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4.0 L C EC S YSTE M
1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1988 COMPUTERIZED ENGINE Controls
ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM
JEEP 4.0L MPFI 6-CYLINDER
Cherokee, Comanche & Wagoneer
DESCRIPTION
The 4.0L engine control system controls engine operation to
lower exhaust emissions while maintaining good fuel economy and
driveability. The system is designed to maintain a 14.7:1 air/fuel
ratio under all engine operating conditions. When the ideal air/fuel
ratio is maintained, the catalytic converter can control oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissio\
ns.
The system consists of the following sub-systems: Fuel
Control, Data Sensors and Switches, Electronic Control Unit (ECU),
Diagnostics, Electronic Spark Advance, Idle Speed Control, Exhaust Gas
Recirculation, and Transmission Shift Light.
OPERATION
FUEL CONTROL
The fuel control system delivers fuel to the engine. Fuel
from the in-tank fuel pump flows to the fuel rail, injectors and
pressure regulator. The pressure regulator maintains fuel system
pressure at 31-39 psi (2.l-2.7 kg/cm
). Excess fuel is returned to the
tank by a fuel return line.
The fuel pump is energized through the fuel pump relay that
is located on the right inner fender panel in the engine compartment.
Battery voltage is provided through the ignition switch and is
energized when the ECU completes the ground path.
The fuel injectors are electrically operated solenoid valves.
The ECU determines injector pulse width ("on/off") time based upon
engine operating conditions and delivers the proper pulse width to
maintain an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:l.
The ECU varies the amount of voltage applied to the injectors
to compensate for battery voltage changes. Battery voltage information
is provided to the ECU through the wiring harness. No sensor or switch
is required.
DATA SENSORS & SWITCHES
Each sensor and/or switch furnishes electronic impulses to
the ECM. Based on these input signals, the ECM computes spark timing
and air/fuel mixture for proper engine operation.
Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS)
The CTS is located on the left side of the block, just below
exhaust manifold. The sensor provides coolant temperature information
to the ECU. Engine coolant temperature is used by the ECU for the
following functions:
* Enrich air/fuel mixture for cold engine starts.
* Control idle speed during warm-up.
* Increase spark advance during cold engine operation.
* Prevent EGR flow during cold engine operation.
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Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
The MAP sensor measures changes in intake manifold pressure
resulting from engine load and speed changes. The MAP sensor is
located in the engine compartment, on the firewall behind the engine.
The ECU uses this information to control fuel delivery and ignition
timing.
Oxygen (O2) Sensor
The oxygen sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold to
monitor oxygen content of exhaust gases. The oxygen content reacts
with the oxygen sensor to produce a voltage output signal which is
sent to the ECU.
The oxygen sensor is equipped with a heating element that
keeps the sensor at a consistent temperature under warm-up and idle
conditions. This allows the engine control system to enter "closed
loop" mode of operation much earlier, and to remain in "closed loop"
during extended idle periods.
The heating element of the sensor is controlled by the ECU
through the O2 sensor heater relay. This is a normally closed relay
that supplies voltage to the sensor under warm-up and idle conditions.
When the ECU receives information from the MAP and speed sensors
indicating that the sensor will stay heated due to exhaust gas
temperature, the ECU opens the relay to stop voltage to the heating
element.
Fig. 1: Location & Identification of 4.0L Relays
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
The TPS is a variable resistor connected to the throttle
shaft. The sensor is a potentiometer that has one end connected to the
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ECU signal line and the other end connected to ground. As throttle
valve angle changes, a return voltage is sent back to the ECU through
the third wire. Output voltage to the ECU is about one volt when
throttle valve is at idle position, and about 5 volts when throttle
valve is at wide open throttle.
A dual TPS is used on automatic transmission equipped models.
The additional sensor provides throttle position information to the
transmission.
Knock Sensor
A knock sensor is mounted on the lower left side of block,
just above the oil pan. This sensor detects abnormal engine vibration
due to "detonation" and/or "pre-ignition". The knock sensor supplies
detonation information to the ECU. The ECU then alters ignition timing
as needed to maintain maximum timing under most operating conditions.
Park/Neutral (P/N) Switch
The P/N switch is mounted in automatic transmission equipped
vehicles. The switch indicates when the transmission is in Park or
Neutral.
Speed Sensor
The speed sensor is a nonadjustable sensor attached to the
flywheel/drive plate housing with special shoulder bolts. This sensor
provides Top Dead Center (TDC) and engine speed information to the ECU\
by counting the flywheel teeth as they pass during engine operation.
