1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM relay

Various sensors provide the inputs necessary for
the PCM to correctly regulate fuel flow at the fuel
injector. These include the manifold absolute pres-
sure, throttle position, oxygen sensor, coolant tem-
perature, and vehicle speed sensors. In addition to
the sensors, various switches and relays provide im-
portant information and system control. The inputs
include the park/neutral switch and air conditioning
clutch switch. The outputs include the auto shutdown
relay and fuel pump relay. All inputs to the PCM are converted into signals.
Based on these inputs the PCM adjusts air-fuel ratio,
ignition timing and other controlled outputs. The
PCM adjusts the air-fuel ratio by changing the injec-
tor pulse width. Injector pulse width is the period of
time the injector is energized.
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 instrument panel
Malfunction Indicator lamp (instrument panel Check
Engine lamp) or by connecting the DRBII scan tool.
For diagnostic trouble code information, refer to On
Board Diagnostics in 2.2L/2.5L Single Point Fuel In-
jectionÐGeneral Diagnosis 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 vehicle load
data 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 Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Distributor (Hall Effect) Pick-up
² Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
² Oxygen Sensor
² SCI Receive
² Speed Control System Controls
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Park/Neutral Switch (automatic transaxle)
² Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
² Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
² Generator Field ²
Idle Air Control Motor
² Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
² Canister Purge Solenoid
² Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
² Data Link Connector (Diagnostic Connector)
² Electronic EGR Transducer
² Fuel Injector
² Ignition Coil
² Part Throttle Unlock Solenoid (Automatic Tran-
saxle)
² Radiator Fan Relay
² Speed Control Solenoids
² Tachometer Output
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts fuel
injector pulse width, idle speed, ignition spark ad-
vance, ignition coil dwell and canister purge opera-
tion. The PCM regulates operation of the EGR,
cooling fan, A/C 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 coolant temperature
² exhaust gas content
² engine speed (distributor pick-up)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
² coolant temperature
² engine speed (distributor pick-up)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) and Fuel Pump relays
are mounted externally, but turned on and off by the
PCM through the same circuit. The distributor pick-up signal is sent to the PCM.
If the PCM does not receive a distributor signal
within approximately one second of engine cranking,
Fig. 2 PCM
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 25

it de-activates the ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
When these relays are deactivated, power is shut off
from the fuel injector, fuel pump, ignition coil, and
oxygen sensor heater element. The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8.0 volts to
power the distributor pick-up and vehicle speed sen-
sor. The PCM also provides a 5.0 volts supply for the
coolant temperature sensor, manifold absolute pres-
sure sensor and throttle position sensor.
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH SENSEÐPCM INPUT
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT AC-BODY
When the air conditioning or defrost switch is put
in the ON position and the low pressure and high
pressure switches are closed, the PCM receives an in-
put indicating that the air conditioning has been se-
lected. After receiving this input, the PCM activates
the A/C compressor clutch by grounding the A/C
clutch relay. The PCM also adjusts idle speed to a
scheduled RPM to compensate for increased engine
load.
AC-BODY VEHICLES
When the air conditioning or defrost switch is put
in the ON position and the low pressure switch, high
pressure switch and electronic cycling switch close,
the PCM receives an air conditioning select input.
After receiving this input, the PCM activates the
A/C compressor clutch by grounding the A/C com-
pressor clutch relay. The PCM also adjusts idle speed
to a scheduled RPM to compensate for increased en-
gine load.
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 increases
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. After receiving the input, the PCM vents the
speed control servo. Venting the servo turns the
speed control system off.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The coolant temperature sensor is installed behind
the thermostat housing and ignition coil in the hot
box. The sensor provides an input voltage to the
PCM (Fig. 3). As coolant temperature varies, the sen-
sors resistance changes, resulting in a different input
voltage to the PCM. The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches nor-
mal operating temperature. This sensor is also used for cooling fan control.
DISTRIBUTOR (HALL EFFECT) PICK-UPÐPCM
INPUT
The distributor pick-up supplies engine speed to
the PCM. The distributor pick-up is a Hall Effect de-
vice (Fig. 4).
A shutter (sometimes referred to as an interrupter)
is attached to the distributor shaft. The shutter con-
tains four blades, one per engine cylinder. A switch
plate is mounted to the distributor housing above the
Fig. 3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 4 Distributor Pick-UpÐTypical
14 - 26 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

