3.3L AND 3.8L MULTI-PORT FUEL INJECTIONÐSYSTEM OPERATION INDEX
page page
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch RelayÐPCM Output. 150
Air Conditioning Switch SenseÐPCM Input .... 147
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump RelayÐPCM Output .................... 151
Battery VoltageÐPCM Input ............... 147
Brake SwitchÐPCM Input ................. 147
Camshaft Position SensorÐPCM Input ....... 147
Canister Purge SolenoidÐPCM Output ....... 151
CCD Bus .............................. 146
Crankshaft Position SensorÐPCM Input ...... 148
Data Link ConnectorÐPCM Output .......... 152
Electric EGR Transducer (EET) SolenoidÐPCM Output .............................. 152
Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐPCM Input. 148
Fuel Injectors and Fuel Rail Assembly ........ 155
Fuel InjectorsÐPCM Output ............... 152
Fuel Pressure Regulator .................. 156
Fuel Supply Circuit ...................... 155
General Information ...................... 145
Generator FieldÐPCM Output .............. 150
Heated Oxygen Sensor (O2Sensor)ÐPCM Input. 149
Idle Air Control MotorÐPCM Output ......... 151
Ignition CoilÐPCM Output ................. 153
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lamp)ÐPCM Output ................... 151
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐPCM Input ................................ 149
Modes of Operation ...................... 153
Powertrain Control Module ................. 146
Radiator Fan RelayÐPCM Output ........... 153
Speed Control SolenoidsÐPCM Output ....... 153
Speed ControlÐPCM Input ................ 150
System Diagnosis ....................... 146
TachometerÐPCM Output ................. 153
Throttle Body ........................... 155
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)ÐPCM Input .... 150
Transaxle Control ModuleÐPCM Output ...... 152
Transaxle Park/Neutral SwitchÐPCM Input .... 150
Vehicle Speed and Distance InputÐPCM Input . 150
GENERAL INFORMATION
3.3L and 3.8L engines use a sequential Multi-port
Electronic Fuel Injection system (Fig. 1). The MPI system is computer regulated and provides precise
air/fuel ratios for all driving conditions.
The MPI system is operated by the powertrain con-
trol module (PCM).
Fig. 1 Multi-Port Fuel Injection Components
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 145
The PCM regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, cooling fan, charging sys-
tem, idle speed and speed control. Various sensors
provide the inputs necessary for the PCM to correctly
operate these systems. In addition to the sensors,
various switches also provide inputs to the PCM. All inputs to the PCM are converted into signals.
The PCM can adapt its programming to meet chang-
ing operating conditions. Fuel is injected into the intake port above the in-
take valve in precise metered amounts through elec-
trically operated injectors. The PCM fires the
injectors in a specific sequence. The PCM maintains
an air fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by
constantly adjusting injector pulse width. Injector
pulse width is the length of time the injector is ener-
gized. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injector. Engine
RPM (speed) and manifold absolute pressure (air
density) are the primary inputs that determine injec-
tor pulse width.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The PCM tests many of its own input and output
circuits. If a fault is found in a major system, the in-
formation is stored in memory. Technicians can dis-
play fault information through the malfunction
indicator lamp (instrument panel Check Engine
lamp) or by connecting the DRBII scan tool. For di-
agnostic trouble code information, refer to the 3.3L/
3.8L Multi-Point Fuel InjectionÐOn-Board
Diagnostics section of this group.
CCD BUS
Various modules exchange information through a
communications port called the CCD Bus. The pow-
ertrain control module (PCM) transmits engine RPM
and vehicle load information on the CCD Bus.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The powertrain control module (PCM) is a digital
computer containing a microprocessor (Fig. 2). 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 en-
gine and vehicle operations through devices that are
referred to as PCM Outputs. PCM Inputs:
² Air Conditioning Controls
² Battery Voltage
² Brake Switch
² Camshaft Position Sensor
² Crankshaft Position Sensor
² Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
² Oxygen Sensor
² SCI Receive ²
Speed Control System Controls
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Transaxle Park/Neutral Switch (automatic tran-
saxle)
² Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
² Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
² Generator Field
² Idle Air Control Motor
² Auto Shutdown (ASD) and Fuel Pump Relays
² Canister Purge Solenoid
² Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lamp)
² Data Link Connector
² Electronic EGR Transducer
² Fuel Injectors
² Ignition Coil
² Radiator Fan Relay
² Speed Control Solenoids
² Tachometer Output
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts the
EGR system, fuel injector pulse width, idle speed, ig-
nition spark advance, ignition coil dwell and canister
purge operation. The PCM regulates the cooling fan,
air conditioning and speed control systems. The PCM
changes generator charge rate by adjusting the gen-
erator field. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air-fuel ra-
tio) based on the following inputs.
