Computers and Control Systems: Description and Operation

EFI SYSTEM / DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system is composed of three basic subsystems: Fuel Induction, Air Induction and Electronic Control Systems.

FUEL SYSTEM
An electric fuel pump supplies sufficient fuel, under a constant pressure, to the EFI injectors. These injectors inject a metered quantity of fuel into the intake manifold in accordance with signals from the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Each injector injects, at the same time, one half of the fuel required for ideal combustion with each engine revolution.

AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM
The air induction system provides sufficient air for engine operation.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM
The 3S-FE engine is equipped with a Toyota Computer Control System (TCCS) which centrally controls the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Electronic Spark Advance (ESA), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Diagnosis systems, etc. by means of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU - formerly EFI computer) employing a microcomputer.

By means of the ECU, the TCCS controls the following functions:

1. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
The ECU receives signals from various sensors indicating changing engine operating conditions such as:
- Intake air volume.
- Intake air temperature.
- Coolant temperature.
- Engine rpm.
- Acceleration/deceleration.
- Exhaust Oxygen content.

These signals are utilized by the ECU to determine the injection duration necessary for an optimum air-fuel ratio.

2. Electronic Spark Advance (ESA).
The ECU is programmed with data for optimum ignition timing under any and all operating conditions. Using data provided by sensors which monitor various engine functions (rpm, coolant temperature, etc.), the microcomputer (ECU) triggers the spark at precisely the right instant.

3. Idle Speed Control (ISC).
The ECU is programmed with target engine speed values to respond to different engine conditions (coolant temperature, air conditioner on/off, etc.). Sensors transmit signals to the ECU which controls the flow of air through the by-pass of the throttle valve and adjusts idle speed to the target value.

4. Diagnosis.
The ECU detects any malfunctions or abnormalties in the sensor network and lights a "CHECK ENGINE" warning light on the instrument panel. At the same time, the trouble is identified and a diagnostic code is recorded by the ECU. The diagnostic code can be read by the number of blinks of the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light when terminals T and E1 are short-circuited.

5. Fail-Safe Function.
In the event of the sensor malfunctioning, a back-up circuit will take over to provide minimal driveability. Simultaneously, the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light will light.