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
the PCM determines crankshaft position, it begins
energizing the injectors in sequence.The auto shutdown (ASD) relay supplies battery
voltage to the injectors. The PCM provides the
ground path for the injectors. By switching the
ground path on and off, the PCM adjusts injector
pulse width. Pulse width is the amount of time the
injector is energized. The PCM adjusts injector pulse
width based on inputs it receives.
IGNITION COILÐPCM OUTPUT
The coil assembly consists of 3 molded coils to-
gether (Fig. 18). The coil assembly is mounted on the
intake manifold. High tension leads route to each
cylinder from the coil. The coil fires two spark plugs
every power stroke. One plug is the cylinder under
compression, the other cylinder fires on the exhaust
stroke. The PCM determines which of the coils to
charge and fire at the correct time.
The auto shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary, causing the
spark. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive the crankshaft position sensor and
camshaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shut-
down (ASD) Relay/Fuel Pump RelayÐPCM Output
in this section for relay operation.
RADIATOR FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The radiator fan is energized by the PCM through
the radiator fan relay. The radiator fan relay is lo-
cated on the drivers side fender well near the PCM
(Fig. 14). The PCM grounds the radiator fan relay
when engine coolant reaches a predetermined tem-
perature or the A/C system head pressure is high.
SPEED CONTROL SOLENOIDSÐPCM OUTPUT
The speed control vacuum and vent solenoids are
operated by the PCM. When the PCM supplies a ground to the vacuum and vent solenoids, the speed
control system opens the throttle blade. When the PCM
supplies a ground only to the vent solenoid, the throttle
blade holds position. When the PCM removes the
ground from both the vacuum and vent solenoids, the
throttle blade closes. The PCM balances the two sole-
noids to maintain the set speed. Refer to Group 8H for
speed control information.
TACHOMETERÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM supplies engine RPM to the instrument
panel tachometer through the CCD Bus. The CCD Bus
is a communications port. Various modules use the
CCD Bus to exchange information. Refer to Group 8E
for more information.
MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM
adjusts its response to output devices. For example, the
PCM must calculate a different injector pulse width
and ignition timing for idle than it does for wide open
throttle (WOT). There are several different modes of
operation that determine how the PCM responds to the
various input signals. There are two different areas of operation, Open
Loop and Closed Loop. During Open Loop modes the PCM receives input
signals and responds according to preset PCM pro-
gramming. Input from the oxygen (O
2) sensor is not
monitored during Open Loop modes. During Closed Loop modes the PCM does monitor
the oxygen (O
2) sensor input. This input indicates to
the PCM whether or not the calculated injector pulse
width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air
to 1 part fuel. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen
content through the O
2sensor, the PCM can fine tune
the injector pulse width. Fine tuning injector pulse
width allows the PCM to achieve optimum fuel
economy combined with low emissions. The 3.3L multi-port fuel injection system has the
following modes of operation:
² Ignition switch ON (Zero RPM)
² Engine start-up
² Engine warm-up
² Cruise (Idle)
² Acceleration
² Deceleration
² Wide Open Throttle
² Ignition switch OFF
The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up, and
wide open throttle modes are OPEN LOOP modes.
Under most operating conditions, the acceleration,
deceleration, and cruise modes, with the engine at
operating temperature are CLOSED LOOP modes.
Fig. 18 Coil PackÐ3.3L Engine
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 153
IGNITION SWITCH ON (ZERO RPM) MODE When the multi-port fuel injection system is acti-
vated by the ignition switch, the following actions oc-
cur:
² The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
² The PCM monitors the coolant temperature sensor
and throttle position sensor input. The PCM modifies
fuel strategy based on this input. When the key is in the ON position and the engine
is not running (zero rpm), the auto shutdown (ASD)
relay and fuel pump relay are not energized. There-
fore battery voltage is not supplied to the fuel pump,
ignition coil, fuel injectors or oxygen sensor heating
element.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following ac-
tions occur when the starter motor is engaged. If the PCM receives the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes
the auto shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay.
These relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump,
fuel injectors, ignition coil, and oxygen sensor heat-
ing element. If the PCM does not receive the cam-
shaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor
signals within approximately one second, it de-ener-
gizes the ASD relay and fuel pump relay. The PCM energizes all six injectors until it deter-
mines crankshaft position from the camshaft position
sensor and crankshaft position sensor signals. The
PCM determines crankshaft position within 1 engine
revolution. After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. The PCM
adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector syn-
chronization by turning the individual ground paths
to the injectors On and Off. When the engine idles within 664 RPM of its tar-
get RPM, the PCM compares current MAP sensor
value with the atmospheric pressure value received
during the Ignition Switch On (Zero RPM) mode. If
the PCM does not detect a minimum difference be-
tween the two values, it sets a MAP fault into mem-
ory. Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been en-
ergized, the PCM:
² Determines injector pulse width based on battery
voltage, coolant temperature, engine rpm and the
number of engine revolutions since cranking was ini-
tiated.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE This is a OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
² engine coolant temperature ²
manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² throttle position
² A/C switch
² battery voltage
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off. The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising speed the
following inputs are received by the PCM:
² engine coolant temperature
² manifold absolute pressure
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² throttle position
² exhaust gas oxygen content
² A/C control positions
² battery voltage
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off. The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas.
ACCELERATION MODE This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. The PCM recog-
nizes an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP
pressure as a demand for increased engine output
and vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased fuel demand.
DECELERATION MODE This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During decelera-
tion the following inputs are received by the PCM:
² engine coolant temperature
² manifold absolute pressure
² engine speed
² throttle position
² exhaust gas oxygen content
² A/C control positions
² battery voltage
The PCM may receive a closed throttle input from
the throttle position sensor (TPS) when it senses an
abrupt decrease in manifold pressure. This indicates
a hard deceleration. The PCM will reduce injector
pulse width. This helps maintain better control of the
air-fuel mixture (as sensed through the O
2sensor).
During a closed throttle deceleration condition, the
PCM grounds the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
solenoid. When the solenoid is grounded, EGR func-
tion stops.
14 - 154 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
3.3L AND 3.8L MULTI-PORT FUEL INJECTIONÐGENERAL DIAGNOSIS INDEX
page page
Fuel System Diagram .................... 157 Visual Inspection........................ 157
FUEL SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Refer to the Component Identification portion of
this section for a more complete description of the
components shown in Fig. 1.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Perform a visual inspection for loose, disconnected,
or misrouted wires and hoses before diagnosing or
servicing the fuel injection system. A visual check
saves unnecessary test and diagnostic time. A thor-
ough visual inspection includes the following checks: (1) Check ignition cable routing from the coil pack
to the spark plugs. Verify the cable are routed in the
correct order and are fully seated to the coil and
spark plug. (2) Check direct ignition system (DIS) coil electri-
cal connection for damage and a complete connection
to the coil (Fig. 2). (3) Verify the camshaft position sensor electrical
connector is connected to the harness and not dam-
aged (Fig. 3). (4) Ensure the engine temperature sensor electri-
cal connector is connected to the sensor and not dam-
aged (Fig. 3). (5) Ensure the coolant temperature sensor electri-
cal connector is connected to the sensor and not dam-
aged (Fig. 4). (6) Verify the quick connect fuel fittings are fully
inserted on the fuel supply and return tubes. (7) Check the vacuum hose connection at the fuel
pressure regulator for damage or leakage (Fig. 5). (8) Check the oil pressure sending unit electrical
connection (Fig. 6). (9) Verify the electrical connector is attached to
the Purge Solenoid (Fig. 7) and not damaged. (10) Verify the vacuum connection at the purge so-
lenoid is secure and not leaking (Fig. 7).
