
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 to determine engine speed and ignition timing (coil dwell). If the PCM does not receive a distributor
signal when the ignition switch is in the Run posi-
tion, 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
sensor heating element. On AA body vehicles, the relays are located next to
the drivers side strut tower (Fig. 13). On AC, AG and AJ body vehicles, the relays are lo-
cated in the power distribution center (Fig. 12 or Fig.
14).
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The idle air control motor is mounted on the throt-
tle body and is controlled by the PCM (Fig. 10). The
PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air
control motor to compensate for engine load or ambi-
ent conditions. The throttle body has an air bypass passage that
provides air for the engine at idle (the throttle blade
is closed). The idle air control motor pintle protrudes
into the air bypass passage and regulates air flow
through it. The PCM adjusts engine idle speed by moving the
idle air control motor pintle in and out of the bypass
passage. The adjustments are based on inputs the
PCM receives. The inputs are from the throttle posi-
tion sensor, engine 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.
DUTY CYCLE EVAP CANISTER PURGE
SOLENOIDÐPCM OUTPUT
The duty cycle EVAP purge solenoid regulates the
rate of vapor flow from the EVAP canister to the
throttle body. The powertrain control module oper-
ates the solenoid. During the cold start warm-up period and the hot
start time delay, the PCM does not energize the so-
lenoid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged.
The PCM de-energizes the solenoid during open loop
operation. The engine enters closed loop operation after it
reaches a specified temperature and the time delay
ends. During closed loop operation, the PCM ener-
gizes and de-energizes the solenoid approximately 5
to 10 times per second, depending upon operating
conditions. The PCM varies the vapor flow rate by
changing solenoid pulse width. Pulse width is the
amount of time the solenoid energizes. A rubber boot covers the EVAP purge solenoid.
The solenoid and bracket attach to the EVAP canis-
ter mounting studs (Fig. 15). The top of the solenoid
has the word TOP on it. The solenoid will not oper-
ate unless it is installed correctly.
Fig. 13 Relay Identification (AA Body)
Fig. 14 Relay Identification (AG and AJ Body)
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 119

tially energizes all injectors at the same time. Once
the PCM determines crankshaft position, it begins
energizing the injectors in sequence.Battery voltage is supplied to the injectors through
the ASD relay. 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 in-
puts it receives.
IGNITION COILÐPCM OUTPUT
The auto shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing coil. When the
PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil pri-
mary 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. Re-
fer to Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay/Fuel Pump Re-
layÐPCM Output in this section for relay operation. The ignition coil is mounted on a bracket next to
the air cleaner (Fig. 18).
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 radiator fan relay is lo-
cated on the drivers side fender well near to the
PCM. The PCM grounds the relay when engine cool-
ant reaches a predetermined temperature or the air
conditioning system turns on. On AA body vehicles, the relay is located next to
the drivers side strut tower (Fig. 13). On AC, AG and AJ body vehicles, the relay is lo-
cated in the power distribution center (Fig. 12 or Fig.
14).
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.
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 ad-
justs its response to the output devices. For example,
the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse
width and ignition timing for idle than 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 in-
put signals and responds according to preset PCM
programming. Input from the oxygen (O
2) sensor is
not monitored during OPEN LOOP modes. During CLOSED LOOP modes the PCM does mon-
itor the oxygen (O
2) sensor input. This input indi-
cates to the PCM if the injector pulse width results
in an 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 3.0L sequential MPI system has the following
modes of operation:
² Ignition switch ONÐZero-RPM
² Engine start-up
² Engine warm-up
² Cruise (Idle)
² Acceleration
² Deceleration
² Wide Open Throttle
² Ignition switch OFF
Fig. 18 Ignition Coil
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 121