² battery voltage
² engine coolant temperature
² exhaust gas oxygen content (oxygen sensor)
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
² engine coolant temperature
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
Fig. 2 PCM
14 - 146 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
² transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
The PCM also adjusts engine idle speed through
the idle air control motor based on the following in-
puts.
² brake switch
² engine coolant temperature
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² throttle position
² transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
² vehicle speed
The auto shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays are
mounted externally, but turned on and off by the
PCM through the same circuit. The camshaft position sensor and crankshaft posi-
tion sensor signals are sent to the PCM. If the PCM
does not receive both signals within approximately
one second of engine cranking, it deactivates the
ASD and fuel pump relays. When these relays are
deactivated, power is shut off to the fuel injector, ig-
nition coil, oxygen sensor heating element and fuel
pump. The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8.0 volts. The
8.0 volts power the camshaft position sensor, crank-
shaft position sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The
PCM also provides a 5.0 volts supply for the coolant
temperature sensor, manifold absolute pressure sen-
sor and throttle position sensor.
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH SENSEÐPCM INPUT
When the air conditioning or defrost switch is put
in the ON position and the low pressure, high pres-
sure and ambient temperature switches are closed,
the PCM receives an input for air conditioning. After
receiving this input, the PCM activates the A/C com-
pressor clutch by grounding the A/C clutch relay.
BATTERY VOLTAGEÐPCM INPUT
The PCM monitors the battery voltage input to de-
termine fuel injector pulse width and generator field
control. If battery voltage is low the PCM will in-
crease injector pulse width.
BRAKE SWITCHÐPCM INPUT
When the brake switch is activated, the PCM re-
ceives an input indicating that the brakes are being
applied. the brake signal cancels speed control and
unlocks the torque convertor. The brake switch is
mounted on the brake pedal support bracket.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder
identification to the powertrain control module
(PCM) (Fig. 3). The sensor generates pulses as
groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass un-
derneath it (Fig. 4). The PCM keeps track of crank-
shaft rotation and identifies each cylinder by the pulses generated by the notches on the camshaft
sprocket. Four crankshaft pulses follow each group of
camshaft pulses.
When the PCM receives two camshaft pulses fol-
lowed by the long flat spot on the camshaft sprocket,
it knows that the crankshaft timing marks for cylin-
der one are next (on driveplate). When the PCM re-
ceives one camshaft pulse after the long flat spot on
the sprocket, cylinder number two crankshaft timing
marks are next. After 3 camshaft pulses, the PCM
knows cylinder four crankshaft timing marks follow.
One camshaft pulse after the three pulses indicates
cylinder five. The two camshaft pulses after cylinder
5 signals cylinder six (Fig. 4). The PCM can synchro-
nize on cylinders 1 or 4.
