EMISSION APPLICATIONS
Several systems are used to control emission of pollutants. System usage depends on model, engine and transmission combination. Each system is designed to control a particular vehicle emission.
Note. There are 2 light duty truck emission control standard classifications: Light Duty and Heavy Duty. Light Duty refers to vehicles up through 8500 lbs. GVW; Heavy Duty refers to vehicles over 8500 lbs. GVW.
AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR)
This system uses air pump to supply additional fresh air to exhaust ports, further burning exhaust gases before they reach exhaust system. This reduces hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
AIR MANAGEMENT
This system provides additional oxygen to exhaust gases to continue combustion process. System is used on all engines except 2.5L.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER (CAT)
Used on all Light Duty emission models, this unit is connected into exhaust system so exhaust gas passes through converter. Inside converter, a chemical reaction takes place which reduces exhaust emissions.
COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL (CCC)
CCC is an electronically controlled exhaust emission system. It monitors several engine/vehicle functions and controls various operations, including automatic transmission torque converter clutch (TCC), downshift control and manual transmission shift light. CCC system aids in control of exhaust emissions while maintaining good fuel economy and driveability.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) is the "brain" of the CCC system. ECM controls engine systems to maintain good vehicle performance under all normal driving conditions.
Primary objective of the system is to maintain an ideal air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1. With this ratio maintained, the catalytic converter can effectively control nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). For additional information, see appropriate article in the COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS section.
EARLY FUEL EVAPORATION (EFE)
This system is used on all Light Duty and some Heavy Duty carburetor emissions models. During cold engine operation, system uses exhaust gases or an electric heater at base of carburetor to raise temperature of incoming mixture. This improves driveability while reducing exhaust emissions.
EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL (EEC)
This system, used on all except Federal Heavy Duty emissions models, is designed to keep fuel system vapors from escaping to atmosphere. This sealed system separates fuel vapors and routes them to engine to be burned, while retaining liquid fuel in tank. Carbon canister stores vapors until engine draws them off for burning.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR - GAS & DIESEL)
This system recirculates exhaust gases into intake manifold and combustion chambers. This has the effect of lowering combustion temperatures, thereby lowering NOx emissions.
FUEL CONTROL
Used on all models, ECM controls air/fuel delivery to combustion chamber by controlling injector fuel flow. ECM controls idle speed and fuel pump (in tank). With ignition turned to "ON" position, fuel pump will run for 2 seconds. On some models, fuel pump may run for 20 seconds. Fuel pump will run 2-20 seconds and then stop unless engine is cranking or running. ECM controls and maintains idle speed when air conditioning clutch is engaged.
IGNITION SPARK TIMING & ELECTRONIC SPARK CONTROL (ESC)
On ignition spark timing ECM controls ignition timing. Ignition spark timing is used on all engines. Electronic spark control uses a knock sensor along with ECM to control spark timing by allowing engine maximum spark advance without spark knock. ESC system is used on all engines except 2.5L and 7.4L.
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
System removes engine crankcase vapors which result from normal combustion. Vapors are drawn through a metered PCV valve, and routed back to intake manifold where they are returned in combustion chamber.
THERMAC AIR CLEANER (TAC)
Used on all models, this unit is designed to aid engine in more complete burning of air/fuel mixture and to provide smoother operation. It does this by controlling temperature of intake air. Heated or cooled portions of air are fed into air cleaner assembly as temperature sensor regulates.
THROTTLE RETURN CONTROL (TRC)
This system is used on all Heavy Duty carburetor emission models. Upon deceleration, system opens throttle slightly, thus reducing hydrocarbons during coastdown.
VACUUM ADVANCE SPARK CONTROL
Used on all carburetor models, this system provides increased spark advance during cold engine operation. When engine coolant temperature is below 100°F (38°C), thermal vacuum switch (TVS) closes. Manifold vacuum is supplied to distributor through delay valve, which holds vacuum at high levels during acceleration. Above 100°F (38°C), TVS opens, causing manifold vacuum to by-pass delay valve.
COMPONENT TESTING
Note. Testing information not available.