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 may reduce injector
firing to once per engine revolution. This helps main-
tain better control of the air-fuel mixture. During a deceleration condition, the PCM grounds
the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid. When
the PCM grounds the solenoid, preventing EGR.
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide-open-
throttle operation, the following inputs are received
by the PCM:
² engine coolant temperature
² crankshaft position (distributor pick-up)
² manifold absolute pressure
² engine speed (distributor pick-up)
² throttle position
When the PCM senses wide open throttle condition
through the throttle position sensor (TPS) it will:
² Provide a ground for the electrical EGR transducer
(EET) solenoid. When the PCM grounds the solenoid,
the EGR system stops operating.
² De-energize the air conditioning relay. This dis-
ables the air conditioning system. 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.
THROTTLE BODY
The throttle body assembly (Fig. 19) is located at
the left end of the air intake plenum. The throttle
body houses the throttle position sensor and the idle
air control motor. Air flow through the throttle body
is controlled by a cable operated throttle blade lo-
cated in the base of the throttle body.
FUEL SUPPLY CIRCUIT
Fuel is supplied to the fuel rail by an electric pump
mounted in the fuel tank. The pump inlet is fitted
with a strainer to prevent water and other contami-
nants from entering the fuel supply circuit. Fuel pressure is controlled to a preset level above
intake manifold pressure by a pressure regulator.
The pressure regulator is mounted on the fuel rail.
The regulator uses intake manifold pressure as a ref-
erence.
Fig. 19 Throttle Body
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 123

(28) Check the air conditioning, starter, ASD, fuel
pump and radiator fan relay connections (Figs. 20,
21, and 22).
(29) Check battery cable connections.
(30) Check hose and electrical connections at fuel
pump. Ensure connector is making contact with ter-
minals on pump.
Fig. 18 PCMÐAC Body
Fig. 19 PCMÐAG and AJ Bodies
Fig. 20 Relay IdentificationÐAA Body
Fig. 21 Relay IdentificationÐAC Body
Fig. 22 Relay IdentificationÐAG and AJ Bodies
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 129

3.3L AND 3.8L MULTI-PORT FUEL INJECTIONÐSYSTEM OPERATION INDEX
page page
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch RelayÐPCM Output. 150
Air Conditioning Switch SenseÐPCM Input .... 147
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump RelayÐPCM Output .................... 151
Battery VoltageÐPCM Input ............... 147
Brake SwitchÐPCM Input ................. 147
Camshaft Position SensorÐPCM Input ....... 147
Canister Purge SolenoidÐPCM Output ....... 151
CCD Bus .............................. 146
Crankshaft Position SensorÐPCM Input ...... 148
Data Link ConnectorÐPCM Output .......... 152
Electric EGR Transducer (EET) SolenoidÐPCM Output .............................. 152
Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐPCM Input. 148
Fuel Injectors and Fuel Rail Assembly ........ 155
Fuel InjectorsÐPCM Output ............... 152
Fuel Pressure Regulator .................. 156
Fuel Supply Circuit ...................... 155
General Information ...................... 145
Generator FieldÐPCM Output .............. 150
Heated Oxygen Sensor (O2Sensor)ÐPCM Input. 149
Idle Air Control MotorÐPCM Output ......... 151
Ignition CoilÐPCM Output ................. 153
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lamp)ÐPCM Output ................... 151
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐPCM Input ................................ 149
Modes of Operation ...................... 153
Powertrain Control Module ................. 146
Radiator Fan RelayÐPCM Output ........... 153
Speed Control SolenoidsÐPCM Output ....... 153
Speed ControlÐPCM Input ................ 150
System Diagnosis ....................... 146
TachometerÐPCM Output ................. 153
Throttle Body ........................... 155
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)ÐPCM Input .... 150
Transaxle Control ModuleÐPCM Output ...... 152
Transaxle Park/Neutral SwitchÐPCM Input .... 150
Vehicle Speed and Distance InputÐPCM Input . 150
GENERAL INFORMATION
3.3L and 3.8L engines use a sequential Multi-port
Electronic Fuel Injection system (Fig. 1). The MPI system is computer regulated and provides precise
air/fuel ratios for all driving conditions.
The MPI system is operated by the powertrain con-
trol module (PCM).
Fig. 1 Multi-Port Fuel Injection Components
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 145