When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes
low (less than 0.5 volts). When a notch aligns with
the sensor, voltage spikes high (5.0 volts). As a group
of notches pass under the sensor, the voltage
switches from low (metal) to high (notch) then back
Fig. 3 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 4 Camshaft Sprocket
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 147
to low. The number of notches determine the amount of
pulses. If available, an oscilloscope can display the
square wave patterns of each timing events. Top dead center (TDC) does not occur when notches
on the camshaft sprocket pass below the cylinder. TDC
occurs after the camshaft pulse (or pulses) and after
the 4 crankshaft pulses associated with the particular
cylinder. The arrows and cylinder call outs on Figure 4
represent which cylinder the flat spot and notches
identify, they do not indicate TDC position. The camshaft position sensor is mounted to the top of
the timing case cover (Fig. 5). The bottom of the sensor
is positioned above the camshaft sprocket. The dis-
tance between the bottom of sensor and the
camshaft sprocket is critical to the operation of
the system. When servicing the camshaft posi-
tion sensor, refer to the 3.3L and 3.8L Multi-Port
Fuel InjectionÐService Procedures section in
this Group.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
The coolant temperature sensor is a variable resistor
with a range of -40ÉF to 265ÉF. The sensor is installed
next to the thermostat housing (Fig. 6). The PCM supplies 5.0 volts to the coolant tempera-
ture sensor. The sensor provides an input voltage to the
PCM. As coolant temperature varies, the sensor resis-
tance changes resulting in a different input voltage to
the PCM. When the engine is cold, the PCM will demand
slightly richer air-fuel mixtures and higher idle speeds
until normal operating temperatures are reached. The coolant sensor is also used for cooling fan control.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The crankshaft position sensor (Fig. 7) senses slots cut
into the transaxle driveplate extension. There ar e a 3 sets
of slots. Each set contains 4 slots, for a total of 12 slots (Fig. 8). Basic timing is determined by the position of the
last slot in each group. Once the PCM senses the last slot,
it determines crankshaft position (which piston will next
be at TDC) from the camshaft position sensor input. The
4 pulses generated by the crankshaft position sensor
represent the 69É, 49É, 29É, and 9É BTDC marks. It may
take the PCM one engine revolution to determine crank-
shaft position during cranking.
The PCM uses the camshaft position sensor to deter-
mine injector sequence. The PCM determines igni-
Fig. 5 Camshaft Position Sensor Location
Fig. 6 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 7 Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 8 Timing Slots
14 - 148 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
tion timing from the crankshaft position sensor. Once
crankshaft position has been determined, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. The crankshaft position sensor is located in the
transaxle housing, above the vehicle speed sensor (Fig.
9). The bottom of the sensor is positioned next to the
drive plate. The distance between the bottom of
sensor and the drive plate is critical to the op-
eration of the system. When servicing the crank-
shaft position sensor, refer to the Multi-Port Fuel
Injection Service ProceduresÐ3.3L Engine sec-
tion in this Group.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The PCM supplies 5 volts to the MAP sensor. The
MAP sensor converts intake manifold pressure into
voltage. The PCM monitors the MAP sensor output
voltage. As vacuum increases, MAP sensor voltage
decreases proportionately. Also, as vacuum decreases,
MAP sensor voltage increases proportionately. During cranking, before the engine starts running,
the PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from
the MAP sensor voltage. While the engine operates, the
PCM determines intake manifold pressure from the
MAP sensor voltage. Based on MAP sensor voltage and
inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts spark
advance and the air/fuel mixture. The MAP sensor (Fig. 10) mounts to the side of the
intake manifold, below the positive crankcase ventila-
tion (PCV) valve. The sensor connects electrically to
the PCM.
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (O2SENSOR)ÐPCM
INPUT
The O2sensor is located in the exhaust manifold and
provides an input voltage to the PCM. The input tells
the PCM the oxygen content of the exhaust gas (Fig.
11). The PCM uses this information to fine tune the
air-fuel ratio by adjusting injector pulse width. The O
2sensor produces voltages from 0 to 1 volt, depending upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas
in the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of
oxygen is present (caused by a lean air-fuel mixture),
the sensor produces a low voltage. When there is a
lesser amount present (rich air-fuel mixture) it pro-
duces a higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen
content and converting it to electrical voltage, the
sensor acts as a rich-lean switch. The oxygen sensor is equipped with a heating ele-
ment that keeps the sensor at proper operating tem-
perature during all operating modes. Maintaining cor-
rect sensor temperature at all times allows the system
to enter into closed loop operation sooner. Also, it
allows the system to remain in closed loop operation
during periods of extended idle. In Closed Loop operation the PCM monitors the O
2
sensor input (along with other inputs) and adjusts the
injector pulse width accordingly. During Open Loop
operation the PCM ignores the O
2sensor input. The
PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on prepro-
grammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sensors.
Fig. 9 Crankshaft Position Sensor Location
Fig. 10 Map Sensor
Fig. 11 Heated Oxygen SensorÐ3.3L Engine
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 149
SPEED CONTROLÐPCM INPUT
The speed control system provides four separate
voltages (inputs) to the PCM. The voltages corre-
spond to the On/Off, Set, and Resume. 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 OFF voltage
tells the PCM that the speed control system has been
deactivated. Refer to Group 8H for further speed con-
trol information.
