Engine Control System & Fuel System - 3.6L - Description and Operation: Other GMC Acadia I

Crankshaft Position Sensor

The crankshaft position sensor works in conjunction with a 58 tooth reluctor wheel on the crankshaft. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the voltage frequency on the crankshaft position sensor signal circuit. As each reluctor wheel tooth rotates past the sensor, the sensor creates a digital ON/OFF pulse. This digital signal is processed by the ECM. The reluctor wheel teeth are 6 degrees apart. Having only 58 teeth leaves a 12 degree span that is uncut. This creates a signature pattern that enables the ECM to determine the crankshaft position. The ECM uses the signal to determine which pair of cylinders is approaching top dead center based on the crankshaft position signal alone. The camshaft position sensor signals are used in order to determine which of these 2 cylinders is on a firing stroke, and which is on the exhaust stroke. The ECM uses this to properly synchronize the ignition system, the fuel injectors, and the knock control. This sensor is also used in order to detect misfire. The crankshaft position sensor uses the following circuits

1. A 5 V reference circuit
2. A signal circuit
3. A low reference circuit

Camshaft Position Sensor

This engine uses 4 camshaft position sensors, one for each camshaft. The camshaft position sensor signals are a digital ON/OFF pulse, output 4 times per revolution of the camshaft. The camshaft position sensor does not directly affect the operation of the ignition system. The camshaft position sensor information is used by the engine control module (ECM) to determine the position of the 4 camshafts relative to the crankshaft position. By monitoring the camshaft position and crankshaft position signals the ECM can accurately time the operation of the fuel injectors. The ECM supplies the camshaft position sensor with a 5 V reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The camshaft position sensor signals are an input to the ECM. These signals are also used to detect camshaft alignment with the crankshaft.

Knock Sensor

The knock sensor system enables the control module to control the ignition timing for the best possible performance while protecting the engine from potentially damaging levels of detonation, also known as spark knock. The knock sensor system uses one or 2 flat response 2-wire sensors. The sensor uses piezo-electric crystal technology that produces an AC voltage signal of varying amplitude and frequency based on the engine vibration or noise level. The amplitude and frequency are dependant upon the level of knock that the knock sensor detects. The control module receives the knock sensor signal through the signal circuit. The knock sensor ground is supplied by the control module through the low reference circuit.

The control module learns a minimum noise level, or background noise, at idle from the knock sensor and uses calibrated values for the rest of the RPM range. The control module uses the minimum noise level to calculate a noise channel. A normal knock sensor signal will ride within the noise channel. As engine speed and load change, the noise channel upper and lower parameters will change to accommodate the normal knock sensor signal, keeping the signal within the channel. In order to determine which cylinders are knocking, the control module only uses knock sensor signal information when each cylinder is near top dead center (TDC) of the firing stroke. If knock is present, the signal will range outside of the noise channel.

If the control module has determined that knock is present, it will retard the ignition timing to attempt to eliminate the knock. The control module will always try to work back to a zero compensation level, or no spark retard. An abnormal knock sensor signal will stay outside of the noise channel or will not be present. knock sensor diagnostics are calibrated to detect faults with the knock sensor circuitry inside the control module, 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 engine mechanical noise.

Ignition Coils

Each ignition coil contains a solid state driver module as its primary element. The engine control module (ECM) signals the coil driver to initiate a firing event by applying ignition control (IC) circuit voltage for the appropriate time, or dwell. When the voltage is removed the coil fires the spark plug. The ignition coils use the following circuits

1. An ignition voltage supply circuit
2. An IC circuit
3. Two ground circuits

Engine Control Module (ECM)

The engine control module (ECM) controls all ignition system functions, and constantly corrects the spark timing. The ECM monitors information from various sensor inputs that include the following components

1. The throttle position sensor
2. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
3. The mass air flow (MAF) sensor
4. The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
5. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
6. The transmission gear position or range information sensors
7. The engine knock sensors
8. Ambient pressure sensor (BARO)

ECM Function

The ECM can supply 5 V or 12 V to various sensors or switches. This is done through pull-up resistors to regulated power supplies within the ECM. In some cases, even an ordinary shop voltmeter will not give an accurate reading due to low input resistance. Therefore, a DMM with at least 10 megaohms input impedance is required in order to ensure accurate voltage readings.

