1991 FORD FESTIVA sensor

FUEL INJECTION TROUBLE SHOOTING
Se ve r a l High F ir in g Lin e s
Fuel Mixture UnbalancedCheck Fuel System
EGR Valve Stuck OpenClean/Replace EGR
Valve
High Plug Wire ResistanceReplace Plug Wire
Cracked/Broken PlugsReplace Plugs
Intake Vacuum LeakRepair Leak
Several Low Firing Lines
Fuel Mixture UnbalancedAdjust Fuel Mixture
Plug Wires ArcingReplace Plug Wires
Cracked Coil ArcingReplace Coil
Uneven CompressionCheck/Repair Engine
Faulty Spark PlugsReplace Plugs
Cylinders Not Firing
Cracked Distributor CapReplace Cap
Shorted Plug WiresReplace Plug Wires
Mechanical Engine FaultCheck/Repair Engine
Spark Plugs FouledReplace Plugs
Carbon Track in Distributor CapReplace Cap
Hard Starting
Defective Ignition Coil(s)Replace Coil(s)
Fouled Spark PlugsReplace Plugs
Incorrect TimingReset Ignition Timing
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
Problem & Possible CauseAction
Cold Start Valve InoperativeTest Cold Start Valve
Poor Vacuum/Electrical ConnectionRepair Connections
Contaminated FuelTest Fuel for Water/Alcohol
Bad Fuel Pump Relay/CircuitTest Relay/Wiring
Battery Voltage LowCharge/Test Battery
Low Fuel PressureTest Press. Regulator/Pump
No Distributor Reference PulseRepair Ignition System
Coolant Temp. Sensor DefectiveTest Temp. Sensor/Circuit
No Power To InjectorsCheck Injector Fuse/Relay
Hard Starting
Defective Idle Air Control (IAC)Test IAC and Circuit
EGR Valve OpenTest EGR Valve/Control
Circuit
Restricted Fuel LinesInspect/Replace Fuel Lines
Poor MAP Sensor SignalTest MAP Sensor/Circuit
Engine Stalls During Parking ManeuverCheck P.S. Press. Switch
Rough Idle
Dirty Fuel InjectorsClean/Replace Injectors
Poor MAP Sensor SignalTest MAP Sensor/Circuit
Intermittent Fuel Injector OperationCheck Harness Connectors
Erratic Vehicle Speed Sensor InputsHarness Too Close to Plug
Wires
Poor O2 Sensor SignalTest O2 Sensor/Circuit
Faulty PCV SystemCheck PCV Valve and
Hoses
Poor Acceleration
Weak Fuel PumpReplace Fuel Pump
Dirty Fuel InjectorsClean/Replace Injectors
Excessive Intake Valve DepositsClean Intake System
Poor High Speed Operation
Low Fuel Pump VolumeFaulty Fuel Pump/Filter
Poor MAP Sensor SignalTest Speed Sensor/Circuit
Acceleration Ping/Knock
Faulty EGR SystemCheck EGR Valve and
Hoses
Poor Knock Sensor SignalTest Knock Sensor/Circuit
Poor Baro Sensor SignalTest Baro Sensor/Circuit
Improper Ignition TimingAdjust Timing
Engine OverheatingCheck Cooling System
Poor Quality FuelUse Different Fuel
Carbon Build-UpDecarbon Engine
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Fig. 14: Typical Negative Backpressure EGR Valve

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Digital EGR Valve
The digital EGR valve operates independently of engine manifold vacuum. This valve controls EGR flow through 3 orifices. These 3 orifices
are opened and closed by electric solenoids. The solenoids are, in turn, controlled by the Electronic Control Module (ECM). When a
solenoid is energized, the armature with attached shaft and swivel pintle is lifted, opening the orifice. See Fig. 15
.
The ECM uses inputs from the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Mass Airflow (MAF) sensors to
control the EGR orifices to make 7 different combinations for precise EGR flow control. At idle, the EGR valve allows a very small amount of
exhaust gas to enter the intake manifold. This EGR valve normally operates above idle speed during warm engine operation.
Verify EGR valve is present and not modified or purposely damaged. Ensure thermal vacuum switches, pressure transducers, speed switches,
etc., (if applicable) are not by-passed or modified. Ensure vacuum hose(s) to EGR valve is not plugged. Ensure electrical connector to EGR
valve is not disconnected.
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Fig. 15: Typical Digital EGR Valve

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Integrated Electronic EGR Valve
This type functions similar to a ported EGR valve with a remote vacuum regulator. The internal solenoid is normally open, which causes the
vacuum signal to be vented off to the atmosphere when EGR is not controlled by the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The solenoid valve
opens and closes the vacuum signal, controlling the amount of vacuum applied to the diaphragm. See Fig. 16
.
The electronic EGR valve contains a voltage regulator, which converts ECM signal and regulates current to the solenoid. The ECM controls
EGR flow with a pulse width modulated signal based on airflow, TPS and RPM. This system also contains a pintle position sensor, which
works similarly to a TPS sensor. As EGR flow is increased, the sensor output increases.
Verify EGR valve is present and not modified or purposely damaged. Ensure thermal vacuum switches, pressure transducers, speed switches,
etc., (if applicable) are not by-passed or modified. Ensure electrical connector to EGR valve is not disconnected.
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Fig. 16: Cutaway View Of Typical Integrated Electronic EGR Valve

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
SPARK CONTROLS (SPK)
Spark control systems are designed to ensure the air/fuel mixture is ignited at the best possible moment to provide optimum efficiency and
power and cleaner emissions.
Ensure vacuum hoses to the distributor, carburetor, spark delay valves, thermal vacuum switches, etc., are in place and routed properly. On
Computerized Engine Controls (CEC), check for presence of required sensors (O2, MAP, CTS, TPS, etc.). Ensure they have not been
tampered with or modified.
Check for visible modification or replacement of the feedback carburetor, fuel injection unit or injector(s) with a non-feedback carburetor or
fuel injection system. Check for modified emission-related components unacceptable for use on pollution-controlled vehicles.
AIR INJECTION SYSTEM (AIS)
Air Pump Injection System (AP)
The air pump is a belt-driven vane type pump, mounted to engine in combination with other accessories. The air pump itself consists of the
pump housing, an inner air cavity, a rotor and a vane assembly. As the vanes turn in the housing, filtered air is drawn in through the intake port
and pushed out through the exhaust port. See Fig. 17
.
Check for missing or disconnected belt, check valve(s), diverter valve(s), air distribution manifolds, etc. Check air injection system for proper
hose routing.
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Fig. 17: Typical Air Pump Injection System

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Pulsed Secondary Air Injection (PAIR) System
PAIR eliminates the need for an air pump and most of the associated hardware. Most systems consists of air delivery pipe(s), pulse valve(s) and
check valve(s). The check valve prevents exhaust gases from entering the air injection system. See Fig. 18
.
Ensure required check valve(s), diverter valve(s), air distribution manifolds, etc., are present. Check air injection system for proper hose
routing.