TRANSAXLE PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCHÐPCM
INPUT
The park/neutral switch is located on the transaxle
housing (Fig. 12). It provides an input to the PCM
indicating whether the automatic transaxle is in
Park or Neutral. This input is used to determine idle
speed (varying with gear selection) and ignition tim-
ing advance. The park neutral switch is sometimes
referred to as the neutral safety switch.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)ÐPCM INPUT
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is mounted on
the throttle body and connected to the throttle blade
shaft (Fig. 13). The TPS is a variable resistor that
provides the PCM with an input signal (voltage). The
signal represents throttle blade position. As the posi-
tion of the throttle blade changes, the resistance of
the TPS changes. The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the
TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the
PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The TPS
output voltage to the PCM varies from approxi-
mately 0.5 volt at minimum throttle opening (idle) to
3.5 volts at wide open throttle. Along with inputs
from other sensors, the PCM uses the TPS input to
determine current engine operating conditions. The PCM also adjust fuel injector pulse width and igni-
tion timing based on these inputs.
VEHICLE SPEED AND DISTANCE INPUTÐPCM
INPUT
The transaxle output speed sensor supplies the ve-
hicle speed and distance inputs to the PCM. The out-
put speed sensor is located on the side of the
transaxle (Fig. 12). The speed and distance signals, along with a closed
throttle signal from the TPS, determine if a closed
throttle deceleration or normal idle condition (vehicle
stopped) exists. Under deceleration conditions, the
PCM adjusts the idle air control motor to maintain a
desired MAP value. Under idle conditions, the PCM
adjusts the idle air control motor to maintain a de-
sired engine speed.
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) CLUTCH RELAYÐPCM
OUTPUT
The PCM operates the air conditioning clutch relay
ground circuit (Fig. 14). The ignition switch supplies
battery voltage to the solenoid side of the relay.
When the A/C clutch relay energizes, battery voltage
powers the A/C compressor clutch. With the engine operating and the blower motor
switch in the On position, the PCM cycles the air
conditioning clutch on and off when the A/C switch
closes. When the PCM senses low idle speeds or wide
open throttle through the throttle position sensor, it
de-energizes the A/C clutch relay. The relay contacts
open, preventing air conditioning clutch engagement.
GENERATOR FIELDÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM regulates the charging system voltage
Fig. 13 Throttle Position Sensor
Fig. 12 Park Neutral SwitchÐ4-Speed Electronic Automatic Transaxle
14 - 150 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
within a range of 12.9 to 15.0 volts. Refer to Group
8A for charging system information.
AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY AND FUEL PUMP
RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM operates the auto shutdown (ASD) relay
and fuel pump relay through one ground path. The
PCM operates the relays by switching the ground
path on and off. Both relays turn on and off at the
same time. The ASD relay connects battery voltage to the fuel
injector and ignition coil. The fuel pump relay con-
nects battery voltage to the fuel pump and oxygen
sensor heating element. The PCM turns the ground path off when the igni-
tion switch is in the Off position. Both relays are off.
When the ignition switch is in the On or Crank po-
sition, the PCM monitors the crankshaft position
sensor and camshaft position sensor signals to deter-
mine engine speed and ignition timing (coil dwell). If
the PCM does not receive the crankshaft position
sensor and camshaft position sensor signals when the
ignition switch is in the Run position, it de-energizes
both relays. When the relays are de-energized, bat-
tery voltage is not supplied to the fuel injector, igni-
tion coil, fuel pump and oxygen sensor heating
element. The ASD relay and fuel pump relay are located in
the power distribution center (Fig. 14).
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The idle air control motor is mounted on the throt-
tle body. The PCM operates the idle air control motor
(Fig. 13). The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through
the idle air control motor to compensate for engine
load or ambient conditions. The throttle body has an air bypass passage that
provides air for the engine at idle (the throttle blade is closed). The idle air control motor pintle protrudes
into the air bypass passage and regulates air flow
through it. The PCM adjusts engine idle speed by moving the
idle air control motor pintle in and out of the bypass
passage. The adjustments are based on inputs the
PCM receives. The inputs are from the throttle posi-
tion sensor, crankshaft position sensor, coolant tem-
perature sensor, and various switch operations
(brake, park/neutral, air conditioning). Deceleration
die out is also prevented by increasing airflow when
the throttle is closed quickly after a driving (speed)
condition.
CANISTER PURGE SOLENOIDÐPCM OUTPUT
Vacuum for the Evaporative Canister is controlled
by the Canister Purge Solenoid (Fig. 15). The sole-
noid is controlled by the PCM.
The PCM operates the solenoid by switching the
ground circuit on and off based on engine operating
conditions. When energized, the solenoid prevents
vacuum from reaching the evaporative canister.
When not energized the solenoid allows vacuum to
flow to the canister. The PCM removes the ground to the solenoid when
the engine reaches a specified temperature and the
time delay interval has occurred. When the solenoid
is de-energized, vacuum flows to the canister purge
valve. Vapors are purged from the canister and flow
to the throttle body. The purge solenoid will also be energized during
certain idle conditions, in order to update the fuel de-
livery calibration.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (CHECK ENGINE
LAMP)ÐPCM OUTPUT
The malfunction indicator lamp (instrument panel
Check Engine Lamp) comes on each time the ignition
key is turned ON and stays on for 3 seconds as a
bulb test. The malfunction indicator lamp warns the
Fig. 14 Relay Identification
Fig. 15 Canister Purge Solenoid
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 151
operator that the PCM has entered a Limp-in mode.
During Limp-in Mode, the PCM attempts to keep the
system operational. The malfunction indicator signals
the need for immediate service. In limp-in mode, the
PCM compensates for the failure of certain components
that send incorrect signals. The PCM substitutes for
the incorrect signals with inputs from other sensors. Signals that can trigger the Malfunction Indi-
cator lamp (Check Engine Lamp).
² Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Battery Voltage Input
² An Emission Related System (California vehicles)
² Charging system
The malfunction indicator (Check Engine Lamp) can
also display diagnostic trouble codes. Cycle the ignition
switch on, off, on, off, on, within five seconds and any
diagnostic trouble codes stored in the PCM will be
displayed. Refer to the 3.3L and 3.8L Multi-Port Fuel
InjectionÐOn-Board Diagnostics section of this Group
for Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions.
DATA LINK CONNECTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The data link connector provides the technician with
the means to connect the DRBII scan tool to diagnosis
the vehicle.
TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULEÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM supplies the following information to the
electronic automatic transaxle control module through
the CCD Bus:
² battery temperature
² brake switch input
² engine coolant temperature
² manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
² speed control information
ELECTRIC EGR TRANSDUCER (EET)
SOLENOIDÐPCM OUTPUT
The electronic EGR transducer (EET) contains an
electrically operated solenoid and a back-pressure
transducer (Fig. 16). The PCM operates the solenoid.
The PCM determines when to energize the solenoid.
Exhaust system back-pressure controls the transducer. When the PCM energizes the solenoid, vacuum does
not reach the EGR valve. Vacuum flows to the EGR
valve when the PCM de-energizes the solenoid. When exhaust system back-pressure becomes high
enough, it fully closes a bleed valve in the transducer.
When the PCM de-energizes the solenoid and back-
pressure closes the transducer bleed valve, vacuum
flows through the transducer to operate the EGR valve. De-energizing the solenoid, but not fully closing the
transducer bleed hole (because of by low back- pressure), varies the strength of vacuum applied to
the EGR valve. Varying the strength of the vacuum
changes the amount of EGR supplied to the engine.
This provides the correct amount of exhaust gas re-
circulation for different operating conditions.
FUEL INJECTORSÐPCM OUTPUT
The fuel injectors are electrical solenoids (Fig. 17).
The injector contains a pintle that closes off an ori-
fice at the nozzle end. When electric current is sup-
plied to the injector, the armature and needle move a
short distance against a spring, allowing fuel to flow
out the orifice. Because the fuel is under high pres-
sure, a fine spray is developed in the shape of a hol-
low cone. The spraying action atomizes the fuel,
adding it to the air entering the combustion cham-
ber. The injectors are positioned in the intake mani-
fold.
The fuel injectors are operated by the PCM. They
are energized in a sequential order during all engine
operating conditions except start up. The PCM ini-
tially energizes all injectors at the same time. Once
Fig. 16 Electric EGR Transducer (EET) Assembly
Fig. 17 Fuel InjectorÐ3.3L Engine
14 - 152 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä