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Engine Controls - Description & Operation (Except Diesel & Hybrid): Overview Ford Escape I facelift 2

Testing & Diagnostics 5 illustrations ~5163 words

PTO Circuits Description

The three PTO input circuits are PTO mode, PTO engage, and PTO RPM.

The PTO engage circuit is used when the operator is requesting the PCM to check the needed inputs required to initiate the PTO engagement.

The PTO RPM circuit is used when the operator is requesting additional engine RPM for PTO operation.

Overview

The EEC system provides optimum control of the engine and transmission through the enhanced capability of the powertrain control module (PCM). The EEC system also has an on board diagnostics (OBD) monitoring system with features and functions to meet federal regulations on exhaust emissions.

Some vehicle applications use a stand-alone transmission control module (TCM). Even though it is still part of the EEC system, the TCM communicates with the PCM, the antilock brake system (ABS) module, the instrument cluster, and the four-wheel drive (4WD) control modules using the high speed controller area network (CAN) communications network. The TCM incorporates a stand-alone OBD-II system. The TCM independently processes and stores diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), freeze frame data, support PIDs as well as J1979 Mode 09 CALID and calibration verification number. The TCM does not directly illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), but requests the PCM to do so. The TCM is located inside the transmission assembly. It is not repairable, with the exception of reprogramming.

Below is a list of transmissions that use a TCM

  1. AWF21 (FWD) 6-speed automatic transmission
  2. FNR5 (FWD) transmission
  3. F21 (FWD) transmission
  4. ZF 6HP26 (RWD) transmission
  5. ZF 6R (RWD)
  6. 6R60 (RWD)

For additional information on these transmissions and TCM diagnostics, refer to the appropriate, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle article .

The EEC system has two major divisions: hardware and software. The hardware includes the PCM, sensors, switches, actuators, solenoids, and interconnecting terminals. The software in the PCM provides the strategy control for outputs (engine hardware) based on the values of the inputs to the PCM. The EEC hardware and software are discussed.

This section contains detailed descriptions of the operation of the EEC system input sensors and switches, output actuators, solenoids, relays and connector pins (including other power-ground signals). For additional information on the input sensors and output actuators, refer to ENGINE CONTROL COMPONENTS .

The PCM receives information from a variety of sensor and switch inputs. Based on the strategy and calibration stored within the memory chip, the PCM generates the appropriate output. The system is designed to minimize emissions and optimize fuel economy and driveability. The software strategy controls the basic operation of the engine and transmission, provides the OBD strategy, controls the MIL, communicates to the scan tool via the data link connector (DLC), allows for flash electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), provides idle air and fuel trim, and controls failure mode effects management (FMEM).

International Standards Organization (ISO) 14229 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Descriptions

The ISO 14229 is a global, diagnostic communication standard. The ISO 14229 is a set of standard diagnostic messages that can be used to diagnose any vehicle module in use and at the assembly plant.

The ISO 14229 is similar to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2190 diagnostic communication standard that was used by all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for previous communication protocols, like J1850 standard corporate protocol (SCP).

The ISO 14229 changes the way PIDs, DTCs, and output state control (OSC) is processed internally in the PCM and in the scan tool software. Most of the changes are to make data transfer between electronic modules more efficient, and the amount and type of information that is available for each DTC. This information may be helpful in diagnosing driveability concerns.

The catalytic converter and exhaust systems work together to control the release of harmful engine exhaust emissions into the atmosphere. The engine exhaust gas consists mainly of nitrogen (N), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and water (H 2 O). However, it also contains carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NO x ), hydrogen (H), and various unburned hydrocarbons (HCs). The major air pollutants of CO, NO x , and HCs, and their emission into the atmosphere must be controlled.