The ECM controls the output circuits by controlling the ground or the power feed circuit through transistors or a device called an output driver module.

EEPROM

The electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) is a permanent memory that is physically part of the ECM. The EEPROM contains program and calibration information that the ECM needs in order to control powertrain operation.

Special equipment, as well as the correct program and calibration for the vehicle, are required in order to reprogram the ECM.

Data Link Connector (DLC)

The data link connector (DLC) provides the technician a means of accessing serial data for aid in diagnosis. This connector allows the technician to use a scan tool in order to monitor various serial data parameters, and display DTC information. The DLC is located inside the driver's compartment, underneath the dash.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is inside the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The MIL is controlled by the ECM and illuminates when the ECM detects a condition that affects vehicle emissions.

ECM Service Precautions

The ECM, by design, can withstand normal current draws that are associated with vehicle operations. However, care must be used in order to avoid overloading any of these circuits. When testing for opens or shorts, do not ground or apply voltage to any of the ECM circuits unless the diagnostic procedure instructs you to do so. These circuits should only be tested with a DMM.

Aftermarket (Add-On) Electrical And Vacuum Equipment

Aftermarket, add-on, electrical and vacuum equipment is defined as any equipment installed on a vehicle after leaving the factory that connects to the vehicle's electrical or vacuum systems. No allowances have been made in the vehicle design for this type of equipment.

Add-on electrical equipment, even when installed to these strict guidelines, may still cause the powertrain system to malfunction. This may also include equipment not connected to the vehicle electrical system, such as portable telephones and radios. Therefore, the first step in diagnosing any powertrain condition is to eliminate all of the aftermarket electrical equipment from the vehicle. After this is done, if the problem still exists, the problem may be diagnosed in the normal manner.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage

Note. In order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge damage to the ECM, DO NOT touch the connector pins on the ECM.

The electronic components that are used in the control systems are often designed to carry very low voltage. These electronic components are susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Less than 100 V of static electricity can cause damage to some electronic components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4,000 V for a person to even feel a static discharge.

There are several ways for a person to become statically charged. The most common methods of charging are by friction and by induction. An example of charging by friction is a person sliding across a car seat.

Charging by induction occurs when a person with well insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object and momentarily touches ground. Charges of the same polarity are drained off leaving the person highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static charges can cause damage, therefore, it is important to use care when handling and testing electronic components.

Emissions Control Information Label

The underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label contains important emission specifications and setting procedures. In the upper left corner is the exhaust emission information. This identifies the year, the manufacturing division of the engine, the displacement of the engine in liters, the class of the vehicle, and type of fuel metering system. There is also an illustrated emission components and vacuum hose schematic.

This label is located in the engine compartment of every General Motors vehicle. If the label has been removed, it can be ordered from GM service parts operations (GMSPO).

Scheme 30

EVAP System Components

The evaporative emission (EVAP) system consists of the following components

EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

The EVAP canister purge solenoid valve controls the flow of vapors from the EVAP system to the intake manifold. The purge solenoid valve opens when commanded ON by the control module. This normally closed valve is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the control module to precisely control the flow of fuel vapor to the engine. The valve will also be opened during some portions of the EVAP testing when the engine is running, allowing engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system.

Purge Tube Check Valve

Turbocharged vehicles have a check valve in the purge tube between the EVAP purge solenoid valve and the EVAP canister to prevent pressurization of the EVAP system under boost conditions. Note that the presence of this one-way check valve prevents pressure testing the EVAP system for leaks at the EVAP canister purge tube connector.

EVAP Canister

The canister is filled with carbon pellets used to absorb and store fuel vapors. Fuel vapor is stored in the canister until the control module determines that the vapor can be consumed in the normal combustion process.

