Engine Electrical Devices: Overview Suzuki XL7 I

Air Intake System Description

The MAF sensor measures the amount of air coming into the engine. This direct airflow measurement is more accurate than the calculated airflow information obtained from the other sensor inputs. The MAF sensor also houses an integrated intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The MAF sensor uses the following circuits

1. An ignition voltage circuit
2. A signal circuit
3. A ground circuit
4. An IAT signal circuit
5. An IAT low reference circuit

The MAF sensor that is used on this vehicle is a hot film type and is used in order to measure the air flow rate. The air flow through the sensor passes over a temperature sensor, is then heated, and then passes over another temperature sensor. The difference in air temperature before and after the heater is measured. The air temperature difference is proportional to the amount of air flow. This air temperature difference also allow for determination of whether the air is flowing in the forward or reverse directions. As the air flow increases the delta temperature between the two sensors increases. The MAF sensor converts the temperature difference into a frequency signal that the ECM monitors. The ECM calculates the air flow based on this signal.

The ECM monitors the MAF sensor signal frequency and can determine if the sensor signal is too low or too high. The ECM can also detect airflow that is inappropriate for a given operating condition based on the signal frequency. The scan tool displays the MAF sensor value in grams per second (g/s) and hertz (Hz). Values should change rather quickly on acceleration, but should remain fairly stable at any given engine speed. If the ECM detects a condition with the MAF sensor circuits, the following DTCs set

1. P0100 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit
2. P0101 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance
3. P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
4. P0103 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Scheme 1

The camshaft actuator system enables the engine control module (ECM) to change camshaft timing of all 4 camshafts while the engine is operating. The CMP actuator assembly (15) 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 (7) 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 coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
2. The calculated engine oil temperature (EOT)
3. The mass air flow (MAF) sensor
4. The throttle position (TP) sensor
5. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
6. The volumetric efficiency

Operation

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 up to a maximum of 50 crankshaft degrees. The movement of the exhaust camshafts will retard the exhaust valve timing up to a maximum of 50 crankshaft degrees. 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 (11). Oil flowing thru 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 (3). 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 (14) 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.

CMP ACTUATOR SYSTEM OPERATION

Scheme 2

The engine control module (ECM) interacts with many more 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 malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) operation and the 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 in the engine compartment. The ECM is the control center of the engine controls system. The ECM controls the following components

1. The fuel injection system
2. The ignition system
3. The emission control systems
4. The on-board diagnostics
5. The A/C and fan systems
6. The throttle actuation control (TAC) system

The ECM constantly monitors the information from various sensors and other inputs, and controls the systems that affect the vehicle performance and the emissions. The ECM also performs diagnostic tests on various parts of the system. The ECM can recognize operational problems and alert the driver via the MIL. 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.

Knock Sensor (KS) System Description

You can diagnose all of the sensors and most of the input circuits with a scan tool. Within this section is a short description of how to use a scan tool wherever possible to diagnose these circuits. You can also use the scan tool to compare the values for an engine that is running normally with the engine you are diagnosing.

The knock sensor (KS) system detects engine knocking or pinging. The ECM will retard the spark timing based on the signals from the KS system. The KS produce an AC voltage that is sent to the engine control module (ECM). The amount of the AC voltage produced is proportional to the amount of knock.

The ECM monitors the voltage of the sensors after each cylinder has fired.

If knock occurs in any of the cylinders, the ignition will be retarded for that particular cylinder. If the knocking then stops, the ignition will be restored to what it was before in steps.

Should knocking continue in the same cylinder in spite of the ignition being retarded, the ECM will retard the ignition an additional steps, and so on, up to a maximum of 12 degrees of retard. The ignition will also be retarded at high ambient temperatures in order to counteract knocking tendencies provoked by high intake air temperatures.

Should either bank 1 or bank 2 sensor fail to work, or should an internal circuit problem occur, the ignition timing will then use a default strategy. The default strategy will retard the ignition the maximum allowed amount to protect the engine from possible damage.

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system is used to improve emissions, fuel economy, and driveability. The TAC system eliminates the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. The TAC system eliminates the need for a cruise control module and idle air control motor. The following is a list of TAC system components

1. The accelerator pedal assembly includes the following components: The accelerator pedal The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 The APP sensor 2
2. The throttle body assembly includes the following components: The throttle position (TP) sensor 1 The TP sensor 2 The throttle actuator motor The throttle plate
3. The engine control module (ECM)

The ECM monitors the driver demand for acceleration with 2 APP sensors. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 0.98-4.16 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The APP sensor 2 range is from about 0.49-2.08 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The ECM processes this information along with other sensor inputs to command the throttle plate to a certain position.

The throttle plate is controlled with a direct current motor called a throttle actuator control motor. The ECM can move this motor in the forward or reverse direction by controlling battery voltage and/or ground to 2 internal drivers. The throttle plate is held at a 7 percent rest position using a constant force return spring. This spring holds the throttle plate to the rest position when there is no current flowing to the actuator motor.

The ECM monitors the throttle plate angle with 2 TP sensors. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 4.86-0.86 volts as the throttle plate is moved from 0 percent to wide open throttle (WOT). The TP sensor 2 voltage range is from about 0.82-4.14 volts as the throttle plate is moved from 0 percent to WOT.

The ECM performs diagnostics that monitor the voltage levels of both APP sensors, both TP sensors, and the throttle actuator control motor circuit. It also monitors the spring return rate of both return springs that are housed internal to the throttle body assembly. These diagnostics are performed at different times based on whether the engine is running, not running, or whether the ECM is currently in a throttle body relearn procedure.

Every ignition cycle, the ECM performs a quick throttle return spring test to make sure the throttle plate can return to the 7 percent rest position from the 0 percent position. This is to ensure that the throttle plate can be brought to the rest position in case of an actuator motor circuit failure. Observe, under cold conditions, the ECM commands the throttle plate to 7 percent with the ignition ON and the engine OFF to release any ice that may have formed on the throttle plate.