TRANSAXLE PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCHÐPCM
INPUT
The park/neutral switch is located on the auto-
matic transaxle housing (Fig. 7). Manual transaxles
do not use park neutral switches. The switch pro-
vides an input to the PCM. The input indicates
whether the automatic transaxle is in Park, Neutral,
or a drive gear selection. This input is used to deter-
mine idle speed (varying with gear selection), fuel in-
jector pulse width, and ignition timing 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. 8). The TPS is a variable resistor. The
sensor provides an input signal (voltage) to the PCM
representing throttle blade position. As the position
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
PCM receives an input signal voltage from the TPS
varying in an approximate range of from 1 volt at
minimum throttle opening (idle) to 4 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 adjusts fuel
injector pulse width and ignition timing based on
these inputs.
VEHICLE SPEED SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The vehicle speed sensor is located in the transaxle
extension housing (Fig. 9). The sensor input is used
by the PCM to determine vehicle speed and distance
traveled.
The speed sensor generates 8 pulses per sensor rev-
olution. These 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. The radiator fan relay supplies bat-
tery power to the solenoid side of the A/C clutch re-
lay. The air conditioning clutch relay will not
energize unless the radiator fan relay energizes. The
PCM energizes the radiator fan relay when the air
conditioning or defrost switch is put in the ON posi-
tion and the low pressure and high pressure switches
close. With the engine operating, the PCM cycles the air
conditioning clutch on and off when the A/C switch
closes with the blower motor switch in the on posi-
tion. 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.
Fig. 7 Park/Neutral Switch
Fig. 8 Throttle Position Sensor
Fig. 9 Vehicle Distance (Speed) SensorÐTypical
14 - 28 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

On AC, AG and AJ models, the A/C clutch is lo-
cated in the power distribution center. Refer to the
Wiring and Component Identification section of
Group 8W. ON AA and AP models, the A/C clutch relay is
mounted to the inner fender panel, next to the driv-
ers side strut tower (Fig. 10).
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 distributor pick-up sig-
nal. From the distributor signal, the PCM
determines engine speed and ignition timing (coil
dwell). If the PCM does not receive a distributor sig-
nal when the ignition switch is in the Run position,
it will de-energize both relays. When the relays are
de-energized, battery voltage is not supplied to the
fuel injector, ignition coil, fuel pump and oxygen sen-
sor heating element. On AC, AG and AJ models, the ASD relay and fuel
pump relay are located in the power distribution cen-
ter. Refer to the Wiring and Component Identifica-
tion section of Group 8W. On AA and AP models, the ASD relay and fuel
pump relay are mounted on the drivers side fender
well, next to the strut tower (Fig. 10).
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The idle air control motor is mounted on the throt-
tle body (Fig. 11). The PCM operates the idle air con-
trol motor. 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 from the throttle position sensor, speed
sensor (distributor pick-up coil), coolant temperature
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.
EVAP CANISTER PURGE SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
Vacuum for the Evaporative Canister is controlled
by the EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid (Fig. 12). The
solenoid is controlled by the PCM. The PCM operates the solenoid by switching the
ground circuit on and off based on engine operating
conditions. When grounded, the solenoid energizes
and prevents vacuum from reaching the evaporative
canister. When not energized, the solenoid allows
vacuum to flow to the canister. During warm-up and for a specified time period af-
ter hot starts, the PCM grounds the purge solenoid.
Vacuum does not operate the evaporative canister
valve.
Fig. 10 Relay Identification
Fig. 11 Idle Air Control Motor
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 29

FUEL INJECTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The Fuel Injector is an electric solenoid operated
by the PCM (Fig. 15).
Based on sensor inputs, the PCM determines when
and how long the fuel injector should operate. The
amount of time the injector fires is referred to as in-
jector pulse width. The auto shutdown (ASD) relay
supplies battery voltage to the injector. The PCM
supplies the ground path. By switching the ground
path on and off, the PCM adjusts injector pulse
width. When the PCM supplies a ground path, a
spring loaded needle or armature lifts from its seat.
Fuel flows through the orifice and deflects off the
sharp edge of the injector nozzle. The resulting fuel
sprays forms a 45É cone shaped pattern before enter-
ing the air stream in the throttle body. Fuel is supplied to the injector constantly at regu-
lated 270 Kpa (39 psi). Unused fuel returns to the
fuel tank.
GENERATOR FIELDÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM regulates the charging system voltage
within a range of 12.9 to 15.0 volts. Refer to Group
8A for charging system information.
IGNITION COILÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM provides a ground contact (circuit) for en-
ergizing the ignition 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 an input
from the distributor pick-up. Refer to Auto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay/Fuel Pump RelayÐPCM Output in this
section for relay operation. The ignition coil is mounted on the hot box next to
the thermostat housing (Fig. 16).
PART THROTTLE UNLOCK SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
Three-speed automatic transaxles use a part throt-
tle unlock solenoid. The PCM controls the lock-up of
the torque convertor through the part throttle unlock
solenoid. The transaxle is locked up only in direct
drive mode. Refer to Group 21 for transaxle informa-
tion.
RADIATOR FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The radiator fan is energized by the PCM through
the radiator fan relay. The PCM grounds the radia-
tor fan relay when engine coolant reaches a predeter-
mined temperature. For more information, refer to
Group 7, Cooling Systems. On AC, AG and AJ models, the radiator fan relay
is located in the power distribution center. Refer to
the Wiring and Component Identification section of
Group 8W. On AA and AP models, the radiator fan relay is
mounted on the drivers side fender well, next to the
strut tower (Fig. 10).
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
solenoids to maintain the set speed. Refer to Group
8H for speed control information.
Fig. 15 Fuel Injector
Fig. 16 Ignition Coil
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 31

TACHOMETERÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM supplies engine RPM to the instrument
panel tachometer. Refer to Group 8 for tachometer
information.
MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM
adjusts its response to the 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 moni-
tor the oxygen (O
2) sensor input. This input tells the
PCM if the calculated injector pulse width results in an
air-fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1. By monitoring the exhaust
oxygen content, the can PCM fine tune injector pulse
width for optimum fuel economy and low emissions. The single point fuel injection system has the follow-
ing 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 (cranking), engine warm-up, and
wide open throttle modes are OPEN LOOP modes. The
acceleration, deceleration, and cruise modes, with the
engine at operating temperature are CLOSED
LOOP modes (under most operating conditions).
IGNITION SWITCH ON (ZERO RPM) MODE
When the single point fuel injection system is acti-
vated by the ignition switch, the following actions
occur:
² The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from
the MAP sensor input to calculate basic fuel strategy.
² The PCM monitors the coolant temperature sensor
and throttle position sensor inputs. The PCM modifies
fuel strategy based on these inputs. When the key is in the ON position and the engine is
not running, the (ASD) and fuel pump relays are not
energized. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injector or oxygen
sensor heating element. ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged. If the PCM receives a distributor signal it energizes
the auto shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay to
supply battery voltage to the fuel injector, ignition coil
and oxygen sensor heating element. If the PCM does
not receive a distributor input, it de-energizes the ASD
and fuel pump relays after approximately one second. When the engine idles within 664 RPM of the target
RPM, the PCM compares the current MAP value with
the atmospheric pressure value it received during the
Ignition Switch On (Zero RPM) Mode. If a minimum
difference between the two is not detected, a MAP
sensor fault is set into memory. Once the ASD relay and fuel pump relay have ener-
gized, the PCM:
² Supplies a ground path to the injector. The injector
is pulsed four times per engine revolution instead of
the normal two pulses per revolution.
² Determines injector pulse width based on coolant
temperature, MAP sensor input, throttle position, and
the number of engine revolutions since cranking was
initiated.
² Monitors the coolant temperature sensor, distribu-
tor pick-up, MAP sensor, and throttle position sensor to
determine correct ignition timing.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is a OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
² coolant temperature
² manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
² engine speed (distributor pick-up)
² throttle position
² A/C switch
² battery voltage
The PCM provides a ground path for the injector to
precisely control injector pulse width (by switching the
ground on and off) and fires the injector twice per
engine revolution. The PCM regulates ignition timing.
It also adjusts engine idle speed 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 and at
idle the following inputs are received by the PCM:
² 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
14 - 32 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

The PCM provides a ground path for the injector to
precisely control injector pulse width and fires the in-
jector twice per engine revolution. The PCM controls
engine idle speed and ignition timing. The PCM con-
trols the air/fuel ratio according to the oxygen con-
tent 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 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) at the same time it
senses an abrupt decrease in manifold pressure from
the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. This
indicates a hard deceleration. The PCM may reduce
injector firing to once per engine revolution. This
helps maintain better control of the air-fuel mixture
(as sensed through the O
2sensor).
During a deceleration condition, the PCM grounds
the exhaust gas recirculation transducer (EET) sole-
noid. EGR stops when the PCM grounds the solenoid.
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the following inputs are received
by the PCM:
² coolant temperature
² manifold absolute pressure
² engine speed
² throttle position
When the PCM senses a wide open throttle condi-
tion through the throttle position sensor (TPS) it
will:
² De-energize the air conditioning relay. This dis-
ables the air conditioning system.
² Provide a ground path for the electric EGR trans-
ducer (EET) solenoid, preventing the EGR system
from functioning. The exhaust gas oxygen content input is not ac-
cepted by the PCM during wide open throttle opera- tion. The PCM will adjust injector pulse width to
supply a predetermined amount of additional fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF po-
sition, the following occurs:
² All outputs are turned off.
² No inputs are monitored.
² The PCM shuts down.
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
The pressure regulator is a mechanical device lo-
cated at the top of the throttle body (Fig. 17). Its
function is to maintain a constant 270 kPa (39 PSI)
across the fuel injector tip.
The regulator uses a spring loaded rubber dia-
phragm to uncover a fuel return port. When the fuel
pump becomes operational, fuel flows past the injec-
tor into the regulator, and is restricted from flowing
any further by the blocked return port. When fuel
pressure reaches 270 kPa (39 PSI) it pushes on the
diaphragm, compresses the spring, and uncovers the
fuel return port. The diaphragm and spring con-
stantly move from an open to closed position keeping
fuel pressure consistent.
THROTTLE BODY
The throttle body assembly (Fig. 18) is mounted on
top of the intake manifold. It contains the fuel injec-
tor, pressure regulator, throttle position sensor and
idle air control motor. Air flow through the throttle
body is controlled by a cable operated throttle blade
located in the base of the throttle body. The throttle
body itself provides the chamber for metering, atom-
izing, and mixing fuel with the air entering the en-
gine.
Fig. 17 Fuel Pressure Regulator
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 33

(25) On automatic transaxle equipped vehicles,
verify the park/neutral position switch electrical con-
nector is attached to the switch (Fig. 16). (26) On automatic transaxle equipped vehicles,
check the torque convertor lockup solenoid electrical
connection (Fig. 16). (27) Verify the 60-way connector is fully inserted
into the socket on the PCM (Fig. 17). (28) Verify all electrical connectors are fully in-
serted into relays and that battery connections are
clean and tight (Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22).
Fig. 13 Ignition Cable Routing and Connection
Fig. 14 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 15 Distributor, Oil Pressure Switch, and Radiator Fan Electrical Connections
Fig. 16 Automatic Transaxle Electrical Connections
Fig. 17 PCM Electrical Connector
14 - 38 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä