1987 NISSAN PULSAR fuel pressure

Fuel and Engine Management
(4) MAP sensor faulty or supply hose discon-
nected or blocked: Check the vacuum supply hose.
Check the operation of the MAP sensor.

EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION
(1) Blocked air cleaner element: Check the ele-
ment and clean or renew as necessary.
(2) Incorrect fuel pressure: Check the fuel pump
and fuel pressure regulator. (3) Faulty coolant temperature sensor: Check
the connections and operation.
(4) Leaks in the fuel supply system: Check the
connections and components for leakage. (5) Leaking fuel injector(s): Clean or renew the
faulty injector(s). (6) Engine operating temperature too low:
Check the thermostat and electric cooling fan as
described in the Cooling an d Heating Systems section.
2. DESCRIPTION
The engine management system on the range of
vehicles covered by this manual controls the opera-
tion of the ignition system and the fuel system.

The central component of the engine management
system is the electronic control unit (ECU). The con-
trol unit is a micro-computer which controls the igni-
tion timing and the amount of fuel injected according
to signals received from various sensors. As changes
are detected in engine load and speed, coolant tem-
perature, barometric pressure, air temperature (1.8
liter engine), throttle position and vehicle speed, the
control unit alters the ignition timing and the fuel
injection amount to achieve optimum engine effi-
ciency.

The control unit incorporates a self diagnosis
mode which stores and displays codes relating to
certain system malfunctions. Whenever power is sup-
plied to the control unit, the control unit performs a


View of the 1.8 liter engine showing the engine management components.
Ensure that all fuel connections are securely tightened.

Fuel and Engine Management 85


View of the 1.6 liter engine showing the engine management components. Air cleaner removed for clarity.
series of tests on various components in the system
and records the results, If a fault is discovered, the
ECM warning lamp on the instrument cluster will
illuminate while the engine is running. When the self
diagnosis mode is activated, the ECM warning lamp
will flash codes indicating the area in which the fault
has occurred.

This function is very useful in locating system
faults, particularly intermittent problems. However,
the self diagnosis mode does not provide comprehen-
sive testing of the EFI system, and therefore should
always be used in conjunction with the other test
procedures described later in this section in order to
accurately locate system faults.

The high energy electronic ignition system con-
sists of a distributor and an ignition coil.

The distributor has two functions. The first is to
produce and distribute secondary high tension voltage
to the spark plugs.

The second function is to provide the control unit
with information on engine speed and crankshaft
position.

The ignition timing is constantly adjusted by the
control unit to suit varying engine and vehicle oper-
ating conditions.

In the fuel injection system, a metered amount of
fuel is sprayed into the air stream. The air/fuel

mixture then enters the combustion chamber via the
inlet valves.

On 1.6 liter engines, the fuel is injected by a single
injector, located above the throttle valve within the
throttle body assembly. The injector fires twice per
engine revolution under most operating conditions.

On 1.8 liter engines, four injectors are used. The
fuel is distributed to the injectors via the fuel rail. All
injectors fire simultaneous ly once per engine revolu-
tion under most operating conditions.

Under conditions of high load the control unit
may signal the injector(s) to fire more often. However,
if the engine speed exceeds 6 700 rpm the control unit
will cease firing the injectors until the engine speed is
below 6 200 rpm.

Fuel is supplied under pressu re by an electric fuel
pump mounted in the fuel tank and the pressure is
regulated by a pressure regulator.

On 1.6 liter engines, the regulator consists of a
spring tensioned diaphragm which is mounted to the
side of the throttle body assembly. The fuel pressure is
regulated by the tension of the spring against the
diaphragm, opening and closing the fuel return port.

On 1.8 liter engines, the pressure regulator is
mounted adjacent to the fuel rail and consists of a
diaphragm with fuel pressu re acting on one side and
spring tension and manifold vacuum acting on the

86 Fuel and Engine Management
other. The fuel pressure is maintained at a constant
pressure relevant to the manifold vacuum. A dispos-
able paper element fuel filter is mounted on the engine
bulkhead.

The amount of fuel injected is relevant to the time
the injector remains open. The basic time the injector
remains open is governed by the control unit which
uses information from the various sensors to give
optimum engine efficiency for given conditions.