The PCM regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, cooling fan, charging sys-
tem, idle speed and speed control. Various sensors
provide the inputs necessary for the PCM to correctly
operate these systems. In addition to the sensors,
various switches also provide inputs to the PCM. All inputs to the PCM are converted into signals.
The PCM can adapt its programming to meet chang-
ing operating conditions. Fuel is injected into the intake port above the in-
take valve in precise metered amounts through elec-
trically operated injectors. The PCM fires the
injectors in a specific sequence. The PCM maintains
an air fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by
constantly adjusting injector pulse width. Injector
pulse width is the length of time the injector is ener-
gized. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injector. Engine
RPM (speed) and manifold absolute pressure (air
density) are the primary inputs that determine injec-
tor pulse width.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The PCM tests many of its own input and output
circuits. If a fault is found in a major system, the in-
formation is stored in memory. Technicians can dis-
play fault information through the malfunction
indicator lamp (instrument panel Check Engine
lamp) or by connecting the DRBII scan tool. For di-
agnostic trouble code information, refer to the 3.3L/
3.8L Multi-Point Fuel InjectionÐOn-Board
Diagnostics section of this group.
CCD BUS
Various modules exchange information through a
communications port called the CCD Bus. The pow-
ertrain control module (PCM) transmits engine RPM
and vehicle load information on the CCD Bus.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The powertrain control module (PCM) is a digital
computer containing a microprocessor (Fig. 2). The
PCM receives input signals from various switches
and sensors that are referred to as PCM Inputs.
Based on these inputs, the PCM adjusts various en-
gine and vehicle operations through devices that are
referred to as PCM Outputs. PCM Inputs:
² Air Conditioning Controls
² Battery Voltage
² Brake Switch
² Camshaft Position Sensor
² Crankshaft Position Sensor
² Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
² Oxygen Sensor
² SCI Receive ²
Speed Control System Controls
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Transaxle Park/Neutral Switch (automatic tran-
saxle)
² Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
² Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
² Generator Field
² Idle Air Control Motor
² Auto Shutdown (ASD) and Fuel Pump Relays
² Canister Purge Solenoid
² Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lamp)
² Data Link Connector
² Electronic EGR Transducer
² Fuel Injectors
² Ignition Coil
² Radiator Fan Relay
² Speed Control Solenoids
² Tachometer Output
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts the
EGR system, fuel injector pulse width, idle speed, ig-
nition spark advance, ignition coil dwell and canister
purge operation. The PCM regulates the cooling fan,
air conditioning and speed control systems. The PCM
changes generator charge rate by adjusting the gen-
erator field. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air-fuel ra-
tio) based on the following inputs.
² battery voltage
² engine coolant temperature
² exhaust gas oxygen content (oxygen sensor)
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
² engine coolant temperature
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² manifold absolute pressure
² throttle position
Fig. 2 PCM
14 - 146 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

² transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
The PCM also adjusts engine idle speed through
the idle air control motor based on the following in-
puts.
² brake switch
² engine coolant temperature
² engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
² throttle position
² transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
² vehicle speed
The auto shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays are
mounted externally, but turned on and off by the
PCM through the same circuit. The camshaft position sensor and crankshaft posi-
tion sensor signals are sent to the PCM. If the PCM
does not receive both signals within approximately
one second of engine cranking, it deactivates the
ASD and fuel pump relays. When these relays are
deactivated, power is shut off to the fuel injector, ig-
nition coil, oxygen sensor heating element and fuel
pump. The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8.0 volts. The
8.0 volts power the camshaft position sensor, crank-
shaft position sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The
PCM also provides a 5.0 volts supply for the coolant
temperature sensor, manifold absolute pressure sen-
sor and throttle position sensor.
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH SENSEÐPCM INPUT
When the air conditioning or defrost switch is put
in the ON position and the low pressure, high pres-
sure and ambient temperature switches are closed,
the PCM receives an input for air conditioning. After
receiving this input, the PCM activates the A/C com-
pressor clutch by grounding the A/C clutch relay.
BATTERY VOLTAGEÐPCM INPUT
The PCM monitors the battery voltage input to de-
termine fuel injector pulse width and generator field
control. If battery voltage is low the PCM will in-
crease injector pulse width.
BRAKE SWITCHÐPCM INPUT
When the brake switch is activated, the PCM re-
ceives an input indicating that the brakes are being
applied. the brake signal cancels speed control and
unlocks the torque convertor. The brake switch is
mounted on the brake pedal support bracket.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder
identification to the powertrain control module
(PCM) (Fig. 3). The sensor generates pulses as
groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass un-
derneath it (Fig. 4). The PCM keeps track of crank-
shaft rotation and identifies each cylinder by the pulses generated by the notches on the camshaft
sprocket. Four crankshaft pulses follow each group of
camshaft pulses.
When the PCM receives two camshaft pulses fol-
lowed by the long flat spot on the camshaft sprocket,
it knows that the crankshaft timing marks for cylin-
der one are next (on driveplate). When the PCM re-
ceives one camshaft pulse after the long flat spot on
the sprocket, cylinder number two crankshaft timing
marks are next. After 3 camshaft pulses, the PCM
knows cylinder four crankshaft timing marks follow.
One camshaft pulse after the three pulses indicates
cylinder five. The two camshaft pulses after cylinder
5 signals cylinder six (Fig. 4). The PCM can synchro-
nize on cylinders 1 or 4.
When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes
low (less than 0.5 volts). When a notch aligns with
the sensor, voltage spikes high (5.0 volts). As a group
of notches pass under the sensor, the voltage
switches from low (metal) to high (notch) then back
Fig. 3 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 4 Camshaft Sprocket
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 147