The flywheel has a large trigger tooth and notch located 12 small
teeth before each TDC position. See Fig. 2.
Fig. 2: Design of Speed Sensor
When a small tooth and notch pass the magnetic core of the
sensor, the concentration and collapse of the magnetic field created
induces a small voltage spike into the sensor pick-up coil windings.
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These small voltage spikes give the ECU information for calculating
engine speed.
When a large tooth and notch pass the magnetic core of the
sensor, the concentration and collapse of the magnetic field created
induces a higher voltage spike into the sensor pick-up coil windings.
This higher voltage spike indicates to the ECU that a piston will soon
be at TDC (12 teeth later).
The ECU uses speed sensor information for advancing or
retarding ignition timing, dependent upon input from other sensors and
switches.
A/C "ON" Switch
This switch signals the ECU that the A/C system is energized.
This signal is used by the ECU to increase idle speed.
Starter Motor Relay
Although no switch or sensor is used, the ECU requires this
information for fuel enrichment during starting. This information is
passed on the the ECU through the starter motor relay.
Distributor Reference Signal
Although no switch or sensor is used, the ECU requires this
information for ignition timing and fuel supply. This information is
relayed to the ECU through a "synch pulse" provided by the distributor
stator. This allows the ECU to synchronize injector opening with
intake valve opening.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is the "brain" of the
engine control system. The ECU is located in the passenger
compartment, under left side of dash to right of steering column.
The ECU senses engine operating conditions, processes input
signals, and controls the various systems that affect vehicle
performance.
DIAGNOSTICS
The engine control system has diagnostic capabilities. Using
System Tester (M.S. 1700), diagnostics can be performed on the system
to more accurately determine faulty components. The diagnostic
connectors are located in the engine compartment at the right shock
tower (or under left side of instrument panel).
NOTE: Information for diagnosing the engine control system using
the System Tester (M.S. 1700) was not available from
manufacturer. Only component testing is provided.
ELECTRONIC SPARK ADVANCE
Based upon engine operating conditions received from the
sensors and switches, the ECU controls spark timing. The ECU triggers
the ignition coil through the ignition control module.
IDLE SPEED CONTROL
Idle speed is controlled by the ECU through the idle speed
stepper motor. A latch relay is used to program the stepper motor for
engine start-up. The relay is located on the right inner fender panel.
See Fig. 1 . The ECU energizes the latch relay when engine is in
cranking mode, and keeps the relay energized for 3-5 seconds after the
engine is stopped. In this way, the stepper motor can provide the
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proper increased enrichment for the next engine start. Idle speed is
nonadjustable.
EMISSION CONTROL
The ECU electrically controls Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).\
An ECU-controlled solenoid valve is used to control EGR valve
function. This valve is located on the left inner fender panel and is
operated by the ECU in response to coolant temperature, throttle
position, and manifold pressure.
Under conditions of engine warm-up, engine idle, wide open
throttle, or rapid acceleration/deceleration, the solenoid valve is
energized, blocking vacuum to the EGR valve. At normal operating
temperatures with engine speed above idle, the solenoid valve is de-
energized, allowing normal EGR valve function.
NOTE: If the electrical connector is removed from the EGR solenoid,
EGR flow will be allowed at all times.
A/C CLUTCH CONTROL
The ECU controls the A/C compressor clutch to improve idle
quality. The A/C compressor clutch will be engaged or disengaged as
deemed necessary by the ECU through the A/C clutch relay.
SHIFT LIGHT CONTROL
The shift light system is used on all manual transmission
equipped vehicles. The ECU monitors coolant temperature, throttle
position, vehicle speed, and engine speed to control the shift light.
The ECU calculates what gear position the vehicle should be in and
uses this information to turn on the light. The light indicates the
best shift point to the driver for maximum fuel economy.
The light is tested when the ignition switch is turned on.
When the engine is started, the light should go out. A transmission-
mounted switch prevents the light from illuminating when the
transmission is shifted into high gear. The ECU turns the light off if
the shift to the next higher gear is not performed within 3-5 seconds
after light comes on.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Before assuming that the ECU is faulty, the following systems
and components must be in good condition and operating properly:
* Air filter.
* All support systems and wiring.
* Battery connections and specific gravity.
* Compression pressure.
* Electrical and vacuum connections to components, sensors and
switches.
* Emission control devices.
* Ignition system.
* All vacuum and fuel line (hose) connections.
FUEL SYSTEM TEST
Fuel Pressure
1) Remove cap from pressure test port on fuel rail and
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