Powertrain Control Module
SYSTEM OPERATIONPowertrain Control Module (PCM):
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a digital computer containing a microprocessor.
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
- Fuel Level Sensor
- Leak Detection Pump Switch
- 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
- Leak Detection Pump Solenoid
- Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
- Radiator Fan Relay
- SCI Transmit
- 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 the 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-PCM INPUT
OPERATION
The speed control system provides five separate voltages (inputs) to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The voltages correspond to the ON, OFF, SET, RESUME, CANCEL, and DECEL.
The speed control ON voltage informs the PCM that the speed control system has been activated. The speed control SET voltage informs the PCM that a fixed vehicle speed has been selected. The speed control RESUME voltage indicates the previous fixed speed is requested. The speed control CANCEL voltage tells the PCM to deactivate but retain set speed in memory (same as depressing the brake pedal). The speed control DECEL voltage informs the PCM to coast down to a new desired speed. The speed control OFF voltage tells the PCM that the speed control system has deactivated.