The exhaust system generally consists of an exhaust manifold, front exhaust pipe, front heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), rear exhaust pipe, catalyst HO2S, a muffler, and an exhaust tailpipe. The catalytic converter is typically installed between the front and rear exhaust pipes. On some vehicle applications, more than one catalyst is used between the front and rear exhaust pipes. Catalytic converter efficiency is monitored by the on board diagnostic (OBD) system strategy in the powertrain control module (PCM). For information on the OBD catalyst monitor, refer to the description for the CATALYST EFFICIENCY MONITOR .

For most vehicles, only two HO2Ss are used in an exhaust stream. The front sensors (HO2S11/HO2S21) before the catalyst are used for primary fuel control while the ones after the catalyst (HO2S12/HO2S22) are used to monitor catalyst efficiency. However, some partial zero emission vehicles (PZEVs) use three HO2Ss. The stream 1 sensor (HO2S11) located before the catalyst is used for primary fuel control, the stream 2 sensor (HO2S12) is used to monitor the light-off catalyst, and the stream 3 sensor (HO2S13) located after the catalyst is used for long term fuel trim control to optimize catalyst efficiency (fore aft oxygen sensor control).

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Overview

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

The EVAP system prevents fuel vapor build-up in the sealed fuel tank. Fuel vapors trapped in the sealed tank are vented through the vapor valve assembly on top of the tank. The vapors leave the valve assembly through a single vapor line and continue to the EVAP canister for storage until the vapors are purged to the engine for burning.

All applications required to meet on board diagnostics (OBD) regulations use the enhanced EVAP system. Some applications also incorporate an on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system. Refer to the appropriate Evaporative Emissions article for vehicle specific information on the description and operation of the evaporative emissions system.

The EGR system controls the oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) emissions. Small amounts of exhaust gases are recirculated back into the combustion chamber to mix with the air/fuel charge. The combustion chamber temperature is reduced, lowering NO x emissions.

The EEGR system uses exhaust gas recirculation to control the NO x emissions just like vacuum operated systems. The only difference is the way in which the exhaust gas is controlled.

The EEGR system consists of an electric motor/EGR valve integrated assembly, a PCM, and connecting wiring. Additionally a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is also required. For additional information on the EGR system components, refer to ENGINE CONTROL COMPONENTS . Operation of the system is as follows

  1. The EEGR system receives signals from the ECT or CHT sensor, TP sensor, MAF sensor, CKP sensor, and the MAP sensor to provide information on engine operating conditions to the PCM. The engine must be warm, stable, and running at a moderate load and RPM before the EEGR system is activated. The PCM deactivates the EEGR during idle, extended wide open throttle (WOT), or whenever a concern is detected in an EEGR component or EGR required input.
  2. The PCM calculates the desired amount of EGR for a given set of engine operating conditions.
  3. The PCM in turn outputs signals telling the EEGR motor to move (advance or retract) a calibrated number of discrete steps. The electric stepper motor directly actuates the EEGR valve, independent of engine vacuum. The EEGR valve is commanded from 0 to 52 discrete steps to get the EGR valve from a fully closed to fully open position. The position of the EGR valve determines the EGR flow.
  4. A MAP sensor is used to measure variations in manifold pressure as exhaust gas recirculation is introduced into the intake manifold. Variations in EGR being used correlate to the MAP signal (increasing EGR increases manifold pressure values).

Scheme 3

Scheme 3

The ESM is an updated differential pressure feedback EGR system. It functions in the same manner as the conventional differential pressure feedback EGR system, however the various system components have been integrated into a single component called the ESM. For additional information on the ESM system components, refer to ENGINE CONTROL COMPONENTS . The flange of the valve portion of the ESM bolts directly to the intake manifold or cold tube with a metal gasket that forms the metering orifice. This arrangement increases system reliability, response time, and system precision. By relocating the EGR orifice from the exhaust to the intake side of the EGR valve, the downstream pressure signal measures MAP. This MAP signal is used for EGR correction and inferred barometric pressure (BARO) at ignition on. The system provides the PCM with a differential pressure feedback EGR signal, identical to a traditional differential pressure feedback EGR system.

First, the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor input circuit is checked for out of range values (DTCs P0405 or P0406). The EGR vacuum regulator output circuit is checked for opens and shorts (DTC P0403).

The EGR system normally has large amounts of water vapor that are the result of the engine combustion process. During cold ambient temperatures, under some circumstances, water vapor can freeze in the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor, hoses, as well as other components in the EGR system. In order to prevent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination for temporary freezing, the following logic is used.

If an EGR system concern is detected below 0°C (32°F), only the EGR system is disabled for the current driving cycle. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is not stored and the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) readiness status for the EGR monitor does not change. The EGR monitor, however, continues to operate. If the EGR monitor determines the concern is no longer present, the EGR system is enabled and normal system operation is restored.

If an EGR system concern is detected above 0°C (32°F), the EGR system and the EGR monitor is disabled for the current driving cycle. A DTC is stored and the MIL is illuminated if the concern has been detected on two consecutive driving cycles.

After the vehicle has warmed up and normal EGR rates are being commanded by the PCM, the low flow check is carried out. Since the EGR system is a closed loop system, the EGR system delivers the requested EGR flow as long as it has the capability to do so. If the EGR vacuum regulator duty cycle is at maximum (90% duty cycle), the differential pressure indicated by the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor is evaluated to determine the amount of EGR system restriction. If the differential pressure is below a calibrated threshold, a low flow concern is indicated (DTCs P0401/P0406).

Finally, the differential pressure indicated by the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor is also checked at idle with zero requested EGR flow to carry out the high flow check. If the differential pressure exceeds a calibrated limit, it indicates a stuck open EGR valve or debris temporarily lodged under the EGR valve seat (DTC P0402).

If the inferred ambient temperature is less than 0°C (32°F), or greater than 60°C (140°F), or the altitude is greater than 8,000 feet (BARO less than 22.5 in-Hg), the EGR monitor cannot be run reliably. A timer starts to accumulate the time in these conditions. If the vehicle leaves these extreme conditions, the timer starts to decrement and, if conditions permit, attempts to complete the EGR flow monitor. If the timer reaches 800 seconds, the EGR monitor is disabled for the remainder of the current driving cycle and the EGR monitor I/M readiness bit is set to a ready condition after one such driving cycle. Vehicles require two such driving cycles for the EGR monitor to be set to a ready condition.

The fuel system supplies the fuel injectors with clean fuel at a controlled pressure. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the fuel pump and monitors the fuel pump circuit. The PCM controls the fuel injector on/off cycle duration and determines the correct timing and amount of fuel delivered. When a new fuel injector is installed it is necessary to reset the learned values contained in the keep alive memory (KAM) in the PCM. Refer to RESETTING THE KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) .

The 2 types of fuel systems used are

  1. electronic returnless fuel
  2. mechanical returnless fuel

The ignition system is designed to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by a high voltage spark delivered from an ignition coil controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM).

The intake air system provides clean air to the engine, optimizes air flow, and reduces unwanted induction noise. The intake air system consists of an air cleaner assembly, resonator assemblies, and hoses. Some vehicles use a hydrocarbon filter trap to help reduce emissions by preventing fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere from the intake when the engine is off. It is typically located inside the intake air system. The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is attached to the air cleaner assembly and measures the volume of air delivered to the engine. The hydrocarbon trap is part of the EVAP system. For more information on the EVAP system, refer to EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) SYSTEMS . The MAF sensor can be replaced as an individual component. The intake air system also contains a sensor that measures the intake air temperature (IAT), which is integrated with the MAF sensor. For additional information on the intake air system components, refer to ENGINE CONTROL COMPONENTS . Intake air components can be separate components or part of the intake air housing. The function of a resonator is to reduce induction noise. The intake air components are connected to each other and to the throttle body assembly with hoses.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Overview
Intake Air SystemComponent
1Air Cleaner Intake Pipe
2Intake Air Resonator
3Air Cleaner Element
4Mass Air Flow/Intake Air Temperature
5Air Cleaner Outlet
6Secondary AIR Pump (if equipped)
7Throttle Body
8Idle Air Control
9Upper Intake Manifold
10Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
11Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
12Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Valve
13Evaporative Emission Canister
14Evaporative Emission Canister Vent (CV) Solenoid

INTAKE AIR SYSTEM REFERENCE

Throttle Body System Overview

Note. This overview is for applications without electronic throttle control (ETC). For ETC applications, refer to TORQUE BASED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) .

