Functional Operation

FUEL CONTROL
The PCM controls the air/fuel ratio of the engine by varying fuel injector-on time. Mass air flow is calculated by the speed density method using engine speed and manifold absolute pressure (IAT is a modifier in Speed Density).

Different fuel calculation strategies are used depending on the operational state of the engine. During crank mode, a prime shot fuel pulse is delivered followed by fuel pulses determined by a crank time strategy. Cold engine operation is determined via an open loop strategy until the O2 sensors have reached operating temperature. At this point, the strategy enters a closed loop mode where fuel requirements are based upon the state of the O2 sensors, engine speed, MAP, throttle position, air temperature, battery voltage, and coolant temperature.

ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
The PCM has been programmed to monitor any circuit or system that has an effect on vehicle emissions, or is used by the PCM to determine the proper functionality of these systems. This monitoring is called "on-board diagnosis."

Certain criteria or, "arming conditions", must be met before a trouble code will be entered into the PCM memory. The criteria may range from engine rpm, engine temperature, and/or input voltage to the PCM. If a problem is detected with a monitored circuit, and all of the criteria or arming conditions are met, a trouble code will be stored in the PCM.

It is possible that a trouble code for a monitored circuit may not be entered into the PCM memory even though a malfunction has occurred. This may happen because one of the trouble code criteria (arming conditions) has not been met.

The PCM compares input signal voltages from each input component to specifications (the established high and low limits of the range) that are preprogrammed for that component. If the input voltage is not within specifications, and other trouble code criteria (arming conditions) are met, a trouble code will store in the PCM memory.

The On Board Diagnostics have evolved to the second Generation of Diagnostics referred to as OBDII. These OBDII Diagnostics control the functions necessary to meet the requirements of California OBDII and Federal OBD regulations. These requirements specify the inclusion of a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) located on the instrument panel for all 1994 and subsequent model-year passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles. The purpose of the MIL is to inform the vehicle operator in the event of the malfunction of any emission system or component failures that can affect emissions and which provide input to, or receive output from, the PCM.

OBD II Monitor Operation:

The table summarizes the various OBDII monitors operation.

CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system is turned on when the engine is started and ASD relay energized. When the ASD relay is on, ASD output voltage is supplied to the ASD sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected in some cases, through the PCM and supplied to one of the generator field terminals (Gen Source +). All others, the Generator field is connected directly to the ASD output voltage. The amount of current produced by the generator is controlled by the Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry, in the PCM. Battery temperature is determined either by IAT, Ambient or Battery temperature sensor. This temperature along with sensed line voltage is used by the PCM to vary battery charging. This is accomplished by cycling the path to ground to the other generator field terminal (Gen field driver).

NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
The PCM does not monitor the following circuits, systems, and conditions even though they could have malfunctions that result in driveability problems. A diagnostic code may not be displayed for the following conditions. However, problems with these systems may cause a diagnostic code to be displayed for other systems. For example, a fuel pressure problem will not register a diagnostic code directly, but could cause a rich or lean condition. This could cause an oxygen sensor, fuel system, or misfire monitor trouble code to be stored in the PCM.

Engine Timing - The PCM cannot detect an incorrectly indexed timing chain, camshaft sprocket, or crankshaft sprocket. The PCM also cannot detect an incorrectly indexed distributor or Cam Sensor.(*)

Fuel Pressure - Fuel pressure is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator. The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel pump inlet filter, clogged in-line filter, or a pinched fuel supply.(*)

Fuel Injectors - The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel injector, a sticking pintle, or that an incorrect injector is installed.(*)

Fuel Requirements - Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and stumble. Use of methanol-gasoline blends may result in starting and driveability problems. (See individual symptoms and their definitions in Section 6.0 (Glossary of Terms)).

PCM Grounds - The PCM cannot detect a poor system ground. However, a diagnostic trouble code may be stored in the PCM as a result of this condition.

Throttle Body Air Flow - The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air cleaner inlet or filter element.(*)

Exhaust System - The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted, or leaking exhaust system.(*)

Cylinder Compression - The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression.(*)

Excessive Oil Consumption - Although the PCM monitors the exhaust oxygen content through the oxygen sensor when the system is in a closed loop, it cannot determine excessive oil consumption.

NOTE: Any of these conditions could result in a rich or lean condition causing an oxygen sensor trouble code to be stored in the PCM, or the vehicle may exhibit one or more of the driveability symptoms listed in the Table of Contents.