SPEED CONTROLÐPCM INPUT
The speed control system provides four separate
voltages (inputs) to the PCM. The voltages corre-
spond to the On/Off, Set, and Resume. The speed control ON voltage informs the PCM
that the speed control system has been activated.
The speed control SET voltage informs the PCM that
a fixed vehicle speed has been selected. The speed
control RESUME voltage indicates the previous fixed
speed is requested. The speed control OFF voltage
tells the PCM that the speed control system has been
deactivated. Refer to Group 8H for further speed con-
trol information.
TRANSAXLE PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCHÐPCM
INPUT
The park/neutral switch is located on the transaxle
housing (Fig. 12). It provides an input to the PCM
indicating whether the automatic transaxle is in
Park or Neutral. This input is used to determine idle
speed (varying with gear selection) and ignition tim-
ing advance. The park neutral switch is sometimes
referred to as the neutral safety switch.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)ÐPCM INPUT
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is mounted on
the throttle body and connected to the throttle blade
shaft (Fig. 13). The TPS is a variable resistor that
provides the PCM with an input signal (voltage). The
signal represents throttle blade position. As the posi-
tion of the throttle blade changes, the resistance of
the TPS changes. The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the
TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the
PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The TPS
output voltage to the PCM varies from approxi-
mately 0.5 volt at minimum throttle opening (idle) to
3.5 volts at wide open throttle. Along with inputs
from other sensors, the PCM uses the TPS input to
determine current engine operating conditions. The PCM also adjust fuel injector pulse width and igni-
tion timing based on these inputs.
VEHICLE SPEED AND DISTANCE INPUTÐPCM
INPUT
The transaxle output speed sensor supplies the ve-
hicle speed and distance inputs to the PCM. The out-
put speed sensor is located on the side of the
transaxle (Fig. 12). The speed and distance signals, along with a closed
throttle signal from the TPS, determine if a closed
throttle deceleration or normal idle condition (vehicle
stopped) exists. Under deceleration conditions, the
PCM adjusts the idle air control motor to maintain a
desired MAP value. Under idle conditions, the PCM
adjusts the idle air control motor to maintain a de-
sired engine speed.
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) CLUTCH RELAYÐPCM
OUTPUT
The PCM operates the air conditioning clutch relay
ground circuit (Fig. 14). The ignition switch supplies
battery voltage to the solenoid side of the relay.
When the A/C clutch relay energizes, battery voltage
powers the A/C compressor clutch. With the engine operating and the blower motor
switch in the On position, the PCM cycles the air
conditioning clutch on and off when the A/C switch
closes. When the PCM senses low idle speeds or wide
open throttle through the throttle position sensor, it
de-energizes the A/C clutch relay. The relay contacts
open, preventing air conditioning clutch engagement.
GENERATOR FIELDÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM regulates the charging system voltage
Fig. 13 Throttle Position Sensor
Fig. 12 Park Neutral SwitchÐ4-Speed Electronic Automatic Transaxle
14 - 150 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä