
2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMÐSYSTEM OPERATION INDEX
page page
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump Relay ................................ 32
Camshaft Position Sensor .................. 28
Coolant Temperature Sensor ................ 32
Crankshaft Position Sensor ................. 29
General Information ....................... 24 Ignition Coil
............................. 31
Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engine ............. 32
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor ..... 32
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ............ 24
Spark Plug Cables ....................... 25
Spark Plugs ............................ 26
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section describes the ignition systems for 2.2L
Turbo III, 3.3L and 3.8L engines. The Fuel Injection sections of Group 14 describe On
Board Diagnostics. Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, contains
general maintenance information for ignition related
items. The Owner's Manual also contains maintenance
information. 2.2L Turbo III, 3.3L and 3.8L engines uses a
fixed ignition timing system. Basic ignition tim-
ing is not adjustable. All spark advance is deter-
mined by the powertrain control module (PCM). The ignition system does not use a distributor. The
system is referred to as the Direct Ignition System. The
system's three main components are the coil pack,
crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft position sen-
sor. The crankshaft and camshaft sensors are hall
effect devices. The camshaft position and crankshaft position sen-
sors generate pulses that are the inputs sent to the
PCM. The PCM interprets crankshaft and camshaft
position from these sensors. The PCM uses crankshaft
position sensor input to determine ignition timing. The
PCM determines injector sequence from the camshaft
position sensor. The camshaft position sensor determines when a
slot in the camshaft gear passes beneath it (Fig. 1 or
Fig. 2). The crankshaft position sensor determines
when a window in the drive plate passes under it
(Fig. 3 or Fig. 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 to low.
FIRING ORDER
The firing order of the 2.2L Turbo III engine direct
ignition system is 1-3-4-2 (Fig. 5). The firing order of
the 3.3L and 3.8L engines direct ignition system is
1-2-3-4-5-6 (Fig. 6).
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The ignition system is regulated by the powertrain
control module (PCM) (Fig. 7). The PCM supplies
battery voltage to the ignition coil through the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The PCM also controls
ground circuit for the ignition coil. By switching the
ground path for the coil on and off, the PCM adjusts
ignition timing to meet changing engine operating
conditions.
Fig. 37 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐ3.0L Engine
8D - 24 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

During the crank-start period the PCM advances
ignition timing a set amount. During engine opera-
tion, the amount of spark advance provided by the
PCM is determined by these input factors:
² coolant temperature
² knock sensor (Turbo III)
² engine RPM
² available manifold vacuum
The PCM also regulates the fuel injection system.
Refer to the Fuel Injection sections of Group 14.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical
current from the distributor to individual spark
plugs at each cylinder. The spark plug cables are of
nonmetallic construction and have a built in resis-
Fig. 1 Camshaft SprocketÐ2.2L Turbo III Engine
Fig. 2 Camshaft SprocketÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines
Fig. 3 DriveplateÐ2.2L Turbo III Engine
Fig. 4 DriveplateÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines
Fig. 5 Spark Plug Wire RoutingÐTurbo III Engine
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 25

mal wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes
filed and regapped, and then reinstalled. Some fuel refiners in several areas of the United
States have introduced a manganese additive (MMT)
for unleaded fuel. During combustion, fuel with MMT
may coat the entire tip of the spark plug with a rust
colored deposit. The rust color deposits can be misdi-
agnosed as being caused by coolant in the combustion
chamber. Spark plug performance is not affected by
MMT deposits.
COLD FOULING (CARBON FOULING) Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon
fouling because the deposits that cause cold fouling are
basically carbon (Fig. 9). A dry, black deposit on one or
two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves or
defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling of the
entire set may be caused by a clogged air cleaner. Cold fouling is normal after short operating periods.
The spark plugs do not reach a high enough operating
temperature during short operating periods.
WET FOULING A spark plug that is coated with excessive wet fuel or
oil is wet fouled. In older engines, wet fouling can be
caused by worn rings or excessive cylinder wear.
Break-in fouling of new engines may occur be-
fore normal oil control is achieved. In new or
recently overhauled engines, wet fouled spark
plugs can be usually be cleaned and reinstalled.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED If one or more plugs are oil or oil ash encrusted,
engine oil is entering the combustion chambers (Fig.
10). Evaluate the engine to determine the cause.
HIGH SPEED MISS When replacing spark plugs because of a high speed
miss condition; wide open throttle operation
should be avoided for approximately 80 km (50 miles) after installation of new plugs.
This will
allow deposit shifting in the combustion chamber to
take place gradually and avoid plug destroying splash
fouling shortly after the plug change.
ELECTRODE GAP BRIDGING
Loose deposits in the combustion chamber can cause
electrode gap bridging. The deposits accumulate on the
spark plugs during continuous stop-and-go driving.
When the engine is suddenly subjected to a high torque
load, the deposits partially liquefy and bridge the gap
between the electrodes (Fig. 11). This short circuits the
electrodes. Spark plugs with electrode gap bridging can
be cleaned using standard procedures.
Fig. 9 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
Fig. 10 Oil or Ash Encrusted
Fig. 11 Electrode Gap Bridging
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 27