Note. The traditional idle air adjust procedure and the throttle return screw are no longer used on OBD applications.

The throttle body system meters air to the engine during idle, part throttle, and wide open throttle (WOT) conditions. The throttle body system consists of an idle air control (IAC) valve assembly, an idle air orifice, single or dual bores with butterfly valve throttle plates, and a throttle position (TP) sensor. One other source of idle air flow is the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. The combined idle air flow (from idle air orifice IAC flow and PCV flow) is measured by the MAF sensor on all applications.

During idle, the throttle body assembly provides a set amount of air flow to the engine through the idle air passage and the PCV valve. The IAC valve assembly provides additional air when commanded by the powertrain control module (PCM) to maintain the correct engine idle speed under varying conditions. The IAC valve assembly mounts directly to the intake manifold assembly in most applications. Idle speed is controlled by the PCM and cannot be adjusted.

Throttle rotation is controlled by a cam/cable linkage to slow the initial opening rate of the throttle plate. The TP sensor monitors the throttle position and provides a signal to the PCM. Some throttle body applications provide an air supply channel upstream of the throttle plate to provide fresh air to the PCV or IAC systems. Other throttle body applications provide individual vacuum taps downstream of the throttle plate for PCV return, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), evaporative emission (EVAP), and miscellaneous control signals.

Overview of the Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) and Intake Manifold Tuning Valve (IMTV) Systems

There are three basic types of intake air sub systems

  1. IMRC electric actuated system
  2. IMRC vacuum actuated system
  3. IMTV

There are several different styles of hardware used to control airflow within the engine air intake system. In general, the devices are defined based on whether they control in-cylinder motion (charge motion) or manifold dynamics (tuning).

The IMRC is a charge motion device that modifies the air charge motion in the manifold. The IMRC control valve is located close to the intake valve/cylinder head. The IMRC actuator can be either electric or vacuum controlled. The IMRC system must have a monitor feedback system in order to meet OBDII regulations.

The IMTV is a manifold tuning device that effects the air flow volume of the manifold by connecting multiple plenums or inlets within the manifold system. The IMTV control valve is located in the center of the intake manifold away from the intake valve or cylinder head. The IMTV actuator can be either electric or vacuum controlled. The IMTV system does not have to be monitored for OBDII regulations.

Some vehicles may use both systems.

These subsystems are used to provide increased intake airflow to improve torque, emissions and performance. The overall volume of air metered to the engine is controlled by the throttle body. Vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control (ETC) do not use idle air control (IAC).

The PCV system cycles crankcase gases back through the intake air system into the engine where they are burned. The PCV valve regulates the amount of ventilated air and blow-by gases to the intake manifold.

Currently, both heated and non-heated PCV systems are used. The heated systems use either a water heated valve, an electrically heated valve, or an electrically heated tube. Engine coolant flows around the water heated valve to prevent it from freezing. Electrically heated systems use a heating element enclosed in the PCV valve, PCV fitting or the PCV tube to prevent the valve or tube from freezing. The valve or the tube heater can be controlled by either the powertrain control module (PCM) or the thermal harness.

  1. Thermal harness controlled heater - On vehicle applications equipped with a thermal harness to the PCV valve or tube. The thermal harness only provides electrical continuity to the heating element when temperatures are less than 5°C +/- 4°C (40°F +/- 7°F). Typically this harness is located close to the PCV valve or tube.
  2. PCM controlled heater - On these applications the PCV heater is turned on by the PCM. When the intake air temperature is less than 0°C (32°F) the PCM grounds the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater control (PCVHC) circuit and turns the heater on. When the intake air temperature exceeds 9°C (48°F) the heater is turned off. The PCV heater is also off when the engine is not running to prevent unnecessary battery drain. The heater is also off if the vehicle charging system is greater than 16 volts. This minimizes heater element overload.

PCV systems that comply with on board diagnostic (OBD) PCV monitoring requirements use a quarter-turn cam-lock thread design at one end to prevent accidental disconnection from the valve cover. For more information about the PCV monitor refer to POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM MONITOR .

Note. When the battery (or PCM) is disconnected and connected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The charging system set point may also vary. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn its strategy.

The PCM-controlled charging system provides many additional benefits over the current integral generator regulator system. The first benefit is improved battery life. In a PCM-controlled charging system, the regulator voltage set point is determined by the PCM and communicated to the regulator through the generator regulator control (GENRC) circuit. The PCM uses an algorithm to estimate battery temperature. Improving battery temperature estimates reduces battery damage caused by over- and undercharging.

The second benefit is improved engine performance. Whenever the PCM senses a wide open throttle (WOT) condition, the PCM momentarily lowers the regulator voltage set point. This reduces the torque load of the generator on the engine and improves acceleration. The PCM has a calibrated time limit on this reduced voltage feature. This prevents the generator output from being cut back for an extended WOT period, which could cause battery discharge.

The third benefit is improved idle stability. In response to the PCM GENRC signal, the regulator uses a generator load input (GENLI) signal to provide feedback to the PCM. The GENLI signal provides the PCM with charging system information. Specifically, it lets the PCM know when the charging system receives a transient electrical load which would normally affect idle stability. Because the PCM can anticipate additional loads, actions can be taken to minimize idle sag. The PCM can choose to either reduce the regulator set point or increase engine idle speed, both of which are calibrated features. In order to establish whether the regulator is accurately maintaining the desired voltage set point, the regulator uses a charging system voltage line to sense battery voltage.

The fourth benefit is reduced cranking efforts. The PCM reduces the mechanical load on the starter by initially commanding a low voltage set point. This may improve start times.

If the PCM detects a charging system error, it broadcasts a low voltage telltale (ON) network communication message which tells the cluster to illuminate the charge indicator. The charge indicator is illuminated if the PCM does not see a signal on the GENLI circuit for a time period greater than 500 milliseconds. This telltale command is also used to indicate over-voltage conditions detected by the PCM-controlled generator.

Each time the ignition switch is cycled to the run position, the instrument cluster initiates a bulb check by illuminating the charge indicator. It is the responsibility of the PCM to issue a low voltage telltale (OFF) command if the charging system is functioning correctly. This message should be sent during the network initialization in the voluntary phase (250 milliseconds to 450 milliseconds after the ignition switch is cycled to the run position). If a low voltage telltale (OFF) communications network message is not received, the instrument cluster continues to illuminate the charge indicator indefinitely.

The secondary AIR system controls emissions during the first few seconds of engine operation by forcing air downstream into the exhaust manifolds to oxidize the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide created by running rich at start up.

The torque-based ETC is a hardware and software strategy that delivers an engine output torque (via throttle angle) based on driver demand (pedal position). It uses an electronic throttle body, the powertrain control module (PCM), and an accelerator pedal assembly to control the throttle opening and engine torque.

Torque-based ETC enables aggressive automatic transmission shift schedules (earlier upshifts and later downshifts). This is possible by adjusting the throttle angle to achieve the same wheel torque during shifts, and by calculating this desired torque, the system prevents engine lugging (low RPM and low manifold vacuum) while still delivering the performance and torque requested by the driver. It also enables many fuel economy/emission improvement technologies such as variable camshaft timing (VCT), which delivers same torque during transitions.

Torque-based ETC also results in less intrusive vehicle and engine speed limiting, along with smoother traction control.

Other benefits of torque-based ETC are

  1. eliminate cruise control actuators
  2. eliminate idle air control (IAC) valve
  3. better airflow range
  4. packaging (no cable)
  5. more responsive powertrain at altitude and improved shift quality

The ETC system illuminates a powertrain malfunction indicator (wrench) on the instrument cluster when a concern is present. Concerns are accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and may also illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

The VCT system enables rotation of the camshaft(s) relative to the crankshaft rotation as a function of engine operating conditions. There are four types of VCT systems.

  1. Exhaust phase shifting (EPS) system - the exhaust cam is the active cam being retarded.
  2. Intake phase shifting (IPS) system - the intake cam is the active cam being advanced.
  3. Dual equal phase shifting (DEPS) system - both intake and exhaust cams are phase shifted and equally advanced or retarded.
  4. Dual independent phase shifting (DIPS) system - where both the intake and exhaust cams are shifted independently.

All systems have four operational modes: idle, part throttle, wide open throttle (WOT), and default mode. At idle and low engine speeds with closed throttle, the powertrain control module (PCM) determines the phase angle based on air flow, engine oil temperature and engine coolant temperature. At part and wide open throttle the PCM determines the phase angle based on engine RPM, load, and throttle position. VCT systems provide reduced emissions and enhanced engine power, fuel economy and idle quality. IPS systems also have the added benefit of improved torque. In addition, some VCT system applications can eliminate the need for an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The elimination of the EGR system is accomplished by controlling the overlap time between the intake valve opening and exhaust valve closing. Currently, both the IPS and DEPS systems are used.

The VCT system knocking and noise concerns are diagnosed in the appropriate Service Information. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Engine System - General Information . Verification of incorrect VCT phasing on a warm engine operating below 1500 RPM can be isolated using a stethoscope and by monitoring the VCTADV, VCTADVERR and VCTDC PIDs using a scan tool. If the VCT phaser does not maintain correct valve timing, low oil pressure or oil flow restrictions are primary possible causes. Verify correct oil pressure and flow, refer to the appropriate Engine System - General Information .

PIDDescription
VCTADVMonitors the VCT advance and displays the advance angle in degrees. The actual camshaft position is measured using the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
VCT FAULTDisplays YES or NO to indicate a VCT related concern is detected. The CMP circuit DTCs cause the VCT advance to default to 0. Correct any CMP DTCs prior to diagnosing engine timing or VCT DTCs.
VCTADVERRDisplays the error in VCT advance. VCTADVERR uses the CMP signal to determine the difference between the actual camshaft position and the camshaft advance requested. The difference is displayed as a percentage that ranges from -5 to +5 %. When the accelerator pedal is cycled this may range as high as 20 %.
VCTDCVariable camshaft timing duty cycle ranges from 0 to 100%. The PCM controls the VCT solenoid operation through the duty cycled ground.
VCTSYSVariable camshaft timing system displays whether the engine is in open or closed loop. In open loop, the PCM defaults the VCT system to off (0% duty cycle). In closed loop, the PCM turns the VCT system to ON (varies the VCT duty cycle). If a VCT DTC is detected, the VCT system defaults to open loop operation.

PID DESCRIPTION

OBD-I, OBD-II and Engine Manufacturer Diagnostics (EMD) Overview

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) began regulating OBD systems for vehicles sold in California beginning with the 1988 model year. The initial requirements, known as OBD-I, required identifying the likely area of concern with regard to the fuel metering system, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, emission related components and the powertrain control module (PCM). A malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was required to illuminate and alert the driver of the concern and the need to repair the emission control system. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) was required to assist in identifying the system or component associated with the concern.

Starting with the 1994 model year, both CARB and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated enhanced OBD systems, commonly known as OBD-II. The objectives of the OBD-II system are to improve air quality by reducing high in-use emissions caused by emission-related concerns, reducing the time between the occurrence of a concern and its detection and repair, and assisting in the diagnosis and repair of emission-related problems.

General Catalyst Monitor Operation

Monitor execution is once per drive cycle. The typical monitor duration is 700 seconds or 10-20 seconds for the universal HO2S. In order for the catalyst monitor to run, the HO2S monitor must be complete and the secondary AIR and EVAP system functional with no stored DTCs. If the catalyst monitor does not complete during a particular driving cycle, the already accumulated switch/signal data is retained in the KAM and is used during the next driving cycle to allow the catalyst monitor a better opportunity to complete.

Rear HO2S can be located in various configurations to monitor different kinds of exhaust systems. In-line engines and many V-engines are monitored by their individual bank. A rear HO2S is used along with the front, fuel control HO2S for each bank. Two sensors are used on an in-line engine and four sensors are used on a V-engine. Some V-engines have exhaust banks that combine into a single underbody catalyst. These systems are referred to as Y-pipe systems. They use only one rear HO2S along with the two front, fuel-control HO2S. The Y-pipe system uses three sensors in all. For Y-piped systems, the two front HO2S signals are combined by the PCM software to infer what the HO2S signal would have been in front of the monitored catalyst. The inferred front HO2S signal and the actual single, rear HO2S signal is then used to calculate the index ratio.

Exhaust systems that use an underbody catalyst without a downstream/rear HO2S are not monitored by the catalyst efficiency monitor.

Most vehicles that are part of the low emission vehicle (LEV) catalyst monitor phase-in, monitor less than 100% of the catalyst volume. Often this is the first catalyst brick of the catalyst system. Partial volume monitoring is done on LEV and ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) vehicles in order to meet the 1.75 emission standard. The rationale for this strategy is that the catalyst nearest the engine deteriorates first, allowing the catalyst monitor to be more sensitive and illuminate the MIL correctly at lower emission standards.

Most applications use partial-volume monitoring, where the rear HO2S is located after the first light-off catalyst can or after the second catalyst can in a three can per bank system (a few applications placed the HO2S in the middle of the catalyst can, between the first and second bricks).

Some partial zero emission vehicles (PZEVs) use three HO2S. The front sensors or stream 1 (HO2S11) is the primary fuel control sensor. The next sensor downstream or stream 2 in the exhaust is used to monitor the light-off catalyst (HO2S12). The last sensor downstream or stream 3 in the exhaust (HO2S13) is used for very long term fuel trim in order to optimize catalyst efficiency (fore aft oxygen sensor control). For additional heated oxygen sensor information, refer to the HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (HO2S) MONITOR .

Index ratios for ethanol (flex fuel) vehicles vary based on the changing concentration of alcohol in the fuel. The threshold to determine a concern typically increases as the percent of alcohol increases. For example, a threshold of 0.5 may be used at E10 (10% ethanol) and 0.9 may be used at E85 (85% ethanol). The thresholds are adjusted based on the percentage of alcohol in the fuel. Standard fuel may contain up to 10% ethanol.

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: General Catalyst Monitor Operation

The cold start emission reduction monitor is an on-board strategy designed for vehicles that meet the low emissions vehicle-II (LEV-II) emissions standards. The monitor works by validating the operation of the components of the system required to achieve the cold start emission reduction strategy. There are 2 types of monitors

  1. cold start emission reduction component monitor
  2. cold start emission reduction system monitor

Low idle air flow test operation

  1. DTC: P050A cold start idle air control system performance
  2. Monitor execution: Once per driving cycle, from start up with the cold start emissions reduction active
  3. Monitor sequence: none
  4. Monitoring duration: 7 seconds

Misfire Monitor Operation

There are two different misfire monitoring systems used: a low data rate (LDR) and a high data rate (HDR). The LDR system is capable of meeting the federal test procedure monitoring requirements on most engines and is capable of meeting the full-range of misfire monitoring requirements on 4-cylinder engines. The HDR system is capable of meeting the full-range of misfire monitoring requirements on 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines. The HDR on these engines meets the full-range of misfire phase-in requirements specified in the OBD regulations. The PCM software allows for detection of any misfires that occur six engine revolutions after initially cranking the engine. This meets the OBD requirement to identify misfires within two engine revolutions after exceeding the warm drive, idle RPM.