TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)
The engine control module (ECM) uses a directly connected signal from the transmission control module (TCM) in the start function (activating the starter motor).
Scheme 159
The engine speed (RPM) sensor provides the engine control module (ECM) with information about the speed and position of the crankshaft. The engine control module (ECM) is able to use the signal from the engine speed (RPM) sensor to determine when a piston is approaching top dead center (TDC).
The signal from the engine speed (RPM) sensor is also used to check the engine for misfires. For further information, see: MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC
The impulse sensor is located on the engine's flywheel side, pointing forward. The sensor is inductive with permanent magnet. When the flywheel/drive flange plate passes the impulse sensor, an alternating voltage is induced in the sensor. The generated voltage and frequency increase when the engine speed increases.
The signal varies between 0.1-100 V depending on the engine speed (RPM).
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is able to determine the engine speed (RPM) by counting the number of holes per time unit. When the reference position passes the engine speed (RPM) sensor, the voltage and frequency drop momentarily to zero, even though the engine is still running. This allows the engine control module (ECM) to determine the position of the crankshaft.
If the signal from the engine speed (RPM) sensor is incorrect or missing, the control module will use signals from the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
The engine speed sensor can be diagnosed by the engine control module (ECM) and the sensor signal (engine speed) can be read out.
Scheme 160
The function of the camshaft position (CMP) sensor is to detect the flanks of the camshaft rotor. The signal from the sensor is used by the engine control module (ECM) to determine the angle of the camshaft.
Each camshaft is divided into a number of flanks (segments) per camshaft revolution. A pulse wheel on the camshaft consisting of teeth (the teeth are positioned by each flank) is used by the camshaft position sensor (CMP) to detect the flanks and the position of the camshaft.
In the event of misfire or engine knock, the control module is able to determine which cylinder is misfiring or knocking using the camshaft position (CMP) sensor's signal.
Data about the camshaft position is used during camshaft control (CVVT). See: CAMSHAFT CONTROL (CVVT)
The sensor, which is a magnetic resistor with a permanent magnet, is grounded in the control module and supplied with 5 V from the control module. When one of the teeth on the camshaft pulse wheel passes the camshaft position (CMP) sensor, a signal is transmitted to the control module from the camshaft position (CMP) sensor. The signal varies between 0 and 5 V and is high when a tooth is in contact with the camshaft position (CMP) sensor and low when the tooth leaves the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
There is camshaft position (CMP) sensor for each camshaft.
The camshaft sensors are located by the camshafts on the engine's left side, closest to the flywheel.
The engine control module (ECM) can diagnose the camshaft position (CMP) sensors.
Scheme 161
The function of the knock sensor (KS) is to monitor combustion knocking from the engine. Knocking may damage the engine and reduces the efficiency of engine combustion.
If the engine control module (ECM) registers knocking from any of the cylinders, the ignition will be retarded for that cylinder at the next combustion stage. If repeated ignition retardation does not prevent knocking, the injection period will be increased. This has a cooling effect.
The sensor is made up of a piezo electrical crystal. If there is engine knock, vibrations (sound waves) spread through the cylinder block to the knock sensor (KS). The resultant mechanical stress in the piezo electrical material in the knock sensors generates a voltage. This signal is transmitted to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The signal corresponds to the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves. This allows the Engine Control Module (ECM) to determine if the engine is knocking. The camshaft position (CMP) sensor and engine speed (RPM) sensor are used to determine the operating cycle of the engine (which cylinder is igniting) and thereby which cylinder is knocking.
The knock sensors (KS) are located on the cylinder block under the intake manifold.
The engine control module (ECM) can diagnose the knock sensors (KS).
Scheme 162
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor checks the temperature of the engine coolant. The temperature of the engine coolant is required so that the engine control module (ECM) can regulate
- the injection period
- the idle speed
- the engine cooling fan (FC)
- the ignition advance
- engagement and disengagement of the A/C compressor
- diagnostic functions.
The sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type which is supplied with power from the control module (signal) and is grounded in the control module.
The resistance in the sensor changes depending on the temperature of the coolant. Depending on the resistance in the sensor, voltage (signal) is transmitted to the engine control module (ECM). The lower the temperature the higher the voltage (high resistance). A high temperature results in low voltage (low resistance).
The engine temperature sensor is located by the thermostat under the intake manifold.
The engine temperature sensor can be diagnosed by the engine control module (ECM) and the sensor value can be read out.
Scheme 163
Overview
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a combined sensor and contains two sensors in the same component
- Mass air flow (MAF) sensor
- intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
The mass air flow sensor is located by the air filter housing.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor gauges the air mass sucked into the engine. It continuously transmits signals to the engine control module (ECM) about the mass of the intake air. This data is used by the engine control module (ECM) to calculate
- the injection period
- the fuel pressure
- the ignition timing
- the engine load.
The gearbox control module (TCM) also uses this data for its gear shift calculations. This data is transmitted to the gearbox control module (TCM) from the engine control module (ECM) via the high speed side of the Controller area network (CAN).
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a hot wire type. Unlike other hot wire types, the mass air flow sensor in the Denso system uses a hot wire which has a ceramic casing. This eliminates the need for a clean burn function.
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is supplied with battery voltage by the system relay and is grounded in the engine control module (ECM). The signal from the sensor is analog and varies between approximately between 0.5 - 4.5 V. Low air flow (low mass) results in low voltage, high air flow (high mass) gives high voltage.
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor can be diagnosed by the engine control module (ECM) and the sensor signal can be read off.
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
The temperature sensor checks the temperature of the intake air in the intake manifold. This data is used by the engine control module (ECM) to calculate injection period. The control module also controls certain diagnostic functions using the signal from the temperature sensor.
The sensor, which is an NTC resistor, is grounded in the control module and supplied with power (signal) from the control module.
The resistance in the sensor changes according to the intake air temperature. This provides the control module with a signal of between 0.5 - 5 V. The lower the temperature the higher the voltage (high resistance). A high temperature results in low voltage (low resistance).
The temperature sensor can be diagnosed by the engine control module (ECM) and the sensor signal can be read off.