Fig. 18: Typical Pulsed Secondary Air Injection System

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
OXYGEN SENSOR (O2)
The O2 sensor is mounted in the exhaust system where it monitors oxygen content of exhaust gases. Some vehicles may use 2 O2 sensors. The
O2 sensor produces a voltage signal which is proportional to exhaust gas oxygen concentration (0-3%) compared to outside oxygen (20-21%).
This voltage signal is low (about .1 volt) when a lean mixture is present and high (1.0 volt) when a rich mixture is present.
As ECM compensates for a lean or rich condition, this voltage signal constantly fluctuates between high and low, crossing a reference voltage
supplied by the ECM on the O2 signal line. This is referred to as cross counts. A problem in the O2 sensor circuit should set a related trouble
code.
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS (CEC)
The CEC system monitors and controls a variety of engine/vehicle functions. The CEC system is primarily an emission control system designed
to maintain a 14.7:1 air/fuel ratio under most 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) emissions.
The CEC system consists of the following sub-systems: Electronic Control Module (ECM), input devices (sensors and switches) and output
signals.
EARLY FUEL EVAPORATION (EFE)
The EFE valve is actuated by either a vacuum actuator or a bimetal spring (heat-riser type). The EFE valve is closed when engine is cold. The
closed valve restricts exhaust gas flow from the exhaust manifold. This forces part of the exhaust gas to flow up through a passage below the
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Back To Article
GENERAL INFORMATION
How To Use The Engine Perform ance Section - 1989 & Newer Models
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
HOW TO USE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE SECTION
Congratulations, you have purchased the most advanced automotive repair and service information available. This information can help you, as
a professional automotive technician, to maintain top vehicle performance, and correct driveability problems on today's high-tech vehicles.
For your convenience and ease in use, all of our engine performance service and repair information is consistently organized by manufacturer,
using a progressive diagnostic/workflow approach. Due to the differences in how each manufacturer approaches diagnosis and repair, once
started and inside of an article, that manufacturer may drive the workflow in a direction other than what is outlined here.
The progressive diagnostic/workflow of our data is as follows:
APPLICATION to identify vehicle and system usage.
EMISSION APPLICATION to identify emission system usage.
SPECIFICATIONS to quickly find an engine performance service specification.
ADJUSTMENTS to perform engine performance related routine adjustments.
THEORY & OPERATION to familiarize yourself with new systems and technologies.
BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES located under TESTING & DIAGNOSTICS, also referred to as BASIC TESTING, is used for
performing a basic vehicle inspection and is also the starting point for diagnosis of a "no-start" condition.
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS located under TESTING & DIAGNOSTICS, also referred to as TESTS W/CODES, is where manufacturer
specific procedures for retrieving, identifying and diagnosing DTCs (trouble codes) retained in a control modules memory are located.
TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES located under TESTING & DIAGNOSTICS, also referred to as TESTS W/O CODES, is where
an engine performance problem that does not set a DTC can be potentially isolated through either a SYMPTOM or INTERMITTENTS
duplication procedure.
SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING located under TESTING & DIAGNOSTICS, also referred to as SYSTEM/COMPONENT
TESTS, once directed to this article, specific system and component tests can be performed to help isolate faulty component/system
prior to replacement.
PIN VOLTAGE CHARTS provide supplemental information to help determine correct control module input and output signals. Pin
charts may also be referred to as PID charts by some manufacturers.
SENSOR RANGE CHARTS help determine if a sensor is out of calibration. In some cases an out-of-calibration sensor will not set a
DTC (trouble code), resulting in difficult to diagnose driveability symptoms.
VACUUM DIAGRAMS help determine correct routing of vacuum hoses when reinstalling components or performing emission
inspections.
REMOVE, OVERHAUL & INSTALL provides procedures necessary for removing and installing engine performance related
components.
WIRING DIAGRAMS can be used to identify circuits, terminals, wire colors and components referenced in testing procedures. NEW
COLOR WIRING DIAGRAMS (system diagrams) provide an easy method of identifying and tracing circuits.
APPLICATION
INTRODUCTION/ENGINE/VIN ID
Here you will find out how to identify an engine by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The manufacturer's MODEL COVERAGE chart
lists each model and engine option, the fuel system, ignition system and engine code. Engine serial number locations are also shown here, as
well as the VIN code breakdown. Using model lookup in conjunction with VIN and engine ID will identify application information necessary
for servicing vehicle and ordering parts.
EMISSION APPLICATIONS
EMISSION APPLICATION TABLES
Here you will find a chart listing what emission control devices apply to each model. This can be helpful when performing government-
required emissions inspections. For quick reference, major emission systems and devices are listed in bold type in the emission table. Sub
components are listed in light type.
SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
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SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
If you want a specification quickly, this is the place to look. Instead of hunting through a long article, we've separated out the important
specifications and arranged them into easy-to-use tables in a centralized location. You can find valuable information like spark plug wire
resistance, valve clearance, timing, firing orders, etc.
ADJUSTMENT
ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS
The ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS article contains the type of information that was previously thought of as TUNE-UP information.
Procedures for checking and adjusting valves, base ignition timing and idle speed are found in this section. Use this section in conjunction with
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS for performing routine maintenance. Also, if you have a driveability problem, ensure all on-
vehicle adjustments are within specification before attempting further diagnosis.
THEORY & OPERATION
This article covers basic THEORY & OPERATION of engine performance-related systems and components. Before diagnosing vehicles or new
systems with which you are not completely familiar, read this article.
TESTING & DIAGNOSTICS
BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES/BASIC TESTING
The procedures listed in this article can help you avoid skipping a simple step early, like checking base timing, which could be costly in both
time and money later. This is also a potential starting point for diagnosis of a "no-start" condition. If all systems check out okay here, proceed
to SELF-DIAGNOSTICS/TESTS W/CODES or TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES/TESTS W/O CODES article.
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS/TESTS W/CODES
Use this information to retrieve and interpret Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) accessed from the vehicle's self-diagnostic system. Once
information is retrieved, manufacturer diagnostic procedures are given to help pinpoint and repair computer system/component faults. Also
included are steps for clearing trouble codes once these faults are repaired. If there is a driveability symptom with no trouble codes set,
proceed to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES/TESTS W/O CODES article.
TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES/TESTS W/O CODES
This is where to go when you have a problem that does not set a trouble code. It can help determine cause of problem using driveability
symptoms and intermittent testing procedures. Procedures in this information should lead you to a specific component or system test.
SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING
Here you will find various tests for engine performance systems and their components, such as air induction (turbochargers and superchargers),
fuel control, ignition control and emission systems.
PIN VOLTAGE CHARTS
These are supplied (when available from manufacturer) to quicken the diagnostic process. By checking pin voltages at the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM), you can determine if the PCM is receiving and/or transmitting proper voltage signals. Pin charts may also be referred to as PID
charts by some manufacturers.
SENSOR RANGE CHARTS
SENSOR OPERATING RANGE CHARTS
These are supplied (when available from manufacturer) to determine if a sensor is out of calibration. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a
trouble code, but it may cause driveability problems.
VACUUM DIAGRAMS
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
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Let's go back to figuring out dwell/duty readings by using injector on-time specification. This is not generally practical, but we will cover it for
completeness. You NEED to know three things:
Injector mS on-time specification.
Engine RPM when specification is valid.
How many times the injectors fire per crankshaft revolution.
The first two are self-explanatory. The last one may require some research into whether it is a bank-fire type that injects every 360° of
crankshaft rotation, a bank-fire that injects every 720°, or an SFI that injects every 720°. Many manufacturers do not release this data so you
may have to figure it out yourself with a frequency meter.
Here are the four complete steps to convert millisecond on-time:
1. Determine the injector pulse width and RPM it was obtained at. Let's say the specification is for one millisecond of on-time at a hot idle
of 600 RPM.
2. Determine injector firing method for the complete 4 stroke cycle. Let's say this is a 360° bank-fired, meaning an injector fires each and
every crankshaft revolution.
3. Determine how many times the injector will fire at the specified engine speed (600 RPM) in a fixed time period. We will use 100
milliseconds because it is easy to use. Six hundred crankshaft Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) divided by 60 seconds equals 10
revolutions per second. Multiplying 10 times .100 yields one; the crankshaft turns one time in 100 milliseconds. With exactly one
crankshaft rotation in 100 milliseconds, we know that the injector fires exactly one time.
4. Determine the ratio of injector on-time vs. off-time in the fixed time period, then figure duty cycle and/or dwell. The injector fires one
time for a total of one millisecond in any given 100 millisecond period. One hundred minus one equals 99. We have a 99% duty cycle.
If we wanted to know the dwell (on 6 cylinder scale), multiple 99% times .6; this equals 59.4° dwell.
Weaknesses of Dwell/Duty Meter
The weaknesses are significant. First, there is no one-to-one correspondence to actual mS on-time. No manufacturer releases dwell/duty data,
and it is time-consuming to convert the mS on-time readings. Besides, there can be a large degree of error because the conversion forces you to
assume that the injector(s) are always firing at the same rate for the same period of time. This can be a dangerous assumption.
Second, all level of detail is lost in the averaging process. This is the primary weakness. You cannot see the details you need to make a
confident diagnosis.
Here is one example. Imagine a vehicle that has a faulty injector driver that occasionally skips an injector pulse. Every skipped pulse means
that that cylinder does not fire, thus unburned O2 gets pushed into the exhaust and passes the O2 sensor. The O2 sensor indicates lean, so the
computer fattens up the mixture to compensate for the supposed "lean" condition.
A connected dwell/duty meter would see the fattened pulse width but would also see the skipped pulses. It would tally both and likely come
back with a reading that indicated the "pulse width" was within specification because the rich mixture and missing pulses offset each other.
This situation is not a far-fetched scenario. Some early GM 3800 engines were suffering from exactly this. The point is that a lack of detail
could cause misdiagnosis.
As yo u migh t h a ve gu e sse d , a lab scope would not miss this.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DWELL & DUTY CYCLE READINGS
THE TWO TYPES OF INJECTOR DRIVERS
OVERVIEW
There are two types of transistor driver circuits used to operate electric fuel injectors: voltage controlled and current controlled. The voltage
controlled type is sometimes called a "saturated switch" driver, while the current controlled type is sometimes known as a "peak and hold"
driver.
The basic difference between the two is the total resistance of the injector circuit. Roughly speaking, if a particular leg in an injector circuit has
total resistance of 12 or more ohms, a voltage control driver is used. If less than 12 ohms, a current control driver is used.
It is a question of what is going to do the job of limiting the current flow in the injector circuit; the inherent "high" resistance in the injector
circuit, or the transistor driver. Without some form of control, the current flow through the injector would cause the solenoid coil to overheat
and result in a damaged injector.
VOLTAGE CONTROLLED CIRCUIT ("SATURATED SWITCH")
Dwell Meter (2)Duty Cycle Meter
1°1%
15°25%
30°50%
45°75%
60°100%
(1)These are just some examples for your understanding. It is okay to fill in the gaps.
(2)Dwell meter on the six-cylinder scale.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
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