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Engine Controls and Fuel - 3.6L (Llt) - Description and Operation: Overview GMC Acadia I рестайлинг

Testing & Diagnostics 4 illustrations ~2128 words

Camshaft Actuator System Description

The camshaft (CMP) actuator system enables the engine control module (ECM) to change camshaft timing of all camshafts while the engine is running. The CMP actuator assembly varies the camshaft position in response to directional changes in oil pressure. The CMP actuator solenoid valve controls the oil pressure that is applied to advance or retard a camshaft. Modifying camshaft timing under changing engine demand provides better balance between the following performance concerns

  1. Engine power output
  2. Fuel economy
  3. Lower tailpipe emissions

The CMP actuator solenoid valve is controlled by the ECM. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the CMP sensors are used to monitor changes in camshaft positions. The ECM uses the following information in order to calculate the desired camshaft positions

  1. The engine speed
  2. The engine load
  3. The camshaft position (CMP) sensors
  4. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
  5. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
  6. The throttle position (TP) sensors
  7. The barometric pressure (BARO)

The CMP actuator assembly has an outer housing that is driven by an engine timing chain. Inside the assembly is a rotor with fixed vanes that is attached to the camshaft. Oil pressure that is applied to the fixed vanes will rotate a specific camshaft in relationship to the crankshaft. The movement of the intake camshafts will advance the intake valve timing. The movement of the exhaust camshafts will retard the exhaust valve timing. When oil pressure is applied to the return side of the vanes, the camshafts will return to 0 crankshaft degrees or top dead center (TDC). The CMP actuator solenoid valve directs the oil flow that controls the camshaft movement. The ECM commands the CMP solenoid to move the solenoid plunger and spool valve until oil flows from the advance passage. Oil flowing through the CMP actuator assembly from the CMP solenoid advance passage applies pressure to the advance side of the vanes in the CMP actuator assembly. When the camshaft position is retarded, the CMP actuator solenoid valve directs oil to flow into the CMP actuator assembly from the retard passage. The ECM can also command the CMP actuator solenoid valve to stop oil flow from both passages in order to hold the current camshaft position.

The ECM operates the CMP actuator solenoid valve by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the solenoid coil. The higher the PWM duty cycle, the larger the change in camshaft timing. The CMP actuator assembly also contains a lock pin that prevents movement between the outer housing and the rotor vane assembly. The lock pin is released by oil pressure before any movement in the CMP actuator assembly takes place. The ECM is continuously comparing CMP sensor inputs with CKP sensor input in order to monitor camshaft position and detect any system malfunctions. If a condition exists in either the intake or exhaust camshaft actuator system, the opposite bank, intake or exhaust, camshaft actuator will default to 0 crankshaft degrees.

Driving ConditionChange in Camshaft PositionObjectiveResult
IdleNo ChangeMinimize Valve OverlapStabilize Idle Speed
Light Engine LoadRetard Valve TimingDecrease Valve OverlapStable Engine Output
Medium Engine LoadAdvance Valve TimingIncrease Valve OverlapBetter Fuel Economy with Lower Emissions
Low to Medium RPM with Heavy LoadAdvance Valve TimingAdvance Intake Valve ClosingImprove Low to Mid-range Torque
High RPM with Heavy LoadRetard Valve TimingRetard Intake Valve ClosingImprove Engine Output

CMP Actuator System Operation

Electronic Ignition System Description

The electronic ignition system produces and controls a high-energy secondary spark. This spark is used to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time. This provides optimal performance, fuel economy and control of exhaust emissions. This ignition system uses an individual coil for each cylinder. The ignition coils are mounted in the center of each camshaft cover with short integrated boots connecting the coils to the spark plugs. The driver modules within each ignition coil are commanded ON/OFF by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM primarily uses engine speed, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor signal and position information from the crankshaft position and the camshaft position sensors. This controls the sequence, dwell and timing of the spark. The electronic ignition system consists of the following components

Engine Control Module Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) interacts with many emission related components and systems and monitors emission related components and systems for deterioration. OBD II diagnostics monitor the system performance and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets if the system performance degrades. The ECM is part of a network and communicates with various other vehicle control modules.

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) operation and DTC storage are dictated by the DTC type. A DTC is ranked as a Type A or Type B if the DTC is emissions related. Type C is a non-emissions related DTC.

The ECM is the control center of the engine controls system. Review the components and wiring diagrams in order to determine which systems are controlled by the ECM.

The ECM constantly monitors the information from various sensors and other inputs and controls the systems that affect engine performance and emissions. The ECM also performs diagnostic tests on various parts of the system and can turn on the MIL when it recognizes an operational problem that affects emissions. When the ECM detects a malfunction, the ECM stores a DTC. The condition area is identified by the particular DTC that is set. This aids the technician in making repairs.

EVAP System Operation

The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the EVAP vapor tube, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent hose and EVAP vent solenoid valve to the atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the engine control module (ECM) will command the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the normally open EVAP vent solenoid valve OFF, fresh air is drawn through the vent solenoid valve and the vent hose to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge tube and EVAP purge solenoid valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The ECM uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking or restricted.

Fuel System Overview

The fuel tank stores the fuel supply. The fuel pump module, located in the fuel tank, supplies fuel through the fuel feed pipe to the high pressure fuel pump. The high pressure fuel pump supplies fuel to a variable-pressure fuel rail. Fuel enters the combustion chamber through precision multi-hole fuel injectors. The in-tank fuel pump is controlled with a fuel pump control module (FPCM). The engine control module (ECM) enables the FPCM and sends the desired fuel line pressure to the FPCM via GMLAN. The FPCM sends a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage to the in-tank fuel pump allowing the fuel line pressure to be varied as commanded by the ECM. The high pressure fuel pump, fuel rail pressure, fuel injection timing and injection duration are controlled by the ECM.

Scheme 111

Scheme 111: Fuel Tank

The fuel storage tank is made of high density polyethylene. The fuel storage tank is held in place by metal straps that are attached to the under body of the vehicle. The tank shape includes a sump in order to maintain a constant supply of fuel around the fuel pump strainer during low fuel conditions or during aggressive maneuvers.

On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) System

The on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system is an on-board vehicle system to recover fuel vapors during the vehicle refueling operation. The flow of liquid fuel down to the fuel tank filler neck provides a liquid seal. The purpose of ORVR is to prevent refueling vapor from exiting the fuel tank filler neck. The ORVR components are listed below, with a brief description of their operation

  1. The fuel tank-The fuel tank contains the modular fuel sender assembly.
  2. The fuel filler pipe-The fuel filler pipe carries fuel from the fuel nozzle to the fuel tank.
  3. The evaporative emission (EVAP) canister-The EVAP canister receives refueling vapor from the fuel system, stores the vapor and releases the vapor to the engine upon demand.
  4. The vapor lines-The vapor lines transport fuel vapor from the tank assembly to the EVAP canister and engine.
  5. The check valve-The check valve limits fuel spit-back from the fuel tank during the refueling operation by allowing fuel flow only into the fuel tank. The check valve is located at the bottom of the fuel filler pipe.
  6. The modular fuel sender assembly-The modular fuel sender assembly pumps fuel to the engine from the fuel tank.
  7. The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor is located on top of the fuel sender assembly.
  8. The FLVV-The FLVV acts as a shut-off valve. The FLVV is located in the fuel sender assembly. This valve has the following functions: Controlling the fuel tank fill level by closing the primary vent from the fuel tank Preventing fuel from exiting the fuel tank via the vapor line to the canister Providing fuel spillage protection in the event of a vehicle rollover by closing the vapor path from the tank to the engine
  9. The pressure vacuum relief valve-The pressure vacuum relief valve provides venting of excessive fuel tank pressure and vacuum. The valve is located in the fuel fill cap.
  10. The vapor recirculation line-The vapor recirculation line is used to transport vapor from the fuel tank to the top of the fill pipe during refueling to reduce vapor loading to the enhanced EVAP canister.

Scheme 112

Scheme 112: Fuel Tank Filler Pipe

In order to prevent refueling with leaded fuel, the fuel filler pipe has a built-in restrictor and a deflector. The opening in the restrictor will accept only the smaller unleaded gasoline fuel nozzle which must be fully inserted in order to bypass the deflector. The tank is vented during filling by an internal vent tube inside of the filler pipe.

Scheme 113

Scheme 113: Fuel Filler Cap
CAUTIONUse a fuel tank filler pipe cap with the same features as the original when a replacement is necessary. Failure to use the correct fuel tank filler pipe cap can result in a serious malfunction of the fuel system.

The fuel tank filler pipe is equipped with a turn to vent, screw on type cap, which incorporates a ratchet action in order to prevent over-tightening.

The turn to vent feature allows for fuel tank pressure relief prior to removal. Instructions for proper use are imprinted on the cap cover. A vacuum safety relief valve is incorporated into this cap.

Scheme 114

Scheme 114: Fuel Sender Assembly

The fuel sender assembly consists of the following major components

  1. The fill limit vent valve (1)
  2. The fuel feed pipe (2)
  3. The fuel tank pressure sensor (3)
  4. The fuel level sensor (4)
  5. The fuel pump electrical connector (5)

The modular fuel sender assembly mounts to the threaded opening of the plastic fuel tank with a seal and a retainer ring. The reservoir, containing the exterior inlet strainer, the electric fuel pump and the fuel filter, maintains contact with the tank bottom. This design provides

  1. Optimum fuel level in the integral fuel reservoir during all fuel tank levels and during driving conditions
  2. An improved tank fuel level measuring accuracy
  3. An improved coarse straining and added pump inlet filtering
  4. More extensive internal fuel pump isolation for noiseless operation

Modes Of Operation

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. Battery saver mode-After a predetermined time without engine speed, 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 the idle position Ignore the accelerator pedal input.
  5. Engine shutdown mode-The ECM will disable fuel and de-energize the throttle actuator.