INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER IDENTIFICATIONÐFLEXIBLE FUEL AA-BODY
Flexible fuel A-Body vehicles use a unique gauge
cluster. To identify the cluster, remove it from the
instrument panel and check the number on the tag
on the top. If the part number matches the number
in the parts book for flexible fuel A-bodies, the vehi-
cle was built with the correct cluster. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Gauges, for cluster re-
moval and installation.
METHANOL CONCENTRATION SENSORÐFLEXIBLE
FUEL AA-BODY
The methanol concentration sensor contains a mi-
croprocessor that determines the percentage of gaso-
line and methanol in the fuel system. From the
methanol concentration sensor input, the powertrain
control module (PCM) determines the amount of
methanol in the fuel. The vehicle can operate on a
mixtures up to 85 percent methanol, 15 percent gas-
oline. The methanol concentration sensor output voltages
varies with the percent of methanol in the fuel sys-
tem. The sensor output voltage (input for PCM)
ranges from 0.5 volts for pure gasoline to 4.75 volts
for 85 percent methanol. For two seconds at key ON
when the operator starts the vehicle, the sensor cal-
ibrates the PCM. During the calibration period the
sensor sends 4.45 volts to the PCM as a correction
factor. The methanol concentration sensor has a built-in
shutdown capability. If the sensor shuts down, it de-
faults to the previous learned value (output voltage
based on methanol percentage of fuel). The methanol concentration sensor attaches to a
bracket at the rear of the fuel tank, next to the fuel
filler tube (Fig. 1).
REMOVAL
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
WHEN SERVICING FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES,
WEAR METHANOL RESISTANT GLOVES AND EYE
PROTECTION AND AVOID BREATHING FUMES. DO
NOT ALLOW METHANOL/GASOLINE MIXTURES TO
CONTACT SKIN. SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VEN-
TILATED AREAS AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES.
NEVER SMOKE WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
Quick connect fittings attach the fuel tubes to the
methanol concentration sensor (Fig. 1) (1) Release fuel system pressure. Refer to the Fuel
System Pressure Release Procedure. (2) Disconnect the fuel tubes from sensor. Refer to
Quick Connect Fittings in this section. (3) Disconnect electrical connector from sensor.
(4) Remove mounting nuts.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place sensor on bracket. Tighten mounting nut.
(2) Attach electrical connector to sensor.
(3) Connect fuel tubes to sensor. Refer to Quick
Connect Fittings in this section.
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDUREÐEXCEPT 2.2L/2.5L TBI AND 3.0L
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
WHEN SERVICING FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES,
WEAR METHANOL RESISTANT GLOVES AND EYE
PROTECTION AND AVOID BREATHING FUMES. DO
NOT ALLOW METHANOL/GASOLINE MIXTURES TO
CONTACT SKIN. SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VEN-
TILATED AREAS AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES.
NEVER SMOKE WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove fuel filler cap.
(3) Remove the protective cap from the fuel pres-
sure test port on the fuel rail (Fig. 2). (4) Place the open end of fuel pressure release
hose, tool number C-4799-1, into an approved gaso-
line container or a container approved for gasoline/
methanol mixtures. Connect the other end of hose
C-4799-1 to the fuel pressure test port (Fig. 3). Fuel
pressure will bleed off through the hose into the gas-
oline container. Fuel gauge C-4799-A contains hose
C-4799-1.
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDUREÐ2.2L/2.5L TBI
CAUTION: Before servicing the fuel pump, fuel
lines, fuel filter, throttle body, or fuel injector, re-
lease fuel system pressure.Fig. 1 Methanol Concentration Sensor
14 - 4 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
INSTALLATION
WARNING: FUEL TANKS DESIGNED FOR GASO-
LINE ONLY VEHICLES CANNOT BE USED ON
FLEXIBLE FUEL AA-BODY VEHICLES. WHEN SER-
VICING THE FUEL SYSTEM OF A FLEXIBLE FUEL
VEHICLE, ONLY USE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT OR
EQUIVALENT REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS. (1) Position fuel tank on transmission jack. Con-
nect vapor separator/rollover valve hose and position
insulator pad on fuel tank. Position vapor vent so
that it is not pinched between tank and floor pan
during installation. (2) Raise tank and fuel filler tube carefully into
position. Use a light coating of power steering fluid
to ease fuel filler tube installation. Ensure filler tube
grommet is not damaged. Verify that the tube is in-
stalled correctly. (3) Tighten fuel tank strap nuts to 23 N Im (250 in.
lbs.) torque. Remove transmission jack. Ensure
straps are not twisted or bent. (4) Lubricate the metal tubes on the fuel pump
with clean 30 weight engine oil. Install the quick
connect fuel fittings. Refer to Quick Connect Fittings
in the Fuel Delivery section of this Group. (5) Attach electrical connector to fuel pump mod-
ule and level sensor unit. (6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Attach filler tube to filler neck opening in
quarter panel. Tighten quarter panel screws to 2
N Im (17 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Fill fuel tank, install filler cap, and connect
battery cable.
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.
(9) Use the DRBII scan tool ASD Fuel System Test
to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.
FUEL PUMP MODULE
Refer to the Fuel Delivery section of this group.
METHANOL CONCENTRATION SENSOR
Refer to the Fuel Delivery section of this group.
FUEL RESERVOIR
The fuel reservoir is internal to the fuel pump as-
sembly (Fig. 6). The purpose is to provide fuel at the
fuel pump intake during all driving conditions, espe-
cially when low fuel levels are present.
FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS
This procedure test the resistance of the level sen-
sor itself. It does not test the level sensor circuit. Re-
fer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams for circuit
identification and Group 8E, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for fuel gauge information. The level sensor is a variable resistor. Its resis-
tance changes with the amount of fuel in the tank.
The float arm attached to the sensor moves as the
fuel level changes. To test the level sensor, connect
an ohmmeter across the sensor signal and sensor
ground terminals of the fuel level sensor connector
(Fig. 7 or Fig. 8). Move the float lever to the full stop
and empty stop positions shown in the resistance
chart (Fig. 7 or Fig. 8). Record the resistance at each
point. Replace the level sensor if the resistance is not
within specifications. The low fuel warning light specifications determine
if the level sensor portion of the warning light circuit
functions properly. It does not test the complete
warning light circuit. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams for circuit
identification and Group 8E, Instrument Panel and
Gauges for fuel gauge information.
REMOVAL
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
WHEN SERVICING FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES,
WEAR METHANOL RESISTANT GLOVES AND EYE
PROTECTION AND AVOID BREATHING FUMES. DO
NOT ALLOW METHANOL/GASOLINE MIXTURES TO
CONTACT SKIN. SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VEN-
TILATED AREAS AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES.
NEVER SMOKE WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
Fig. 6 Fuel Reservoir
14 - 18 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
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
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 is also energized during certain
idle conditions to update the fuel delivery calibration.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (CHECK
ENGINE)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 opera-
tor that the PCM has entered a Limp-in mode. During
Limp-in-Mode, the PCM attempts to keep the system
operational. The malfunction indicator lamp 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.
² Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Battery Voltage Input
² An Emissions Related System
² Charging system
The malfunction indicator lamp can also be used to
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 2.2L/2.5L Single Point Fuel
InjectionÐOn-Board Diagnostics section in this group.
DATA LINK CONNECTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The data link connector provides the technician with
the means to connect the DRBII scan tool to diagnosis
the vehicle.
ELECTRIC ELECTRONIC GAS
RECIRCULATIONÐPCM OUTPUT
The electronic exhaust gas recirculation transducer
(EET) is a back pressure transducer/electric vacuum
solenoid assembly (Fig. 13). The EET assembly mounts
above the EGR valve (Fig. 14).
The solenoid turns the vacuum supply to the trans-
ducer on and off. The electric vacuum solenoid portion
of the EET energizes when the PCM provides a ground
path. When the solenoid energizes, vacuum is pre-
vented from flowing to the transducer. When the sole-
noid de-energizes, vacuum flows to the transducer. The
solenoid energizes during engine warm-up, closed
throttle (idle or cruise), wide open throttle, and rapid
acceleration/deceleration. If the solenoid wire con-
nector is disconnected, the EGR valve will oper-
ate at all times.
Fig. 12 EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
Fig. 13 Electronic EGR Recirculation Transducer
Fig. 14 EGR Valve and Electric EGR Transducer
14 - 30 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
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
once the system has entered closed loop. Refer to
Modes of Operation in this section for an explanation
of closed loop operation.
NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
The PCM does not monitor the following circuits,
systems and conditions that could have malfunctions
that result in driveability problems. Diagnostic trou-
ble codes may not be displayed for these conditions.
However, problems with these systems may cause di-
agnostic trouble codes to be displayed for other sys-
tems. For example, a fuel pressure problem will not
register a fault directly, but could cause a rich or
lean condition. This could cause an oxygen sensor
fault to be stored in the PCM. Fuel Pressure - Fuel pressure is controlled by the
fuel pressure regulator. The PCM cannot detect a
clogged fuel pump inlet filter, clogged in-line fuel fil-
ter, or a pinched fuel supply or return line. However,
these could result in a rich or lean condition causing
an oxygen sensor fault. Secondary Ignition Circuit - The PCM cannot
detect an inoperative ignition coil, fouled or worn
spark plugs, ignition cross firing, or open spark plug
cables. Engine Timing - The PCM cannot detect an incor-
rectly indexed timing chain, camshaft sprocket and
crankshaft sprocket. The PCM also cannot detect an
incorrectly indexed distributor. However, these could
result in a rich or lean condition causing an oxygen
sensor fault to be stored in the PCM. Cylinder Compression - The PCM cannot detect
uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression. Exhaust System
- The PCM cannot detect a
plugged, restricted or leaking exhaust system. Fuel Injector Malfunctions - The PCM cannot
determine if the fuel injector is clogged, the pintle is
sticking or the wrong injector is installed. However,
these could result in a rich or lean condition causing
an oxygen sensor fault to be stored in the PCM. Excessive Oil Consumption - Although the PCM
monitors the exhaust stream oxygen content through
the oxygen sensor when the system is in closed loop,
it cannot determine excessive oil consumption. Throttle Body Air Flow - The PCM cannot detect
a clogged or restricted air cleaner inlet or filter ele-
ment. Evaporative System - The PCM will not detect a
restricted, plugged or loaded evaporative purge can-
ister. Vacuum Assist - Leaks or restrictions in the vac-
uum circuits of vacuum assisted engine control sys-
tem devices are not monitored by the PCM. However,
these could result in a MAP sensor fault being stored
in the PCM. PCM System Ground - The PCM cannot deter-
mine a poor system ground. However, a diagnostic
trouble code may be generated as a result of this con-
dition. PCM Connector Engagement - The PCM cannot
determine spread or damaged connector pins. How-
ever, a diagnostic trouble code may be generated as a
result of this condition.
HIGH AND LOW LIMITS
The powertrain control module (PCM) compares in-
put signal voltages from each input device with es-
tablished high and low limits that are programmed
into it for that device. If the input voltage is not
within specifications and other diagnostic trouble
code criteria are met, a diagnostic trouble code will
be stored in memory. Other diagnostic trouble code
criteria might include engine RPM limits or input
voltages from other sensors or switches that must be
present before a fault condition can be verified.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DESCRIPTION
When a diagnostic trouble code appears, it indi-
cates the powertrain control module (PCM) has rec-
ognized an abnormal condition in the system.
Diagnostic trouble codes can be obtained from the
malfunction indicator lamp (instrument panel Check
Engine lamp) on the Instrument Panel or from the
DRBII scan tool. Diagnostic trouble codes indicate
the results of a failure but do not identify the failed
component directly.
Fig. 3 Data Link Connector LocationÐAG and AJ Vehicles
14 - 42 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä
SYSTEMS TEST
WARNING: APPLY PARKING BRAKE AND/OR
BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING A TEST
WITH THE ENGINE OPERATING.
