Engine Controls (Troubleshooting & Diagnosis) -- 2.2L (L61): Overview Saturn VUE I

MIL Operation

The MIL is located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

MIL Function

1. The MIL informs the driver that a malfunction has occurred and the vehicle should be taken in for service as soon as possible.
2. The MIL illuminates during a bulb test and a system test.
3. A DTC will be stored if a MIL is requested by the ECM.

MIL Illumination

1. The MIL will illuminate with ignition switch ON and the engine not running.
2. The MIL will turn OFF when the engine is started.
3. The MIL will remain ON if the self-diagnostic system has detected a malfunction.
4. The MIL may turn OFF if the malfunction is not present.
5. If the MIL is illuminated and then the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated so long as the ignition switch is ON.
6. If the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition switch is cycled OFF, then ON.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative

The MIL is located on the instrument panel (IPC).

MIL Function

1. The MIL informs the driver that a malfunction has occurred and the vehicle should be taken in for service as soon as possible.
2. The MIL illuminates during a bulb test and a system test.
3. A DTC will be stored if a MIL is requested by the diagnostic.

MIL Illumination

1. The MIL will illuminate with the ignition switch ON and the engine not running.
2. The MIL will turn OFF when the engine is started.
3. The MIL will remain ON if the self-diagnostic system has detected a malfunction.
4. The MIL may turn OFF if the malfunction is no longer present.
5. If the MIL is illuminated and then the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated as long as the ignition switch is ON.
6. If the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition switch is cycled OFF, then ON.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On

Description

The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table is an organized approach to identifying a condition that causes an engine not to start. The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table directs the service technician to the appropriate system diagnosis.

The Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic table assumes the following

1. The battery is completely charged. Refer to «Battery Inspection/Test (Side Terminal Battery)»(ref-188769-S19691870562005090200000) or «Battery Inspection/Test (Top Post Terminal Battery)»(ref-188769-S40041861132005090200000) in Engine Electrical.
2. The engine cranking speed is acceptable. Refer to «Engine Cranks Slowly»(ref-188769-S26173659362005090200000) in Engine Electrical.
3. There is adequate fuel in the fuel tank.

Engine Cranks but Does Not Run

Scheme 115

System Description

The control module enables the fuel pump relay when the ignition switch is turned ON. The control module will disable the fuel pump relay within 2 seconds unless the control module detects ignition reference pulses. The control module continues to enable the fuel pump relay as long as ignition reference pulses are detected. The control module disables the fuel pump relay within 2 seconds if ignition reference pulses cease to be detected and the ignition remains ON.

The fuel system is a returnless on-demand design. The fuel pressure regulator is a part of the primary fuel tank module, eliminating the need for a return pipe from the engine. A returnless fuel system reduces the internal temperature of the fuel tank by not returning hot fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. Reducing the internal temperature of the fuel tank results in lower evaporative emissions.

An electric turbine style fuel pump attaches to the primary fuel tank module inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies high pressure fuel through the fuel filter, past the fuel pressure regulator, and through the fuel feed pipe to the fuel injection system. The fuel pressure regulator has a T-joint that diverts the needed fuel to the fuel rail with the unused fuel dropping back into the reservoir of the primary fuel tank module. The primary fuel tank module contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve and the fuel pressure regulator maintain fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe and the fuel rail in order to prevent long cranking times.

The primary fuel tank module also contains a primary jet pump and a secondary jet pump. Fuel pump flow loss, caused by vapor expulsion in the pump inlet chamber, is diverted to the primary jet pump and the secondary jet pump through a restrictive orifice located on the pump cover. The primary jet pump fills the reservoir of the primary fuel tank module. The secondary jet pump creates a venturi action which causes the fuel to be drawn from the secondary side of the fuel tank, through the fuel transfer pipe, to the primary side of the fuel tank.

Fuel System Diagnosis

The scan tool is first used to energize the fuel pump relay. The fuel injector tester is then used to pulse each injector for a precise amount of time, allowing a measured amount of fuel into the manifold. This causes a drop in system fuel pressure that can be recorded and used to compare each injector.

Fuel Injector Balance Test Example (Actual Results May Vary)

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

1. 3: The engine coolant temperature (ECT) must be below the operating temperature in order to avoid irregular fuel pressure readings due to hot soak fuel boiling.

Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool

The scan tool is first used to energize the fuel pump relay. The scan tool is then used to pulse each injector for a precise amount of time allowing a measured amount of fuel into the manifold. This causes a drop in system fuel pressure that can be recorded and used to compare each injector.

Fuel Injector Balance Test Example (Actual Results May Vary)

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

1. 3: The engine coolant temperature (ECT) must be below the operating temperature in order to avoid irregular fuel pressure readings due to hot soak fuel boiling.

Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2

Scheme 116

The fuel tank leak test is used to locate any fuel or fuel vapor escaping the fuel tank area. Fuel vapors escaping above the fuel level will be detected, if more than the calibrated amount, when the evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics complete one test cycle. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate after the EVAP diagnostics have failed two test cycles.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. 4: This step tests for fuel leaks below the fuel tank fuel level.
2. 5: This step tests for fuel vapors escaping above the fuel level in the fuel tank.

Fuel Tank Leak Test

Water contamination in the fuel system may cause driveability conditions such as hesitation, stalling, no start, or misfires in one or more cylinders. Water may collect near a single fuel injector at the lowest point in the fuel injection system and cause a misfire in that cylinder. If the fuel system is contaminated with water, inspect the fuel system components for rust or deterioration.

Ethanol concentrations of greater than 10 percent can cause driveability conditions and fuel system deterioration. Fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol could result in driveability conditions such as hesitation, lack of power, stalling, or no start. Excessive concentrations of ethanol used in vehicles not designed for it may cause fuel system corrosion, deterioration of rubber components, and fuel filter restriction.

Water contamination in the fuel system may cause driveability conditions such as hesitation, stalling, no start, or misfires in one or more cylinders. Water may collect near a single fuel injector at the lowest point in the fuel injection system, and cause a misfire in that cylinder. If the fuel system is contaminated with water, inspect the fuel system components for rust or deterioration.

Ethanol concentrations of greater than 10 percent can cause driveability conditions and fuel system deterioration. Fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol could result in driveability conditions such as hesitation, lack of power, stalling, or no start. Excessive concentrations of ethanol used in vehicles not designed for it may cause fuel system corrosion, deterioration of rubber components, and fuel filter restriction.

Several states require that a vehicle pass on-board diagnostic (OBD) system tests and the I/M emission inspection in order to renew license plates. This is accomplished by viewing the I/M System Status display on a scan tool. Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the I/M System Status in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria that comply with the local area requirements.

The purpose of the I/M Complete System Set Procedure is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute all of the I/M readiness diagnostics, and complete the trips for those particular diagnostics. When all diagnostic tests are completed, the I/M System Status indicators are set to YES. Perform this procedure when more than one of the I/M System Status indicators are set to NO.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. 2: This step is to run the HO2S Heater Tests and initiate the EVAP System Test. Preprogramming the scan tool will reduce the amount of time the oxygen sensor heaters operate while verifying the enable criteria.
2. 3: This step is to run the EVAP, AIR and the Oxygen Sensor Tests. The EVAP Test begins once the engine coolant reaches a calibrated temperature. The AIR Test, if equipped, begins shortly after Closed Loop and the indicated speed is achieved. The Oxygen Sensor Tests begin once the engine is at operating temperature, in Closed Loop fuel control, and a calibrated amount of time has elapsed.
3. 4: This step is to run the Catalyst Tests. This test runs during the idle period immediately following a cruise period that meets a minimum calibrated RPM and time period.
4. 6: The I/M System Status only reports on whether or not a diagnostic has run, not what the outcome of the test was. If any emission related DTC sets after the tests are complete, the DTC will require diagnosis.

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Complete System Set Procedure

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the catalyst system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status indicators to YES. The I/M System Status Display on the scan tool provides an indication of whether the control module has completed the required tests. I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run.

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status indicators to YES. The I/M System Status Display on the scan tool provides an indication of whether the control module has completed the required tests. The I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run. Performing a visual inspection prior to running the EVAP test may prevent having to repeat the test. A failed or aborted test will require the vehicle to cool down in order to meet the enable criteria to run another test.

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the oxygen sensor/heated oxygen sensor (O2S/HO2S) system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status to YES. The I/M System Status Display on the scan tool provides an indication of whether the control module has completed the required tests. The I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run.

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heater system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status to YES. The I/M System Status Display on the scan tool provides an indication of whether the control module has completed the required tests. The I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run.

See also:
• Service Programming System (SPS)