The idle air control (IAC) valve controls the fast
idle speed during engine warm up and maintains the
basic idle speed at a set value by compensating for
loads such as air conditioning or the selection of Drive
on automatic transaxle models.

The throttle body assembly is mounted to the
inlet manifold and controls the amount of air entering
the engine by the action of the throttle valve.

Efficient operation of the EFI system depends on
accurate signals being receiv ed by the control unit and
controlled air flow beyond the throttle valve. There-
fore it is essential that all air, fuel and electrical
connections be clean and tight.

3. SERVICE PRECAUTIONS AND
PROCEDURES

Electronic ignition systems can produce danger-
ously high voltages in both the primary and secondary
circuits. For this reason, extreme care must be taken
when working on or near the ignition system.

Do not start the engine if the battery terminals are
not clean and tight.

Do not use the fast charge or boost settings on a
battery charger to start the engine.

Do not disconnect the battery terminals while the
engine is running.

Disconnect the battery terminals before charging
the battery.

Disconnect the negative ba ttery terminal before
working on the engine management system.

Do not subject the control unit to temperatures
above 80 deg C.

Ensure that all wiring connectors are clean and
tight.

Disconnect the battery terminals and the control
unit wiring connectors before attempting any welding
operations.

Do not direct a steam cleaning or pressure
washing nozzle at engine management components
when cleaning the engine.

Ensure that the ignition is Off prior to disconnect-
ing the battery terminals, fusible links or the control
unit wiring connectors.

TO CONNECT ELECTRICAL TEST
EQUIPMENT

NOTE: Some types of tachometers, timing
lights and ignition system analysers are not
compatible with this engine management
system and may result in incorrect readings.
It is therefore recommended that the man-
ufacturer of the lest equipment be consulted
before proceeding to use the equipment.

If a test procedure requires the use of a
test lamp or voltmeter, ensure that only the
specified instrument is used to prevent mis-
leading diagnosis.

MULTIMETER
It is essential that in all tests where voltage or
resistance is to be measur ed, a digital display multi-
meter with a minimum 10 megohms impedance be
used.


The correct method of backprobing the wiring connec-
tors. The meter test probe should be modified with a piece of thin wire as shown.
All meter readings are to be performed with the
component wiring connectors installed unless other-
wise instructed. This can be done by inserting the
meter test probes from the wiring harness side of the
connector or backprobing. If the test probes are not
thin, they should be modified by attaching a thin piece
of wire to the end, giving a fine point that will not
damage the connector. Ensure that the wire is making
good contact with the probe.

If sealing plugs or boots are removed from wiring
connectors to facilitate bac kprobing, ensure that they
are correctly installed at the conclusion of the test
procedure.

To identify wiring connector terminals refer to the
wiring circuit diagrams.

Test Lamp
To avoid damage to the electronic components
when testing, the use of an LED (light emitting diode)
test lamp is recommended.

92 Fuel and Engine Management

Installed view of the throttle body assembly showing
the location of the base idle adjusting screw. 1.6 liter
engine.
(7) Disconnect the IAC valve wiring connector
and slowly connect the vacuum supply hose to the
inlet manifold. Allow five seconds to elapse and note
the engine speed.
(8) If the engine speed is not to Specifications,
remove the plug from the throttle body housing on 1.6
liter engines, or the cap from the base idle adjusting
screw on 1.8 liter engines, and adjust the idle screw
until the engine speed is 625 rpm. (9) Stop the engine and connect the IAC valve
wiring connector. (10) On 1.8 liter engines, install a new cap to
the
base idle adjusting screw.
On 1.6 liter engines, seal the throttle stop screw
with silicone sealant and install the air cleaner assem-
bly.

(11) Erase the memory codes as previously de-
scribed.
(12) Start the engine and increase the speed to
3 000 rpm for 10 seconds to allow the idle air control
valve to reset.
5. FUEL SUPPLY COMPONENTS

Special Equipment Required:
To Check Fuel Pressure — 0-500 kPa pressure
gauge

NOTE: Before proceeding with any of the
operations in this section, refer to the Ser-
vice Precautions and Procedures heading.

