1991 MITSUBISHI MONTERO Service Manual

If no hard fault codes (or only pass codes) are present,
proceed to H - TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e.
ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.

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H - T E STS W /O C O DES

1991 M it s u bis h i M onte ro
1991 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Trouble Shooting - No Codes
Chrysler Motors: Colt, Colt 200, Colt Vista, Ram-50, Stealth,
Summit,
Mitsubishi: Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Pickup, 3000GT
INTRODUCTION
Before diagnosing symptoms or intermittent faults, perform
steps in F - BASIC TESTING and G - TESTS W/ CODES articles in the
ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. Use this article to diagnose driveability
problems that exist when a hard fault code is NOT found, or on vehicle
NOT equipped with a self-diagnostic system.
NOTE: Computer control unit has been revised to correct certain
driveability problems. Check with manufacturer for latest
computer application.
Symptom checks are intended to direct technician to
malfunctioning component(s) so further diagnosis may be performed. A
symptom should lead to specific component or system testing, or an
adjustment specification.
Use intermittent test procedures to locate driveability
problems that DO NOT occur when vehicle is being tested. These test
procedures should also be used if a soft (intermittent) trouble code
was present, but no problem was found during self-diagnostic testing.
NOTE: For specific testing procedures, see I - SYS/COMP TESTS
article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. For
specifications, see C - SPECIFICATIONS or D - ADJUSTMENTS
article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Symptom checks cannot be used unless problem occurs while
vehicle is being tested. Symptoms available for diagnosis include the
following:
* Difficult to start/no start (cranks okay)
* Rough or unstable idle
* Engine hesitates or poor acceleration
* Engine surges
* Detonation or knocking
* Poor fuel mileage
SYMPTOMS (PFI)
DIFFICULT TO START/NO START (CRANKS OKAY)
* Check idle speed control servo (if applicable).
* Check stepper motor (if applicable).
* Check ignition switch.
* Check TDC sensor.
* Check crank angle sensor.
* Check inhibitor switch (A/T).

* Check airflow sensor.
* Check coolant temperature sensor.
* Check idle position switch.
* Check power supply to ECU ground.
* Check fuel pressure.
* Check for disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses.
* Check for control relay malfunction.
* Check for PFI system malfunction.
* Check for fuel pump drive control system malfunction.
* Check for ignition coil malfunction.
* Check for ignition timing malfunction.
* Check for power transistor malfunction.
* Check for fuel injector malfunction.
* Check for ECU malfunction.
* Ensure electrical harness, connectors and wires are not
broken or loose.
ROUGH OR UNSTABLE IDLE
* Check intake air temperature sensor.
* Check purge control solenoid valve (if applicable).
* Check vehicle speed sensor.
* Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
* Check barometric pressure sensor.
* Check ignition switch.
* Check idle position switch.
* Check throttle position sensor.
* Check TDC sensor.
* Check crank angle sensor.
* Check power steering oil pressure switch.
* Check A/C switch and power relay (if applicable).
* Check inhibitor switch.
* Check oxygen sensor.
* Check airflow sensor.
* Check motor position sensor (if equipped).
* Check fuel pressure.
* Check for disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses.
* Check PFI system malfunction.
* Check for stepper motor malfunction (if applicable).
* Check for fuel injector malfunction.
* Check for power transistor malfunction.
* Check for vehicle speed switch malfunction.
* Check for ECU malfunction.
* Ensure electrical harness, connectors and wires are not
broken or loose.
ENGINE HESITATES OR POOR ACCELERATION
* Check intake air temperature sensor.
* Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
* Check barometric pressure sensor.
* Check ignition switch.
* Check ignition coil.
* Check EGR control solenoid valve (if applicable).
* Check idle position switch.
* Check throttle position sensor.
* Check TDC sensor.
* Check crank angle sensor.
* Check power steering oil pressure switch.
* Check A/C switch (if applicable).
* Check inhibitor switch (A/T).
* Check oxygen sensor.
* Check airflow sensor.

* Check motor position sensor (if applicable).
* Check fuel pressure.
* Check for disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses.
* Check for PFI system malfunction.
* Check for stepper motor malfunction (if applicable).
* Check for fuel injector malfunction.
* Check for power transistor malfunction.
* Check for A/C power relay control system malfunction (if
applicable).
* Check for ECU malfunction.
* Ensure electrical harness, connectors and wires are not
broken or loose.
ENGINE SURGES
* Check coolant temperature sensor.
* Check idle position switch.
* Check EGR control solenoid valve (if applicable).
* Check fuel pressure.
* Check for fuel injector malfunction.
DETONATION OR KNOCKING
* Check airflow sensor.
* Check for cooling system problems.
* Check fuel quality.
* Check intake air temperature sensor.
* Check barometric pressure sensor.
* Check ignition coil.
* Check power transistor.
* Check for EGR system malfunction.
POOR FUEL MILEAGE
* Check intake air temperature sensor.
* Check engine coolant temperature sensor.
* Check barometric pressure sensor.
* Check ignition switch.
* Check idle position switch.
* Check throttle position sensor.
* Check TDC sensor.
* Check crank angle sensor.
* Check power steering oil pressure switch.
* Check A/C switch (if applicable).
* Check inhibitor switch (A/T).
* Check oxygen sensor.
* Check airflow sensor.
* Check motor position sensor (if applicable).
* Check fuel pressure.
* Check for PFI system malfunction.
* Check for stepper motor malfunction.
* Check for fuel injector malfunction.
* Check for power transistor malfunction.
INTERMITTENTS
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS
Intermittent fault testing requires duplicating circuit or
component failure to identify problem. These procedures may lead to
computer setting a fault code which may help in diagnosis.
If problem vehicle does not produce fault codes, monitor

voltage or resistance values using a DVOM while attempting to
reproduce conditions which may cause intermittent fault. A status
change on DVOM indicates a fault has been located.
When using a DVOM to pinpoint faults, monitor voltage reading
with ignition on, or vehicle running. Ensure ignition is in OFF
position or negative battery cable is disconnected when monitoring
circuit resistance. Change in ohmmeter reading during test procedures
indicates area of fault.
TEST PROCEDURES
Intermittent Simulation
To reproduce conditions which cause intermittent fault, use
the following methods:
* Lightly vibrate component.
* Heat component.
* Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
* Spray component with water.
* Remove/apply vacuum source.
Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while
simulating intermittent fault conditions. If vehicle is running,
monitor for self-diagnostic codes. Use test results to identify a
faulty component or circuit.

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E - T H EO RY/O PER ATIO N - E FI

1 991 M it s u bis h i M onte ro
1990-91 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Chrysler/Mitsubishi Theory & Operation - Fuel Injection
All Models
INTRODUCTION
This article covers basic description and operation of engine
performance-related systems and components. Read this article before
diagnosing vehicles or systems with which you are not completely
familiar.
AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM
NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES
All Chrysler/Mitsubishi engines with Port Fuel Injection
(PFI), called Multi-Point Injection (MPI) by the manufacturer, use t\
he
same basic air induction system. Remote air filter (with airflow
sensor) is ducted to a plenum-mounted throttle body.
TURBOCHARGED ENGINES
In addition to basic air induction system used on all other
models, turbocharging system components include turbocharger, air-to-
air intercooler, air by-pass valve, wastegate actuator, wastegate
control solenoid valve and intake ducting.
Wastegate Control Solenoid Valve
Engine Control Unit (ECU) energizes solenoid valve,
controlling leakage rate of turbocharger pressure to wastegate
actuator.
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS
Multi-Point Injection (MPI) is a computerized engine control
system which controls fuel injection, ignition timing, idle speed and
emission control systems.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU)
NOTE: Components are grouped into 2 categories. The first category
covers INPUT DEVICES, which control or produce voltage
signals monitored by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The
second category covers OUTPUT SIGNALS, which are components
controlled by the ECU.
ECU receives and processes signals from input devices. Such
operating conditions as cold starting, altitude, acceleration and
deceleration affect input device signals. Based upon signals received,
ECU sends signals to various components which control fuel injection,
ignition timing, idle speed and emission control systems.
INPUT DEVICES
Vehicles are equipped with different combinations of input
devices. Not all input devices are used on all models. To determine

input device usage on specific models, see appropriate wiring diagram
in M - WIRING DIAGRAMS.
Air Conditioner Switch
When A/C is turned on, signal is sent to ECU. With engine at
idle, ECU increases idle speed through Idle Speed Control (ISC) motor.\
Airflow Sensor
Incorporated in airflow sensor assembly, airflow sensor is a
Karmen Vortex-type sensor which measures intake airflow rate.
Intake air flows through tunnel in airflow sensor assembly.
Airflow sensor transmits radio frequency signals across direction of
incoming airflow, downstream of vortex. Intake air encounters vortex,
causing turbulence in tunnel.
Turbulence disrupts radio frequency, causing variations in
transmission. Airflow sensor converts frequency transmitted into a
proportionate electrical signal which is sent to ECU.
Airflow Sensor Assembly
Mounted inside air cleaner, incorporates airflow sensor,
atmospheric pressure sensor and intake air temperature sensor.
Atmospheric (Barometric) Pressure Sensor
Incorporated in the airflow sensor assembly, converts
atmospheric pressure to electrical signal which is sent to ECU. ECU
adjusts air/fuel ratio and ignition timing according to altitude.
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Converts coolant temperature to electrical signal for use by
ECU. ECU uses coolant temperature information for controlling fuel
enrichment when engine is cold.
Crankshaft Angle & TDC Sensor Assembly
Assembly is located in distributor on SOHC engines. On DOHC
engines, which use Direct (or Distributorless) Ignition System (DIS)\
,
assembly is separate unit mounted in place of distributor. Assembly
consists of triggering disc (mounted on shaft) and stationary optical
sensing unit. Camshaft drives shaft, triggering optical sensing unit.
ECU determines crank angle and TDC based on signals received from
optical sensing unit.
Detonation Sensor (Turbo Only)
Located in cylinder block, senses engine vibration during
detonation (knock). Sensor converts vibration into electrical signal.
ECU retards ignition timing based on this signal.
Engine Speed (Tach Signal)
ECU uses ignition coil tach signal to determine engine speed.
Idle Position Switch
On all DOHC engines and Sigma 3.0L, idle position switch is
separate switch mounted on throttle body. On all other models, idle
position switch is incorporated in ISC motor or throttle position
sensor, depending on vehicle application. When throttle valve is
closed, switch is activated. When throttle valve is at any other
position, switch is deactivated. This input from idle position switch
is used by ECU for controlling fuel delivery time during deceleration.
Ignition Timing Adjustment Terminal
Used for adjusting base ignition timing. When terminal is
grounded, ECU timing control function is by-passed, allowing base
timing to be adjusted.

Inhibitor Switch (Automatic Transmission Only)
Inhibitor switch senses position of transmission select
lever, indicating engine load due to automatic transmission
engagement. Based on this signal, ECU commands ISC motor to increase
throttle angle, maintaining optimum idle speed.
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
Incorporated in airflow sensor assembly, this resistor-based
sensor measures temperature of incoming air and supplies air density
information to ECU.
Motor Position Sensor (MPS)
Incorporated in ISC motor (or separate unit on some models),
senses ISC motor plunger position and sends electrical signal to ECU.
Oxygen (O2) Sensor
Located in exhaust system, generates an output voltage.
Output voltage varies with oxygen content of exhaust gas stream. ECU
adjusts air/fuel mixture based on signals from oxygen sensor.
Power Steering Oil Pressure Switch
Detects increase in power steering oil pressure. When power
steering oil pressure increases, switch contacts close, signalling
ECU. ECU commands ISC motor, raising idle speed to compensate for drop
in engine RPM due to power steering load.
TDC Sensor
See CRANKSHAFT ANGLE & TDC SENSOR ASSEMBLY.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
A variable resistor mounted on throttle body. ECU uses
voltage signal received from TPS to determine throttle plate angle.
Vehicle Speed Sensor
Located in speedometer in instrument cluster, uses a reed
switch to sense speedometer gear revolutions. ECU uses gear
revolutions to determine vehicle speed.
OUTPUT SIGNALS
NOTE: Vehicles are equipped with different combinations of
computer-controlled components. Not all components listed
below are used on every vehicle. For theory and operation on
each output component, refer to the system indicated in
brackets after component.
CHECK ENGINE Light
See SELF DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
EGR Control Solenoid Valve
See EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) CONTROL under EMISSION
SYSTEMS.
Fuel Injectors
See FUEL CONTROL under FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel Pressure Control Solenoid Valve (Turbo Only)
See FUEL DELIVERY under FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
See FUEL DELIVERY under FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel Pump Relay (MPI Control Relay)