OBTAINING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
(1) Connect DRBII scan tool to the data link con-
nector located in the engine compartment near the
powertrain control module (PCM). (2) Start the engine if possible, cycle the transaxle
selector and the A/Cswitch if applicable. Shut off
the engine. (3) Turn the ignition switch on, access Read Fault
Screen. Record all the fault messages shown on the
DRBII scan tool. Observe the malfunction indicator
lamp (check engine lamp on the instrument panel).
The lamp should light for 3 seconds then go out (bulb
check).
STATE DISPLAY TEST MODE
The switch inputs used by the powertrain control
module (PCM) have only two recognized states,
HIGH and LOW. For this reason, the PCM cannot
recognize the difference between a selected switch po-
sition versus an open circuit, a short circuit, or a de-
fective switch. If the change is displayed, it can be
assumed that the entire switch circuit to the PCM is
functional. From the state display screen access ei-
ther State Display Inputs and Outputs or State Dis-
play Sensors.
STATE DISPLAY INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Connect the DRBII scan tool to the vehicle and ac-
cess the State Display screen. Then access Inputs and
Outputs. The following is a list of the engine control
system functions accessible through the Inputs and
Outputs screen. Park/Neutral Switch (automatic transaxle only)
Speed Control Resume
Brake Switch
Speed Control On/Off
Speed Control Set
A/C Switch Sense
S/C (Speed Control) Vent Solenoid
S/C (Speed Control) Vacuum Solenoid
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (3 speed auto-
matic transaxle)
A/C Clutch Relay
EGR Solenoid
Auto Shutdown Relay
Radiator Fan Relay
Purge Solenoid
Malfunction Indicator (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
Coolant Temperature
Coolant Temp Sensor
Throttle Position
Minimum Throttle
Battery Voltage
MAP Sensor Reading
Idle Air Control Motor Position
Added Adaptive Fuel
Adaptive Fuel Factor
Barometric Pressure
Min Airflow Idl Spd
Engine Speed
Fault #1 Key-On Info
Module Spark Advance
Speed Control Target
Fault #2 Key-On Info
Fault #3 Key-On Info
Speed Control Status
Charging System Goal
Theft Alarm Status
Speed Control Switch Voltage
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.). With the exception of an intermit-
tent condition, if a device functions properly during
its test, it can be assumed that the device, its associ-
ated wiring, and its driver circuit are in working or-
der.
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
Fuel Injector #1
Idle Air Control Motor Open/Close
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 45
² Methanol Concentration Sensor
² Pressure relief/Rollover valve
² PCV Valve
² All fuel system and emission system hoses and
tubes
SYSTEM OPERATION
The flexible fuel vehicle's 2.5L engine use a se-
quential multi-port electronic fuel injection system
(Fig. 1). The powertrain control module (PCM) oper-
ates the electronic fuel injection system. The PCM
provides precise air/fuel ratios and ignition timing
for all driving conditions.
The PCM regulates the air-fuel ratio, ignition coil
dwell and idle speed. The PCM also operates the
high speed and low speed cooling fans, charging sys-
tem, speed control system and various emission con-
trol devices. Various sensors and switches provide inputs to the
PCM. The PCM converts all inputs into signals and
regulates various systems based on the inputs. The
PCM adjusts the systems it controls 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 operates the
injectors in a specific sequence. The PCM adjusts the
air/fuel ratio based on the percentage of methanol in the fuel. The PCM constantly adjusts injector pulse
width to obtain the ideal air fuel ratio for the current
percentage of methanol in the fuel. Injector pulse
width refers to the amount of time an injector oper-
ates. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injectors. Engine
RPM (speed), manifold absolute pressure (air density)
and the percentage of methanol in the fuel are the
primary inputs that determine injector pulse width.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The powertrain control module (PCM) can test
many of its own input and output circuits. If the
PCM senses a fault in a major system, the PCM
stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory. Technicians can display stored diagnostic trouble
codes by two different methods. The first is to cycle
the ignition switch On - Off - On - Off - On within 5
seconds. Then count the number of times the mal-
function indicator lamp (check engine lamp) on the
instrument panel flashes on and off. The number of
flashes represents the trouble code. There is a slight
pause between the flashes representing the first and
second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate in-
dividual trouble codes.
Fig. 1 Flexible Fuel MPI Components
14 - 56 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä