150 RPM higher than specified curb idle speed (which is set with transmission in "D"), although transmission will remain in neutral. This is to keep minimum load on engine.
  3. Disconnect system vacuum hose from throttle positioner diaphragm, and plug hose. Using "slave" hose, connect manifold vacuum source to diaphragm.
  4. Allow one minute for engine speed to stabilize. If engine speed is within specifications, modulator is properly set. Go to step 7).
  5. If RPM was not within specification, adjust throttle positioner by loosening lock nut and turning it until speed is within limits. Retighten lock nut. NOTE: On Carter 1-barrel carburetors, avoid damage to diaphragm by holding diaphragm shaft with 1/4" wrench while turning adjusting screw with 3/8" wrench.
  6. Detach manifold vacuum hose from positioner diaphragm, and allow engine to return to idle condition. Repeat procedure from step 2) as required until proper function occurs.
  7. Disconnect manifold vacuum hose from positioner diaphragm and allow engine to return to normal idle. Remove plug from original hose and reconnect it to throttle positioner fitting.
  8. On Auto. Trans. vehicles, reset idle to specifications with transmission in "D". On all vehicles, stop engine. Install air cleaner assembly.

PRE-TEST SET-UP

  1. If vehicle is equipped with vacuum delay valves, test for proper operation as instructed in FORD VACUUM DELAY VALVE article.
  2. All tests should be made with engine at operating temperature and all accessories off. Remove air cleaner and plug vacuum line. Check primary and secondary throttle linkage and choke linkage for freedom of movement. Connect tachometer to engine.

SYSTEM QUICK CHECK

  1. With engine at idle, accelerate to 2000 RPM or more, then let it return to idle. Manifold vacuum should exceed 20.6 in. Hg since system includes a vacuum solenoid valve.
  2. If vacuum diaphragm plunger extends and retracts, system is functioning properly. If not, continue with tests in sequence given.

THROTTLE POSITIONER (MODULATOR) DIAPHRAGM CHECK

  1. Disconnect vacuum line from diaphragm. Connect external vacuum source to diaphragm. Apply and trap 19 in. Hg.
  2. If diaphragm does not respond, or will not hold vacuum, replace diaphragm. If diaphragm responds and holds vacuum, proceed with testing.
  3. Remove external vacuum source. If diaphragm does not return within 5 seconds, replace defective diaphragm. Reconnect vacuum line. If diaphragm returns in 5 seconds, it is not at fault.

PORTED VACUUM SWITCH (PVS) TEST

Note. This switch may not be found on all models.

  1. Disconnect hose from PVS to solenoid vacuum valve, and connect external vacuum source.
  2. Start engine and let it idle long enough to reach normal operating temperature. At normal temperature, there should be vacuum indicated on gauge.
  3. If no vacuum is present, check vacuum hose for leaks. If hose is not leaking, replace PVS. Reconnect vacuum line.

VACUUM SOLENOID VALVE TEST

  1. With engine at normal operating temperature, engine idling and transmission in Neutral, make sure choke plate is fully open.
  2. Turn off air conditioner, power take-off (if equipped) and all accessories. Disconnect vacuum supply hose at solenoid valve and check for vacuum. If no vacuum is present, clean or replace hose as required.
  3. If vacuum delay valve is used, remove valve and install straight connector. Disconnect wires to solenoid valve. With jumper wire, apply battery voltage to one of the solenoid terminals. Engine speed should not increase. If it does, replace solenoid valve.
  4. With battery voltage on one terminal, use second jumper wire to ground other terminal of the valve. Engine speed should increase, if not, replace valve.
  5. Remove ground jumper wire. Engine should return to idle within 15 seconds. If not, replace solenoid valve.

VACUUM SENSING SWITCH TEST

  1. On models with vacuum sensing switch, check continuity between terminals while applying vacuum of less than 19.4 in. Hg.
  2. If switch shows continuity (switch closed), replace switch. If not, apply more than 20.6 in. Hg to switch and recheck continuity. If no continuity now exists, replace switch.

Note. Between 19.4 and 20.6 in. Hg, switch may be either open or closed.

ELECTRONIC SPEED SENSOR MODULE TEST

  1. Number harness terminals from 1 to 6 (or 8), starting with terminal 1 nearest the locator key. With ignition on, connect negative voltmeter lead to ground and touch positive lead, in turn, to terminals 1, 4, and 6. Battery voltage should be indicated at terminals 1 and 4. Terminal 6 should be 6-8 volts.
  2. If voltage is less than 6 volts, service harness as necessary. If all tests are satisfactory, and problem still remains, replace electronic speed sensor module.

ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR MODULE CHECK

  1. Check harness as follows: Number harness terminals from 1 to 8, with No. 1 being nearest the locator key.
  2. With engine running, connect tachometer to terminals 1 and 2. Engine RPM should be indicated. Next, turn ignition on. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to terminal 1 and negative lead to terminal 8. Battery voltage should be indicated.
  3. Turn ignition off. Connect one lead of ohmmeter to terminal 4 and other lead to terminal 6. Ohmmeter should read continuity. Repeat same test between terminals 5 and 7. Continuity should again be indicated.
  4. If any terminals fail any tests, repair wiring harness as required. If harness meets all specifications, replace electronic governor module.

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