Vapor Recirculation Tube

A vapor path between the fuel fill pipe and the vapor tube to the carbon canister is necessary for Vehicle Onboard Diagnostics to fully diagnose the EVAP system. It also accommodates service diagnostic procedures by allowing the entire EVAP system to be diagnosed from the either end of the system.

Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

The fuel tank pressure sensor measures the difference between the pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank and outside air pressure. The control module provides a 5 V reference and a ground to the fuel tank pressure sensor. Depending on the vehicle, the sensor can be located in the vapor space on top of the fuel tank, in the vapor tube between the canister and the tank, or on the EVAP canister. The fuel tank pressure sensor provides a signal voltage back to the control module that can vary between 0.1-4.9 V. A high fuel tank pressure sensor voltage indicates a low fuel tank pressure or vacuum. A low fuel tank pressure sensor voltage indicates a high fuel tank pressure.

Fuel Fill Pipe Check Valve

The check valve on the fuel fill pipe is there to prevent spit-back during refueling.

EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve

The EVAP vent solenoid valve controls fresh airflow into the EVAP canister. The valve is normally open. The canister vent solenoid valve is closed only during EVAP system tests performed by the ECM.

Fuel Fill Cap

The fuel fill cap is equipped with a seal and a vacuum relief valve.

Fuel Pump

The electric fuel pump is a turbine pump which is located inside of the modular fuel sender. The electric fuel pump operation is controlled by the fuel pressure control module (FPCM).

Fuel Sender Strainer

The strainer acts as a coarse filter to perform the following functions

1. Filter contaminants
2. Separate water from fuel
3. Provide a wicking action that helps draw fuel into the fuel pump

Fuel stoppage at the strainer indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water. Therefore, the fuel tank will need to be removed and cleaned, and the filter strainer should be replaced.

Fuel Feed Hose/Pipe

The fuel feed pipe carries fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel rail assembly. The fuel pipes consist of 2 sections

1. The rear fuel pipe assembly connects from the top of the fuel tank module to the chassis fuel pipe. The rear fuel pipe is constructed of nylon.
2. The chassis fuel hose/pipe is located under the vehicle and connects the rear fuel hose/pipe to the fuel inlet pipe at the high pressure fuel pump. The chassis fuel hose/pipe is constructed of steel and braided Teleflex® hose. The flexible portion of the chassis fuel hose/pipe contains a check flow valve. The check valve prevents the normal reverse pressure pulsations, created by the fuel rail pressure (FRP) regulator, from damaging the in-tank fuel pump over time.

Fuel Pump Flow Control Module (FPCM)

The fuel pump flow control module (FPCM) is a serviceable GMLAN module. The FPCM receives the desired fuel pressure message from the engine control module (ECM) and controls the fuel pump located within the fuel tank to achieve the desired fuel pressure. The FPCM sends a PWM signal to the fuel pump, and pump speed is changed by varying the duty cycle of this signal.

Liquid Fuel Pressure Sensor - With FPCM

The fuel pressure sensor is a serviceable 5-volt, 3-pin device. It is located on the fuel feed line forward of the fuel tank, and receives power and ground from the fuel pump flow control module (FPCM) through a vehicle wiring harness. The sensor provides a fuel pressure signal to the FPCM, which is used to aid Closed Loop fuel pressure control.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is contained in the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. The paper filter element of the fuel filter traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. The fuel filter housing is made to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement.

EVAP Lines and Hoses

The EVAP line extends from the fuel tank vent valve to the EVAP canister and into the engine compartment. The EVAP line is made of nylon and connects to the EVAP canister with a quick connect fitting.

Pressure Vent Valve

The pressure vent valve replaces the typical fuel pressure regulator used on a mechanical returnless fuel system. The pressure vent valve is closed during normal vehicle operation. The pressure vent valve is used to vent pressure during hot soaks and also functions as a fuel pressure regulator in the event of the fuel pump flow control module defaulting to 100 percent pulse width modulation (PWM) of the fuel pump. Due to variation in fuel system pressures, the opening pressure for the pressure vent valve is set higher than the pressure that is used on a mechanical returnless fuel system pressure regulator.

