FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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General System Description

Fig. 1 Power Distribution Center (PDC):




Fig. 2 Powertrain Control Module (PCM):






All engines use in this section have a sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection system. The MPI system is computer regulated and provides precise air/fuel ratios for all driving conditions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates the fuel injection system.

The PCM regulates:
- Ignition timing
- Air/fuel ratio
- Emission control devices
- Cooling fan
- Charging system
- Idle speed
- Vehicle speed control

Various sensors provide the inputs necessary for the PCM to correctly operate these systems. In addition to the sensors, various switches also provide inputs to the PCM.

All inputs to the PCM are converted into signals. The PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing operating conditions.

Fuel is injected into the intake port above the intake valve in precise metered amounts through electrically operated injectors. The PCM fires the injectors in a specific sequence. Under most operating conditions, the PCM maintains an air fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by constantly adjusting injector pulse width. Injector pulse width is the length of time the injector is open.

The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening and closing the ground path to the injector. Engine RPM (speed) and manifold absolute pressure (air density) are the primary inputs that determine injector pulse width.

SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The PCM can test many of its own input and output circuits. If the PCM senses a fault in a major system, the PCM stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in memory

Technicians can display stored DTC's by two different methods. The first is to cycle the ignition switch On - Off - On - Off - On within 5 seconds. Then count the number of times the malfunction indicator (check engine) lamp on the instrument panel flashes on and off. The number of flashes represents the DTC. There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate individual trouble codes.

The second method of reading DTC's uses the DRB or scan tool.

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
The power distribution center (PDC) is located next to the battery (Fig. 1). The PDC contains the starter relay radiator fan relay, A/C compressor clutch relay, auto shutdown relay, fuel pump relay and several fuses.

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a digital computer containing a microprocessor (Fig. 2). The PCM receives input signals from various switches and sensors that are referred to as PCM Inputs. Based on these inputs, the PCM adjusts various engine and vehicle operations through devices that are referred to as PCM Outputs.

PCM Inputs:
- Air Conditioning Controls
- Battery Voltage
- Battery Temperature Sensor
- Brake Switch
- Camshaft Position Sensor
- Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
- [1][2]Fuel Level Sensor
- Ignition Switch
- Intake Air Temperature Sensor
- Knock Sensor
- Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
- Oxygen Sensors
- Power Steering Pressure Switch
- SCI Receive
- Speed Control Switches
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Transmission Park/Neutral Switch (automatic transmission)
- Vehicle Speed Sensor

PCM Outputs:
- Air Conditioning WOT Relay
- Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
- Charging Indicator Lamp
- Data Link Connector
- Duty Cycle EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
- EGR Solenoid
- Fuel Injectors
- Fuel Pump Relay
- Generator Field
- Idle Air Control Motor
- Ignition Coils
- Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine Lamp)
- Radiator Fan Relay
- Speed Control Solenoids
- Tachometer
- Torque Convertor Clutch Solenoid

Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts fuel injector pulse width, idle speed, ignition spark advance, ignition coil dwell and EVAP canister purge operation. The PCM regulates the cooling fan, air conditioning and speed control systems. The PCM changes generator charge rate by adjusting the generator field. The PCM also performs diagnostics.

The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air-fuel ratio) based on the following inputs.
- Battery voltage
- Coolant temperature
- Intake air temperature
- Exhaust gas content (oxygen sensor)
- Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
- Manifold absolute pressure
- Throttle position

The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the following inputs.
- Coolant temperature
- Intake air temperature
- Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
- Knock sensor
- Manifold absolute pressure
- Throttle position
- Transmission gear selection park/neutral switch

The PCM also adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air control motor based on the following inputs.
- Air conditioning sense
- Battery voltage
- Battery temperature
- Brake switch
- Coolant temperature
- Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
- Engine run time
- Manifold absolute pressure
- Power steering pressure switch
- Throttle position
- Transmission gear selection park/neutral switch
- Vehicle distance speed

The Auto Shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays are mounted externally, but turned on and off by the PCM.

The crankshaft position sensor signal is sent to the PCM. If the PCM does not receive this signal within approximately one second of engine cranking, it deactivates the ASD relay and fuel pump relay. When these relays deactivate, power is shut off from the fuel injectors, ignition coils, heating element in the oxygen sensors and the fuel pump.

The PCM contains a voltage converter that changes battery voltage to a regulated 9 volts direct current to power the camshaft position sensor crankshaft position sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The PCM also provides a 5 volt direct current supply for the manifold absolute pressure sensor and throttle position sensor.

SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATION
The speed control electronic control circuitry is integrated into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is located in the engine compartment. The PCM speed control functions are monitored by the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure it detects. See On-Board Diagnostic Tests. The PCM cannot be repaired and must be replaced if faulty.

USE THE DRB SCAN TOOL TO REPROGRAM THE NEW PCM WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) AND THE ORIGINAL VEHICLES MILEAGE. IF THIS STEP IS NOT DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) MAY BE SET.