Fig. 1 Multi-Port Fuel Injection Components
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 157
S/C Vacuum Solenoid
A/C Clutch Relay
EGR Solenoid
Auto Shutdown Relay
Radiator Fan Relay
Purge Solenoid
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lamp)
STATE DISPLAY SENSORS
Connect the DRBII scan tool to the vehicle and ac-
cess the State Display screen. Then access Sensor
Display. The following is a list of the engine control
system functions accessible through the Sensor Dis-
play screen. Oxygen Sensor Signal
Engine Coolant Temperature
Engine Coolant Temp Sensor
Throttle Position
Minimum Throttle
Battery Voltage
MAP Sensor Reading
Idle Air Control Motor Position
Adaptive Fuel Factor
Barometric Pressure
Min Airflow Idle Spd (speed)
Engine Speed
DIS Sensor Status
Fault #1 Key-On Info
Module Spark Advance
Speed Control Target
Fault #2 Key-on Info
Fault #3 Key-on Info
Speed Control Status
Speed Control Switch Voltage
Charging System Goal
Theft Alarm Status
Map Sensor Voltage
Vehicle Speed
Oxygen Sensor State
MAP Gauge Reading
Throttle Opening (percentage)
Total Spark Advance
CIRCUIT ACTUATION TEST MODE
The circuit actuation test mode checks for proper
operation of output circuits or devices which the pow-
ertrain control module (PCM) cannot internally rec-
ognize. The PCM can attempt to activate these
outputs and allow an observer to verify proper oper-
ation. Most of the tests provide an audible or visual
indication of device operation (click of relay contacts,
spray fuel, etc.). Except for intermittent conditions, if
a device functions properly during testing, assume
the device, its associated wiring, and driver circuit
working correctly.
OBTAINING CIRCUIT ACTUATION TEST
Connect the DRBII scan tool to the vehicle and ac-
cess the Actuators screen. The following is a list of
the engine control system functions accessible
through Actuators screens. Stop All Tests
Ignition Coil #1
Ignition Coil #2
Ignition Coil #3
Fuel Injector #1
Fuel Injector #2
Fuel Injector #3
Fuel Injector #4
Fuel Injector #5
Fuel Injector #6
Idle Air Control Motor Open/Close
Radiator Fan Relay
A/C Clutch Relay
Auto Shutdown Relay
EVAP Purge Solenoid
S/C Servo Solenoids
Generator Field
EGR Solenoid
All Solenoids/Relays
ASD Fuel System Test
Speed Control Vacuum Solenoid
Speed Control Vent Solenoid
THROTTLE BODY MINIMUM AIR FLOW CHECK
PROCEDURE
(1) Warm engine in Park or Neutral until the cool-
ing fan has cycled on and off at least once. (2) Ensure that all accessories are off.
(3) Shut off engine.
(4) Disconnect the PCV valve hose from the intake
manifold nipple. (5) Attach Air Metering Fitting #6457 (0.125 in.
orifice) to the intake manifold PCV nipple (Fig. 2).
(6) Disconnect the 3/16 inch idle purge line from
the throttle body nipple. Cap the 3/16 inch nipple. (7) Connect DRBII scan tool to vehicle.
(8) Restart the engine. Allow engine to idle for at
least one minute. (9) Using the DRBII scan tool, access Min. Airflow
Idle Spd.
Fig. 2 Air Metering Fitting #6457
14 - 166 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
(12) Remove the fuel hose quick connect fittings
from the chassis tubes. Refer to Fuel Hoses, Clamps
and Quick Connect Fittings in the Fuel Delivery
Section of this Group. Place a shop towel under the
connections to absorb any fuel spilled. fittings. (13) Remove direct ignition system (DIS) coils and
generator bracket to intake manifold bolt (Fig. 10).
(14) Remove intake mounting manifold bolts and
rotate manifold back over rear valve cover (Fig. 11). (15) Cover intake manifold with suitable cover when
servicing (Fig. 12). (16) Remove vacuum harness connector from Fuel
Pressure Regulator. (17) Remove fuel tube retainer bracket screw and
fuel rail attaching bolts (Fig. 12). Spread the retainer
bracket to allow fuel tube removal clearance.
(18) Remove fuel rail injector wiring clip from the
generator bracket (Fig. 13). (19) Disconnect camshaft position sensor, coolant
temperature sensor, and engine temperature sensors
(Fig. 13). (20) Remove fuel rail. Be careful not to damage
the injector O-rings upon removal from their ports
(Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Ensure injector holes are clean. Replace
O-rings if damaged. (2) Lubricate injector O-rings with a drop of clean
engine oil to ease installation. (3) Put the tip of each injector into their ports.
Push the assembly into place until the injectors are
seated in the ports (Fig. 14). (4) Install the fuel rail mounting bolts. Tighten
bolts to 22 N Im (200 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 12).
Fig. 11 Intake Manifold Bolts
Fig. 12 Fuel Rail Attaching Bolts
Fig. 9 MAP Sensor Electrical Connector
Fig. 10 Ignition Coils
14 - 172 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
(5) Install fuel tube retaining bracket screw.
Tighten screw to 4 N Im (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Connect electrical connectors to camshaft posi-
tion sensor, coolant temperature sensor and engine
temperature sensors (Fig. 13). (7) Install fuel injector harness wiring clips on the
generator bracket and intake manifold water tube
(Fig. 13). (8) Connect vacuum line to fuel pressure regulator.
(9) Remove covering on lower intake manifold and
clean surface. (10) Place intake manifold gasket on lower mani-
fold. Put upper manifold into place and install bolts
finger tight. (11) Install the generator bracket to intake mani-
fold bolt and the cylinder head to intake manifold
strut bolts. (Do not tighten.) (12) Following the tightening sequence in Figure
11, tighten intake manifold bolts to 28 N Im (250 in.
lbs.) torque. (13) Tighten generator bracket to intake manifold
bolt to 54 N Im (40 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 13).
(14) Tighten the cylinder head to intake manifold
strut bolts to 54 N Im (40 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 8).
(15) Connect ground strap, MAP and heated oxy-
gen sensor electrical connectors. (16) Connect vacuum harness to intake plenum.
Connect PCV system hoses. (17) Using a new gasket, connect the EGR tube to
the intake manifold plenum. Tighten screws to 22
N Im (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(18) Clip wiring harness into the hole in the throt-
tle cable bracket. (19) Connect electrical connectors to the throttle
position sensor (TPS) and idle air control motor. (20) Connect vacuum harness to throttle body.
(21) Install the direct ignition system (DIS) coils.
Tighten fasteners to 12 N Im (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(22) Install fuel hose quick connectors fittings to
chassis tubes. Refer to Fuel Hoses, Clamps and
Quick Connect Fittings in the Fuel Delivery Sec-
tion of this Group. Push the fittings onto the chas-
sis tubes until they click into place. Pull on the
fittings to ensure complete insertion. Fuel supply fit-
ting is 5/16 inch and fuel return fitting is 1/4 inch. (23) Install throttle cable.
(24) Install air cleaner and hose assembly.
(25) Connect negative cable to battery.
CAUTION: When using the ASD Fuel System Test,
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay remains energized
for either 7 minutes, until the test is stopped, or un-
til the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
(26) With the ignition key in ON position, access
the DRBII scan tool ASD Fuel System Test to pres-
surize the fuel system. Check for leaks.FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs. Refer to Fuel Pressure
Regulator Procedure in this section. (2) Remove fuel pressure regulator vacuum connec-
tor. (Fig. 15). (3) Remove regulator retainer screw (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove the fuel pressure regulator retainer
(Fig. 15).
Fig. 13 Fuel Injector Wiring Clip
Fig. 14 Fuel Rail Removal
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 173