Scheme 31

The high pressure fuel pump (9) is a mechanical one cylinder design driven by an eccentric on the exhaust camshaft (1) of bank 2. High pressure fuel is regulated by the fuel rail pressure (FRP) regulator, which is a part of the high pressure fuel pump. The FRP regulator is a magnetic actuator which controls the inlet valve of the high pressure pump. The ECM provides battery voltage on the actuator high circuit and ground on the actuator low reference circuit. Both circuits are controlled by the ECM. When the ECM deactivates the FRP regulator, both circuits are disabled and the inlet valve is held open with spring pressure. When the ECM activates the FRP regulator, the low circuit driver connects the low reference circuit to ground and the high circuit driver pulse-width modulates (PWM) the high circuit. The ECM uses the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor inputs to synchronize the FRP regulator with the position of the eccentric on the camshaft. The ECM regulates fuel pressure by adjusting the portion of each pump stroke that provides fuel to the rail. The high pressure fuel pump also contains an integrated pressure relief valve.

Fuel Rail Fuel Pressure Sensor

The fuel rail pressure sensor (4) detects fuel pressure within the fuel rail. The engine control module (ECM) provides a 5 volt reference voltage on the 5 volt reference circuit and ground on the low reference circuit. The ECM receives a varying signal voltage on the signal circuit. The ECM monitors the voltage on the FRP sensor circuits. When the fuel pressure is high, the signal voltage is high. When the fuel pressure is low, the signal voltage is low.

Fuel Injectors

The fuel injection system is a high pressure, direct injection, returnless on-demand design. The fuel injectors (6) are mounted in the cylinder head beneath the intake ports and spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Direct injection requires high fuel pressure due to the fuel injector's location in the combustion chamber. Fuel pressure must be higher than compression pressure requiring a high pressure fuel pump. The fuel injectors also require more electrical power due to the high fuel pressure. The ECM supplies a separate high voltage supply circuit and a driver circuit for each fuel injector.

The fuel injector assembly is an inside opening electrical magnetic injector. The injector has six precision machined holes that generate a cone shaped oval spray pattern. The fuel injector has a slim extended tip in order to allow a sufficient cooling jacket in the cylinder head.

The fuel injectors will cause various driveability conditions if the following conditions occur

1. If the injectors will not open
2. If the injectors are stuck open
3. If the injectors are leaking
4. If the injectors have a low coil resistance

Engine Fueling

The engine is fueled by six individual injectors, one for each cylinder, that are controlled by the ECM. The ECM controls each injector by energizing the injector coil for a brief period once every other engine revolution. The length of this brief period, or pulse, is carefully calculated by the ECM to deliver the correct amount of fuel for proper driveability and emissions control. The period of time when the injector is energized is called the pulse width and is measured in milliseconds, thousandths of a second.

While the engine is running, the ECM is constantly monitoring the inputs and recalculating the appropriate pulse width for each injector. The pulse width calculation is based on the injector flow rate, mass of fuel the energized injector will pass per unit of time, the desired air/fuel ratio, and actual air mass in each cylinder and is adjusted for battery voltage, short term, and long term fuel trim. The calculated pulse is timed to occur as each cylinders intake valves are closing to attain largest duration and most vaporization.

Fueling during a crank is slightly different than fueling during an engine run. As the engine begins to turn, a prime pulse may be injected to speed starting. As soon as the ECM can determine where in the firing order the engine is, the ECM begins pulsing the injectors. The pulse width during the crank is based on the coolant temperature and the engine load.

The fueling system has several automatic adjustments in order to compensate for the differences in the fuel system hardware, the driving conditions, the fuel used, and the engine aging. The basis for the fuel control is the pulse width calculation that is described above. Included in this calculation are an adjustment for the battery voltage, the short term fuel trim, and the long term fuel trim. The battery voltage adjustment is necessary since the changes in the voltage across the injector affect the injector flow rate. The short term and the long term fuel trims are fine and coarse adjustments to the pulse width that are designed in order to maximize the driveability and emissions control. These fuel trims are based on the feedback from the oxygen sensors in the exhaust stream and are only used when the fuel control system is in a Closed Loop operation.

Under certain conditions, the fueling system will turn OFF the injectors for a period of time. This is referred to as fuel shut-off. Fuel shut-off is used in order to improve traction, save fuel, improve emissions, and protect the vehicle under certain extreme or abusive conditions.

In case of a major internal problem, the ECM may be able to use a back-up fuel strategy for limp in mode that will run the engine until service can be performed.

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

The ECM controls the fuel injectors based on information that the ECM receives from several information sensors. Each injector is fired individually in the engine firing order, which is called sequential fuel injection. This allows precise fuel metering to each cylinder and improves the driveability under all of the driving conditions.

The ECM has several operating modes for fuel control, depending on the information that has been received from the sensors.

Starting Mode

When the ECM detects reference pulses from the CKP sensor, the ECM will enable the fuel pump. The fuel pump runs and builds up pressure in the fuel system. The ECM then monitors the MAF, IAT, engine coolant temperature (ECT), and the throttle position (TP) sensor signal in order to determine the required injector pulse width for starting.

Clear Flood Mode

If the engine is flooded with fuel during starting and will not start, the Clear Flood Mode can be manually selected. To select Clear Flood Mode, push the accelerator to wide open throttle (WOT). With this signal, the ECM will completely turn OFF the injectors and will maintain this stage as long as the ECM indicates a WOT condition with engine speed below 1,000 RPM.

Run Mode

The Run Mode has 2 conditions: Open Loop operation and Closed Loop operation. When the engine is first started and the engine speed is above 480 RPM, the system goes into Open Loop operation. In Open Loop operation, the ECM ignores the signals from the oxygen sensors and calculates the required injector pulse width based primarily on inputs from the MAF, IAT and ECT sensors.

In Closed Loop, the ECM adjusts the calculated injector pulse width for each bank of injectors based on the signals from each oxygen sensor.

Acceleration Mode

The ECM monitors the changes in the TP and the MAF sensor signals in order to determine when the vehicle is being accelerated. The ECM will then increase the injector pulse width in order to provide more fuel for improved performance.

Deceleration Mode

The ECM monitors changes in TP and MAF sensor signals to determine when the vehicle is being decelerated. The ECM will then decrease injector pulse width or even shut OFF injectors for short periods to reduce exhaust emissions, and for better (engine braking) deceleration.

Battery Voltage Correction Mode

The ECM can compensate in order to maintain acceptable vehicle driveability when the ECM sees a low battery voltage condition. The ECM compensates by performing the following functions

1. Increasing the injector pulse width in order to maintain the proper amount of fuel being delivered
2. Increasing the idle speed to increase the generator output

Fuel Shut-Off Mode

The ECM has the ability to completely turn OFF all of the injectors or selectively turn OFF some of the injectors when certain conditions are met. These fuel shut-off modes allow the ECM to protect the engine from damage and also to improve the vehicles driveability.

The ECM will disable all of the six injectors under the following conditions

1. Ignition OFF-Prevents engine run-on
2. Ignition ON but no CKP signal-Prevents flooding or backfiring
3. A high engine speed - Above the red line
4. A high vehicle speed - Above the rated tire speed
5. Closed throttle cast down - Reduces the emissions and increases engine braking.

The ECM will selectively disable the injectors under the following conditions

1. The torque management enabled - Transmission shifts or abusive maneuvers.
2. The traction control enabled - In conjunction with the front brakes applying

Scheme 32

The engine control module (ECM) is the control center for the throttle actuator control (TAC) system. The ECM determines the driver's intent based on input from the accelerator pedal position sensors, then calculates the appropriate throttle response based on the throttle position sensors. The ECM achieves throttle positioning by providing a pulse width modulated voltage to the throttle actuator motor. The throttle blade is spring loaded in both directions, and the default position is slightly open.

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.