Part 2 of 2

Diagnostic Tips
During diagnosis, you can compare the LDP solenoid activity with the monitor sequence in Figure 6. If the PCM detects a problem that could set a DTC, the testing is halted and LDP solenoid activity will stop. As each section of the test begins, it indicates that the previous section passed successfully. By watching to see which tests complete, you can see if any conditions are present that the PCM considers abnormal.

For example, if the LDP solenoid is energized for the test cycles to test for blockage (P1486), it means that the LDP has already passed its test for P1494. Then, if the PCM detects a possible blockage, it will set a temporary fault without turning on the MIL and continue the leak portion of the test. However, the PCM will assume that the system is already pressurized and skip the rapid pump cycles.

Always diagnose leaks, if possible, before disconnecting connections. Disconnecting connections may mask a leak condition.

Keep in mind that if the purge solenoid seat is leaking, it could go undetected since the leak would end up in the intake manifold. Disconnect the purge solenoid at the manifold when leak checking. In addition, a pinched hose fault (P1486) could set if the purge solenoid does not purge the fuel system properly (blocked seat). The purge solenoid must vent the fuel system prior to the LDP system test. If the purge solenoid cannot properly vent the system the LDP cannot properly complete the test for P1486 and this fault can set due to pressure being in the EVAP system during the test sequence.

Multiple actuation's of the DRB III Leak Detection Pump (LDP) Monitor Test can hide a 0.020 leak because of excess vapor generation. Additionally, any source for additional vapor generation can hide a small leak in the EVAP system. Excess vapor generation can delay the fall of the LDP diaphragm thus hiding the small leak. An example of this condition could be bringing a cold vehicle into a warm shop for testing or high ambient temperatures.

Fully plugged and partially plugged underhood vacuum lines have been known to set MIL conditions. P1494 and P0456 can be set for this reason. Always, thoroughly, check plumbing for pinches or blockage before condemning components.

Test Equipment
The Evaporative Emission Leak Detector (EELD) Miller Special Tool 8404 is capable of visually detecting leaks in the evaporative system and will take the place of the ultrasonic leak detector 6917A. The EELD utilizes shop air and a smoke generator to visually detect leaks down to 0.020 or smaller. The food grade oil used to make the smoke includes an IW trace dye that will leave telltale signs of the leak under a black light. This is helpful when components have to be removed to determine the exact leak location. For detailed test instructions, follow the operators manual packaged with the EELD.

Important
Be sure that the PCM has the latest software update. Reprogram as indicated by any applicable Technical Service Bulletin. Alter LDP repairs are completed, verily the repair by running the DRB III Leak Detection Pump (LDP) Monitor Test as described in Technical Service Bulletin 18-12-99.

PCM Operating Modes
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM adjusts its response to output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse width and ignition timing for idle than it does for wide open throttle. There are several different modes of operation that determine how the PCM responds to the various input signals.

There are two types of engine control operation: open loop and closed loop.

In open loop operation, the PCM receives input signals and responds according to preset programming. Inputs from the heated oxygen sensors are not monitored.

In closed loop operation, the PCM monitors the inputs from the heated oxygen sensors. This input indicates to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content through the oxygen sensor, the PCM can fine tune injector pulse width. Fine tuning injector pulse width allows the PCM to achieve the lowest emission levels while maintaining optimum fuel economy.

The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up, and wide open throttle modes are open loop modes. Under most operating conditions, closed loop modes occur with the engine at operating temperature.

Ignition Switch ON (engine OFF) Mode
When the ignition switch activates the fuel injection system, the following actions occur:
1. The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel strategy.
2. The PCM monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor and throttle position sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy based on this input.

When the key is in the on position and the engine is not running (zero rpm), the auto shutdown relay and fuel pump relay are not energized. Therefore, voltage is not supplied to the fuel pump, ignition coil, and fuel injectors.

Engine Start-up Mode - This is an open loop mode. The following actions occur when the starter motor is engaged:
1. The auto shutdown and fuel pump relays are energized. If the PCM does not receive the camshaft and crankshaft signal within approximately one second, these relays are de-energized.
2. The PCM energizes all fuel injectors until it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft and crankshaft signals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within one engine revolution. After the camshaft position has been determined, the PCM energizes the fuel injectors in sequence. The PCM adjusts the injector pulse width and synchronizes the fuel injectors by controlling the fuel injectors' ground paths.
3. Once the engine idles within 64 rpm of its target engine speed, the PCM compares the current MAP sensor value with the value received during the ignition switch ON (zero rpm) mode. A diagnostic trouble code is written to PCM memory if a minimum difference between the two values is not found.

Once the auto shutdown and fuel pump relays have been energized, the PCM determines the fuel injector pulse width based on the following:
- engine coolant temperature
- manifold absolute pressure
- intake/inlet air temperature
- engine revolutions
- throttle position

The PCM determines the spark advance based on the following:
- engine coolant temperature
- crankshaft position
- intake/inlet air temperature
- manifold absolute pressure
- throttle position

Engine Warm-Up Mode - This is an open loop mode. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector synchronization by controlling the fuel injectors' ground paths. The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle speed. The PCM adjusts the idle speed by controlling the idle air control motor.

Cruise or Idle Mode - when the engine is at normal operating temperature, this is a closed loop mode.

Acceleration Mode - This is a closed loop mode. The PCM recognizes an increase in throttle position and a decrease in Manifold Vacuum as engine load increases. In response, the PCM increases the injector pulse width to meet the increased load. The A/C compressor may be de-energized for a short period of time.

Deceleration - This is a closed loop mode. The PCM recognizes a decrease in throttle position and an increase in Manifold Vacuum as engine load decreases. In response, the PCM decreases the injector pulse width to meet the decreased load. Full injector shut off may be obtained during high speed deceleration.

Wide Open Throttle Mode - This is an open loop mode. The throttle position sensor notifies the PCM of a wide open throttle condition. Once a wide open throttle is sensed, the PCM de-energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay for 20 seconds.

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.(*)

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 if a fuel injector is clogged, the pintle is sticking, or the wrong injectors are 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 stream 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.

SKIS Overview
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. The system consists of a Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM), ignition key(s) equipped with a transponder chip and PCM. When the ignition switch is turned on, the SKIM interrogates the ignition key. If the ignition key is Valid or Invalid, the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message to the PCM indicating ignition key status. Upon receiving this message the PCM will terminate engine operation, or allow the engine to continue to operate.

SKIM On-Board Diagnostics
The SKIM has been programmed to transmit and monitor many different coded messages as well as PCI Bus messages. This monitoring is called On Board Diagnosis.

Certain criteria must be met for a diagnostic trouble code to be entered into the SKIM memory. The criteria may be a range of; Input voltage, PCI Bus message, or coded messages to the SKIM. If all of the criteria for monitoring a circuit or function are met and a fault is sensed, a diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the SKIM memory.

SKIS Operation
When ignition power is supplied to the SKIM, the SKIM performs an internal self-test. After the self- test is completed, the SKIM energizes the antenna (this activates the transponder chip) and sends a challenge to the transponder chip. The transponder chip responds to the challenge by generating an encrypted response message using the following:

Secret Key - This is an electronically stored value (identification number) that is unique to each SKIS. The secret key is stored in the SKIM, PCM and all ignition key transponders.

Challenge - This is a random number that is generated by the SKIM at each ignition key cycle.

The secret key and challenge are the two variables used in the algorithm that produces the encrypted response message. The transponder uses the crypto algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the message sent by the SKIM. After responding to the coded message, the transponder sends a transponder I.D. message to the SKIM. The SKIM compares the transponder I.D. to the available valid key codes in the SKIM memory (8 key maximum at any one time). After validating the key ignition the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message called a Seed Request to the engine controller then waits for a PCM response. If the PCM does not respond, the SKIM will send the seed request again. After three failed attempts the SKIM will stop sending the seed request and store a trouble code. If the PCM sends a seed response, the SKIM sends a valid/invalid key message to the PCM. This is an encrypted message that is generated using the following:

VIN - Vehicle Identification Number

Seed - This is a random number that is generated by the PCM at each ignition key cycle.

The VIN and seed are the two variables used in the rolling code algorithm that encrypts the valid/invalid key message. The PCM uses the rolling code algorithm to receive, decode and respond to the valid/invalid key message sent by the SKIM. After sending the valid/invalid key message the SKIM waits 3.5 seconds for a PCM status message from the PCM. If the PCM does not respond with a valid key message to the SKIM, a fault is detected and a trouble code is stored.

The SKIS incorporates a VTSS LED located on the instrument panel upper cover. The LED receives switched ignition voltage and is hardwired to the body control module. The LED is actuated when the SKIM sends a PCI Bus message to the body controller requesting the LED on. The body controller then provides the ground for the LED. The SKIM will request VTSS LED operation for the following:
- bulb checks at ignition on
- to alert the vehicle operator to a SKIS malfunction
- customer key programming mode

For all faults except transponder faults and VTSS LED remains on steady. In the event of a transponder fault the LED flashes at a rate of 1 Hz (once per second). If a fault is present the LED will remain on or flashing for the complete ignition cycle. If a fault is stored in SKIM memory which prevents the system from operating properly, the PCM will allow the engine to start and run (for 2 seconds) up to six times. After the sixth attempt, the PCM disables the starter relay until the fault is corrected.