TO DEPRESSURISE FUEL SYSTEM
(1) Lift the front edge of the rear seat cushion on
each side, slide the cushion forward and remove it
from the vehicle. (2) Disconnect the fuel pump wiring harness
connector.
When depressurizing the fuel system, remove the rear
seat cushion and disconnect the fuel pump wiring
connector.
(3) Start and run the engine until it stalls.
Operate the starter motor for 10 seconds to ensure
that the pressure has dissipated.
(4) Connect the fuel pump wiring connector and
install the rear seat cushion.
NOTE: Failure to depressurize the fuel sys-
tem when instructed may result in a fuel
spray and possible fire.

TO TEST FOR EXTERNAL LEAKS
(1) Connect a jumper lead between terminals G
and H on the diagnostic link connector.
(2) Switch the ignition On.
(3) Check for leaks at all hose connections and
joints between the fuel pump and the engine. (4) Switch the ignition Off and remove the
jumper lead from the diagnostic link connector.
(5) If renewal of a component is necessary,
depressurize the fuel system as previously described. (6) Use only hoses and clamps as specified by
the manufacturer.
TO CHECK FUEL PRESSURE

(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described. (2) On 1.6 liter engines, remove the air cleaner
as described in this section under the Air Cleaner
Assembly heading. (3) On 1.8 liter engines, release the hose clamp
securing the fuel supply hos e to the fuel rail and
disconnect the hose. On 1.6 liter engines, release the hose clamp
securing the fuel supply hose to the rear throttle body
hose fitting and disconnect the hose.

(4) Using a suitable gauge, tee piece, short piece
of fuel hose and clamps, install the pressure
gauge
between the fuel supply ho se and the fuel rail on 1.8

Fuel and Engine Management 93
liter engines, or the throttle body hose fitting on 1.6
liter engines.

(5) Tighten all connectors securely. Check for
external leaks as previously described. (6) Start the engine and note the pressure while
the engine is idling.
(7) Switch the engine Off and check that the
residual pressure does not decrease.
If the fuel pressure is within Specifications and
does not decrease, the fuel system is in a serviceable
condition. Depressurize the fuel system and discon-
nect the pressure gauge.

If the fuel pressure is a bove Specifications proceed
to operation (9).

If the fuel pressure is below Specifications proceed
to the following operation.

If the fuel pressure decreases, an internal leak is
indicated. Proceed to the following heading and carry
out the test procedure.


Testing the fuel system pressure using a pressure
gauge. 1.8 liter engine.
NOTE: There may be a small initial de-
crease in pressure when the engine is
switched Off This is acceptable and does not
indicate a fault in the system.

(8) If the fuel pressure is below Specifications
proceed as follows:

(a) Check the fuel lines for blockages and kinks
or a blocked fuel filter or fuel pump pickup strainer. (b) If no fault can be found in the previous
checks, on 1.8 liter engines clamp the fuel return hose
at the fuel rail. On 1.6 liter engines, clamp the hose that is
connected to the front throttle body hose fitting.

(c) Connect a jumper lead between terminals G
and H on the diagnostic link connector and switch the
ignition On.

NOTE: Do not operate the fuel pump for
longer than is necessary to obtain a pressure
reading.

If the fuel pressure is less than 270 kPa on 1.8 liter
engines or 90 kPa on 1.6 liter engines, renew the fuel
pump.

If the fuel pressure is more than previously
specified, renew the pressure regulator assembly on
1.8 liter engines or the pressure regulator diaphragm
on 1.6 liter engines.

(9) If the fuel pressure in operation (6) is above
Specifications, proceed as follows:

(a) On 1.8 liter engines, disconnect the fuel
return hose from the pressure regulator outlet.

On 1.6 liter engines, disc onnect the fuel return
hose from the front throttle body hose fitting.

(b) Connect a suitable length of fuel hose to the
pressure regulator or the front throttle body hose
filling and place the opposite end of the hose into a
petroleum resistant container. (c) Connect a jumper lead between terminals G
and H on the diagnostic link connector and switch the
ignition On. If the fuel pressure is 230-270 kPa on 1.8 liter
engines or 62-90 kPa on 1.6 liter engines, locate and
remove the restriction in the fuel return hose or pipe.

If the fuel pressure is more than previously
specified, renew the pressure regulator assembly on
1.8 liter engines or the pressure regulator diaphragm
on 1.6 liter engines.

TO TEST FOR INTERNAL FUEL LEAKAGE
Check the residual fuel pressure as previously
described.

If the pressure has decreased it is an indication of
an internal leak. With the pressure gauge still at-
tached, proceed as follows:

(1) Switch the ignition On to pressurize the fuel
system.
(2) As the pressure begins to decrease clamp the
fuel supply hose shut. If the pressure remains steady
the fuel pump may be consid ered faulty and should be
renewed as described later in this section. (3) If the pressure continues to decrease switch
the ignition On after it has been Off at least 10
seconds. As the pressure begi ns to decrease clamp the
fuel return hose shut. If the pressure remain steady on 1.8 liter engines,
renew the pressure regulator. If the pressure continues
to decrease, leaking inject ors are indicated. Remove
the injectors as described later in this section to locate
the leaking injectors.

If the pressure remains stea dy on 1.6 liter engines,
renew the pressure regulator diaphragm as described
later in this section. If the pressure continues to
decrease remove the injector and renew the O ring
seals as described later in this section. If this fails to
rectify the fault remove the injector and clean or
renew the injector as necessary.

94 Fuel and Engine Management

FUEL FILTER
To Remove and Install
Refer to the Engine Tune-up section for the
procedure to remove and install the fuel filter.

FUEL PUMP
To Test Electrical Circuit
Refer to the EGI and Fuel Pump Relays heading
later in this section for the test procedures.

To Remove and Install
(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described.

(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Remove the rear seat backrest as described
under the Seats heading in the Body section.
(4) Remove the bolts securing the fuel pump
cover plate to the floor pa nel, remove the rubber
grommet and slide the cover plate from the wiring
harness. (5) Mark the fuel hoses to ensure correct install-
lation and disconnect the hoses from the fuel pump. (6) Remove the fuel pump retaining screws and
carefully remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.


View of the fuel pump cover plate removed, showing
the fuel pump installed.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Ensure that a new fuel pump O ring seal is
installed. (2) Tighten the fuel pump retaining screws and
the fuel hose clamps securely.
(3) Ensure that the rubber grommet is seated
correctly in the fuel pump cover plate. (4) Install the fuel pump cover plate ensuring
that the arrow on the plate is facing the front of the
vehicle. (5) Connect the negative battery terminal, start
the engine and test for leaks as previously described.
Rectify as necessary.
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
To Remove and Install — 1.8 Liter Engine
(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described.

(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
View of the fuel pump assembly removed from the fuel
tank. Installed view of the fuel pressure regulator. 1.8 liter
engine.

Fuel and Engine Management 95
(3) Disconnect the vacuum hose from the pres-
sure regulator.
(4) Release the fuel hose clamps, disconnect the
hoses from the pressure regulator and remove the
pressure regulator. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
ensuring that the fuel hose clamps are tightened
securely.

To Remove and Install — 1.6 Liter Engine
(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described. (2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Remove the air cleaner assembly. If neces-
sary, refer to the Air Cleane r Assembly heading in this
section. (4) Remove the screws securing the pressure
regulator cover to the throttle body assembly. When removing the final screw hold the cover
firmly as it is under spring tension.

(5) Remove the cover, spring seat, spring and
diaphragm from the thrott le body assembly. Discard
the diaphragm.


View of the pressure regulator components removed
from the throttle body assembly. 1.6 liter engine.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Install a new diaphragm ensuring that
the
diaphragm is correctly seat ed in the groove in the
throttle body assembly. (2) Apply Loctite 262 to the threads of the
retaining screws.
(3) Place the spring seat and the spring in the
cover and install the cover to the throttle body
assembly, ensuring that the cover is positioned on the
locating dowels. (4) While holding the cover in position install
the
retaining screws and tighten securely.
NOTE: When installing the pressure regu-
lator cover ensure that the diaphragm is not
disturbed, to prevent the possibility of a fuel
leak.

INJECTORS
To Test Injector Circuit and Injectors
(1) Disconnect the injector wiring connectors.
(2) Connect a test lamp between the injector
wiring connector terminals, ensuring that the test
lamp probes do not contact each other. (3) With the ignition switched On the test lamp
should not light. On 1.8 liter engines, check each of
the other connectors.
If the test lamp lights check the wiring harness for
a short to earth between the injector wiring connec-
tor(s) and the control unit wiring connector termi-
nal - D15 and D16 on 1.8 liter engines, or D16 on
1.6 liter engines.

(4) With the aid of an assistant, operate the
starter motor. The test lamp should flash. On 1.8 liter
engines, check each of the other connectors.

If the test lamp does not flash when connected to
the injector wiring connecto r(s), proceed to operation
(6).

If the test lamp lights as described, proceed as
follows.

If the test lamp lights but fails to flash, a faulty
control unit is indicated. Pr ior to renewing the control
unit, check the condition of the injectors as follows.

(5) Connect an ohmmeter between the terminals
of the injectors).

The resistance should be more than 1.2 ohms on
1.6 liter engines or more than 12 ohms on 1.8 liter
engines.

If the injector resistance is as specified, the
injector circuit can be considered serviceable.

If the injector resistance is not as specified, renew
the faulty injector(s).

(6) With the ignition switched On, probe the
injector wiring connector terminals with a test lamp to
earth.

If the test lamp lights when the probe contacts the
pink wire terminal on 1.6 liter engines, or the white
wire terminal on 1.8 liter engines, check the wiring
harness for a short to volt age between the injector
wiring connector(s) and the control unit wiring con-
nector terminal(s) D16 on 1.6 liter engines, or D15
and D16 on 1.8 liter engines.

If the test lamp does not light when the probe
contacts the blue wire termin al on 1.6 liter engines, or
the black and red wire term inal on 1.8 liter engines,
check the EGI relay and circ uit as described under the
EG! and Fuel Pump Relays heading in this section.

If the test lamp lights when the probe contacts the
blue wire terminal on 1.6 lite r engines, or the blue and
red wire terminal on 1.8 liter engines, proceed as
follows.

(7) Switch the ignition Off and connect the
injector wiring connectors). (8) Switch the ignition On and, using a test lamp
to earth, backprobe the cont rol unit wiring connector

96 Fuel and Engine Management

terminal D16 on 1.6 liter engines, or D15 and D16
on
1.8 liter engines.

The test lamp should light.
If the test lamp does not light check the wiring
harness for continuity between the injector wiring
connector(s) and the control unit wiring connector
terminals.

Repair or renew the wiring harness as necessary.
To Remove and Install Injectors and Fuel Rail — 1.8
Liter Engine.

(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Thoroughly clean around the injectors and

View of the fuel rail, injectors and pressure regulator
removed from the engine.
the fuel rail to prevent foreign material entering the
engine.

(4) Suitably mark the fuel hoses, loosen the hose
clamps and disconnect the fuel hoses from the fuel
rail. (5) Disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel
pressure regulator. (6) Loosen the hose clamp and disconnect the
engine ventilation hose from the throttle body. (7) Remove the bolts securing the fuel rail and
injectors to the inlet manifold. (8) Carefully raise the fuel rail and injectors
from the inlet manifold until the injector nozzles are
clear of the manifold. (9) Disconnect each injector wiring connector by
pushing in the wire retaining clip.
(10) Using a small screwdriver, remove the injec-
tor retaining clip and withdraw the injectors from the
fuel rail.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Check the condition of the injector O ring
seals and renew if necessary. (2) Install the injectors to the fuel rail and secure
with the retaining clips. (3) Connect the wiring connectors to each injec-
tor ensuring that the wire clip is locked in position. (4) Install the injectors to the inlet manifold,
carefully guiding the injectors into place ensuring that
the O ring seals are not damaged.
(5) Install the fuel rail retaining bolts and tighten
to the specified torque. (6) Install the fuel hoses to the fuel rail
and
tighten the hose clamps securely.
(7) Check for fuel leaks as previously described.
To Remove and Install Injector — 1.6 Liter Engine

(1) Depressurize the fuel system as previously
described. (2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Remove the air cleaner assembly. If neces-
sary refer to the heading Air Cleaner Assembly in this
section.
(4) Remove the injector retaining plate screw
and remove the injector retaining plate from the
throttle body assembly. (5) Insert the blade of a screwdriver from the
front of the throttle body assembly under the rim of
the injector in which the retaining plate locates.
Support the screwdriver on a suitable object to act as
a fulcrum. (6) Carefully lever the screwdriver until the
injector can be withdrawn from the throttle body
assembly.
(7) Remove and discard the upper and lower O
ring seals from the injector . If necessary remove the
lower filter screen from the injector.
NOTE: As the injector contains electrical

View of the fuel injector removed from the throttle body assembly. 1.6 liter engine.