The coil's low primary resistance allows the PCM to
fully charge the coil for each firing.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
On 2.2L Turbo III engines, the coolant temperature
sensor is installed into the thermostat housing (Fig. 30).
On 3.3L and 3.8L engines, the coolant temperature sensor
is located next to the thermostat housing (Fig. 31).
The coolant temperature sensor provides an input
voltage to the powertrain control module (PCM). The
sensor is a variable resistance (thermistor) with a
range of -40ÉC to 130ÉC (-40ÉF to 265ÉF). As coolant
temperature varies, the sensor resistance changes,
resulting in a different input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM contains different spark advance schedules
for cold and warm engine operation. The schedules reduce
engine emission and improve driveability.
The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. The coolant sensor input is also used for cooling
fan control.
KNOCK SENSORÐTURBO III ENGINE
Turbo III engines use a knock sensor. The sensor gen-
erates a signal when spark detonation occurs in the
combustion chambers. The sensor is mounted on the in-
take manifold behind the PCV breather (Fig. 32). The
sensor provides input voltage used by the powertrain
control module (PCM) to modify spark advance and
boost schedules in order to eliminate detonation.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
The MAP sensor reacts to absolute pressure in the
intake manifold and provides an input voltage to the
powertrain control module (PCM). As engine load
changes, manifold pressure varies. The changes in
engine load cause the MAP output voltage to change.
The change in MAP sensor output voltage results in
a different input voltage to the PCM.
The input voltage level supplies the PCM with infor-
mation relating to ambient barometric pressure during
engine start-up (cranking) and engine load while its op-
erating. The PCM uses this input along with inputs
from other sensors to adjust air-fuel mixture.
On Turbo III engines, the MAP sensor is mounted
to the front right fender (Fig. 33) On 3.3L and 3.8L
engines, the MAP sensor (Fig. 34) is mounted to the
side of the intake manifold, below the positive crank-
case ventilation (PCV) valve. The sensor is connected
to the PCM electrically.
AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY AND FUEL PUMP
RELAY
The powertrain control module (PCM) operates the
auto shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay
through one ground path. The PCM operates the re-
lays by switching the ground path on and off. Both
relays turn on and off at the same time.
Fig. 32 Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engine
Fig. 30 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTurbo III En- gines
Fig. 31 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8LEngines
8D - 32 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMÐDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Check Coil TestÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines ...... 36
Check Coil TestÐTurbo III Engine ........... 35
Coolant Temperature Sensor Test ............ 38
Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor Tests .......................... 38 Failure to Start Test
...................... 37
Failure to Start TestÐTurbo III Engine ........ 36
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . 38
Testing for Spark at CoilÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines . 36
Testing for Spark at CoilÐTurbo III Engine ..... 35
TESTING FOR SPARK AT COILÐTURBO III ENGINE
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM GENER-
ATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PERSONAL
INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT WITH
THIS SYSTEM.
The coil pack contains 2 independent coils. Each
coil must be checked individually.
CAUTION: Spark plug wire damage may occur if the
spark plug is moved more than 1/4 inch away from
the engine ground.
Remove the cable from number 1 spark plug. Insert
a clean spark plug into the spark plug boot, and
ground plug to the engine (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Spark plug wire damage may occur if the
spark plug is moved more than 1/4 inch away from
the engine ground. Crank the engine and look for spark across the
electrodes of the spark plug. Repeat the above test
for the remaining cylinders. If there is no spark dur-
ing the cylinder tests, proceed to the failure to start
test. If one or more cylinders have irregular, weak, or
no spark, proceed to Check Coil Test.
CHECK COIL TESTÐTURBO III ENGINE
Cylinder s1&4,and2&3are grouped together.
(1) Remove the ignition cables and measure the
resistance of the cables. Resistance must be between
3,000 to 12,000 ohms per foot of cable. Replace any
cable not within tolerance. (2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the coil
pack (Fig. 2).
(3) Measure the primary resistance of each coil. At
the coil, connect an ohmmeter between the B+ pin and
the pin corresponding to the cylinders in question (Fig.
3). Resistance on the primary side of each coil should be
0.5-0.7 ohm. Replace the coil if resistance is not within
tolerance.
(4) Remove ignition cables from the secondary tow-
ers of the coil. Measure the secondary resistance of the
coil between the towers of each individual coil
Fig. 1 Testing For Spark
Fig. 2 Ignition Coil Electrical ConnectionÐTurbo III Engine
Fig. 3 Ignition Coil Terminal Identification
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 35

Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Pro-
cedure Manual. Refer to the wiring diagrams section
for circuit information.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TEST
(1) With key off, disconnect wire connector from
coolant temperature sensor (Fig. 9).
(2) Connect one lead of ohmmeter to one terminal of
coolant temperature sensor. (3) Connect the other lead of ohmmeter to remaining
terminal of coolant temperature sensor. The ohmmeter
should read as follows;
² Engine/Sensor hot at normal operating temperature
around 200ÉF should read approximately 700 to 1,000
ohms.
² Engine/Sensor at room temperature around 70ÉF,
ohmmeter should read approximately 7,000 to 13,000
ohms. To test the coolant temperature sensor circuits,
refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostic Service manual.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
TEST
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Pro-
cedure manual.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CAMSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR TESTS
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Pro-
cedure manual.
Fig. 9 Coolant Temperature Sensor Test
8D - 38 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä

2.2L TURBO III, 3.3L AND 3.8L IGNITION SYSTEMSÐSERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Camshaft Position Sensor ServiceÐTurbo III Engine.42Camshaft Position SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines.43
Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines .............................. 39
Coolant Temperature SensorÐTurbo III ........ 39
Crankshaft Position SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines.42
Crankshaft Position SensorÐTurbo III Engine . . . 42
Idle RPM Test ........................... 41
Ignition Coil ServiceÐTurbo III Engine ........ 43 Ignition CoilÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engine
........... 43
Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engines ............ 40
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines ....................... 44
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐ Turbo III Engine ........................ 44
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ............ 39
Spark Plug Cable Service .................. 40
Spark Plug Service ....................... 41
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner duct or air cleaner assem-
bly. (2) Remove battery.
(3) Remove powertrain control module (PCM)
mounting screws (Fig. 1). (4) Remove 60-way connector from PCM. Remove
PCM.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect 60-Way connector to PCM (Fig. 1).
(2) Install PCM on inside left front fender. Install
and tighten mounting screws. (3) Install the battery.
(4) Install air cleaner duct or air cleaner assembly.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐTURBO III
The coolant sensor threads into the thermostat
housing (Fig. 2).
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system until coolant level is be-
low thermostat housing. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System. (2) Remove air cleaner fresh air duct.
(3) Disconnect electrical connector from coolant
sensor. (4) Remove sensor from thermostat housing (Fig.
2).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install sensor. Tighten to 7 N Im (60 in. lbs.)
torque. (2) Connect electrical connector to coolant sensor
(3) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System. (4) Install fresh air duct.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ3.3L AND
3.8L ENGINES
The coolant temperature sensor is located below
the ignition coil (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system until coolant level is be-
low coolant sensor. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System. (2) Remove electrical connector from coil (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove coil mounting screws.
(4) Rotate coil away from coolant temperature sen-
sor.
Fig. 1 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Fig. 2 Coolant Temperature SensorÐTurbo III
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 39

(5) Disconnect electrical connector from coolant
temperature sensor. (6) Remove sensor from engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Tighten the coolant sensor to 7 N Im (60 in. lbs.)
torque. (2) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(3) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System. (4) Install coil. Tighten coil mounting screws to 12
N Im (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector to coil.
KNOCK SENSORÐTURBO III ENGINES
The knock sensor is located on the intake manifold,
behind the PCV breather (Fig. 5).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove PCV breather.
(2) Remove harness connector from the knock sen-
sor. (3) Remove knock sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten sensor to 9 N Im
(7 ft. lbs) torque. (2) Connect harness connector to sensor.
(3) Install PCV breather.
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE
Clean high tension cables with a cloth moistened
with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry.
Check for brittle or cracked insulation. When testing cables for punctures and cracks with
an oscilloscope, follow the instructions of the equip-
ment manufacturers.
CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable
disconnected any longer than necessary during test
or possible heat damage to catalytic converter will
occur. Total test time must not exceed ten minutes. If an oscilloscope is not available, cables can be
tested as follows: (1) With the engine not running, connect one end
of a test probe to a good ground. Use a probe made of
insulated wire and insulated alligator clips on each
end.
WARNING: THE ENGINE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM
GENERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS.
PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CON-
TACT WITH THIS SYSTEM.
Fig. 3 Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3L and 3.3L Engine
Fig. 4 Ignition Coil Removal
Fig. 5 Knock SensorÐTurbo III Engine
8D - 40 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä