1993 FORD MONDEO width

passes the sensor tip, a signal is generated,
which is used by the ECU to determine engine
speed.
4The ridge between the 35th and 36th holes
(corresponding to 90° BTDC) is missing - this
step in the incoming signals is used by the
ECU to determine crankshaft (ie, piston)
position.
Camshaft position sensor
5This is bolted to the rear left-hand end of
the cylinder head, to register with a lobe on
the inlet camshaft. It functions in the same
way as the crankshaft speed/position sensor,
producing a series of pulses (corresponding
to No 1 cylinder at 46° ATDC); this gives the
ECU a reference point, to enable it to
determine the firing order, and operate the
injectors in the appropriate sequence.
Coolant temperature sensor
6This component, which is screwed into the
top of the thermostat housing, is an NTC
(Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor
- that is, a semi-conductor whose electrical
resistance decreases as its temperature
increases. It provides the ECU with a
constantly-varying (analogue) voltage signal,
corresponding to the temperature of the
engine coolant. This is used to refine the
calculations made by the ECU, when
determining the correct amount of fuel
required to achieve the ideal air/fuel mixture
ratio.
Intake air temperature sensor
7This component, which is screwed into the
underside of the air intake resonator, is also an
NTC thermistor - see the previous paragraph -
providing the ECU with a signal corresponding
to the temperature of air passing into the
engine. This is used to refine the calculations
made by the ECU, when determining the
correct amount of fuel required to achieve the
ideal air/fuel mixture ratio.
Throttle potentiometer
8This is mounted on the end of the throttle
valve spindle, to provide the ECU with a
constantly-varying (analogue) voltage signal
corresponding to the throttle opening. This
allows the ECU to register the driver’s input
when determining the amount of fuel required
by the engine.
Vehicle speed sensor
9This component is a Hall-effect generator,
mounted on the transmission’s speedometer
drive. It supplies the ECU with a series of
pulses corresponding to the vehicle’s road
speed, enabling the ECU to control features
such as the fuel shut-off on the overrun, and
to provide information for the trip computer,
adaptive damping and cruise control systems
(where fitted).
Power steering pressure switch
10This is a pressure-operated switch,
screwed into the power steering system’shigh-pressure pipe. Its contacts are normally
closed, opening when the system reaches the
specified pressure - on receiving this signal,
the ECU increases the idle speed, to
compensate for the additional load on the
engine.
Exhaust gas pressure differential
sensor
11This component measures the difference
in pressure of the exhaust gases across a
venturi (restriction) in the Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) system’s pipe, and sends
the ECU a voltage signal corresponding to the
pressure difference.
Oxygen sensor
12The oxygen sensor in the exhaust system
provides the ECU with constant feedback -
“closed-loop” control - which enables it to
adjust the mixture to provide the best possible
conditions for the catalytic converter to
operate.
13The sensor has a built-in heating element
which is controlled by the ECU, in order to
bring the sensor’s tip to an efficient operating
temperature as rapidly as possible. The
sensor’s tip is sensitive to oxygen, and sends
the ECU a varying voltage depending on the
amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If the
intake air/fuel mixture is too rich, the exhaust
gases are low in oxygen, so the sensor sends
a low-voltage signal, the voltage rising as the
mixture weakens and the amount of oxygen in
the exhaust gases rises. Peak conversion
efficiency of all major pollutants occurs if the
intake air/fuel mixture is maintained at the
chemically-correct ratio for the complete
combustion of petrol, of 14.7 parts (by weight)
of air to 1 part of fuel (the “stoichiometric”
ratio). The sensor output voltage alters sharply
around this point, the ECU using the signal
change as a reference point, and correcting
the air/fuel mixture by altering the fuel injector
pulse width.
Air conditioning system
14Two pressure-operated switches and the
compressor clutch solenoid are connected to
the ECU, to enable it to determine how the
system is operating. The ECU can increase
idle speed or switch off the system, as
necessary, so that normal vehicle operation
and driveability are not impaired. See Chapter
3 for further details, but note that diagnosis
and repair should be left to a dealer service
department or air conditioning specialist.
Automatic transmission
15In addition to the driver’s controls, the
transmission has a speed sensor, a fluid
temperature sensor (built into the solenoid
valve unit), and a selector lever position
sensor. All of these are connected to the ECU,
to enable it to control the transmission
through the solenoid valve unit. See Part B of
Chapter 7 for further details.
Testing
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
16 Do notattempt to “test” the ECU with any
kind of equipment. If it is thought to be faulty,
take the vehicle to a Ford dealer for the entire
electronic control system to be checked using
the proper diagnostic equipment. Only if all
other possibilities have been eliminated should
the ECU be considered at fault, and replaced.
Air mass meter
17Testing of this component is beyond the
scope of the DIY mechanic, and should be left
to a Ford dealer.
Crankshaft speed/position sensor
18Unplug the electrical connector from the
sensor.
19Using an ohmmeter, measure the
resistance between the sensor terminals.
Compare this reading to the one listed in the
Specifications Section at the beginning of this
Chapter. If the indicated resistance is not
within the specified range, renew the sensor.
20Plug in the sensor’s electrical connector
on completion.
Camshaft position sensor
21The procedure is as described in
paragraphs 18 to 20 above.
Coolant temperature sensor
22Refer to Chapter 3.
Intake air temperature sensor
23Unplug the electrical connector from the
sensor.
24Using an ohmmeter, measure the
resistance between the sensor terminals.
Depending on the temperature of the sensor
tip, the resistance measured will vary, but it
should be within the broad limits given in the
Specifications Section of this Chapter. If the
sensor’s temperature is varied - by placing it
in a freezer for a while, or by warming it gently
- its resistance should alter accordingly.
25If the results obtained show the sensor to
be faulty, renew it.
Throttle potentiometer
26Remove the plenum chamber (see
Chapter 4) and unplug the potentiometer’s
electrical connector.
27Using an ohmmeter, measure the
resistance between the unit’s terminals - first
between the centre terminal and one of the
outer two, then from the centre to the
remaining outer terminal. The resistance
should be within the limits given in the
Specifications Section of this Chapter, and
should alter smoothlyas the throttle valve is
moved from the fully-closed (idle speed)
position to fully open and back again.
28If the resistance measured is significantly
different from the specified value, if there are
any breaks in continuity, or if the reading
fluctuates erratically as the throttle is
operated, the potentiometer is faulty, and
must be renewed.
Emissions control systems 6•11
6
procarmanuals.com

REF•15Glossary of Technical Terms
GGapThe distance the spark must travel in
jumping from the centre electrode to the side
electrode in a spark plug. Also refers to the
spacing between the points in a contact
breaker assembly in a conventional points-
type ignition, or to the distance between the
reluctor or rotor and the pickup coil in an
electronic ignition.
GasketAny thin, soft material - usually cork,
cardboard, asbestos or soft metal - installed
between two metal surfaces to ensure a good
seal. For instance, the cylinder head gasket
seals the joint between the block and the
cylinder head.
GaugeAn instrument panel display used to
monitor engine conditions. A gauge with a
movable pointer on a dial or a fixed scale is an
analogue gauge. A gauge with a numerical
readout is called a digital gauge.
HHalfshaftA rotating shaft that transmits
power from the final drive unit to a drive
wheel, usually when referring to a live rear
axle.
Harmonic balancerA device designed to
reduce torsion or twisting vibration in the
crankshaft. May be incorporated in the
crankshaft pulley. Also known as a vibration
damper.
HoneAn abrasive tool for correcting small
irregularities or differences in diameter in an
engine cylinder, brake cylinder, etc.
Hydraulic tappetA tappet that utilises
hydraulic pressure from the engine’s
lubrication system to maintain zero clearance
(constant contact with both camshaft and
valve stem). Automatically adjusts to variation
in valve stem length. Hydraulic tappets also
reduce valve noise.
IIgnition timingThe moment at which the
spark plug fires, usually expressed in the
number of crankshaft degrees before the
piston reaches the top of its stroke.
Inlet manifoldA tube or housing with
passages through which flows the air-fuel
mixture (carburettor vehicles and vehicles with
throttle body injection) or air only (port fuel-
injected vehicles) to the port openings in the
cylinder head.
JJump startStarting the engine of a vehicle
with a discharged or weak battery by
attaching jump leads from the weak battery to
a charged or helper battery.
LLoad Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV)A
brake hydraulic system control valve that
works like a proportioning valve, but also
takes into consideration the amount of weight
carried by the rear axle.
LocknutA nut used to lock an adjustment
nut, or other threaded component, in place.
For example, a locknut is employed to keep
the adjusting nut on the rocker arm in
position.
LockwasherA form of washer designed to
prevent an attaching nut from working loose.
MMacPherson strutA type of front
suspension system devised by Earle
MacPherson at Ford of England. In its original
form, a simple lateral link with the anti-roll bar
creates the lower control arm. A long strut - an
integral coil spring and shock absorber - is
mounted between the body and the steering
knuckle. Many modern so-called MacPherson
strut systems use a conventional lower A-arm
and don’t rely on the anti-roll bar for location.
MultimeterAn electrical test instrument with
the capability to measure voltage, current and
resistance.
NNOxOxides of Nitrogen. A common toxic
pollutant emitted by petrol and diesel engines
at higher temperatures.
OOhmThe unit of electrical resistance. One
volt applied to a resistance of one ohm will
produce a current of one amp.
OhmmeterAn instrument for measuring
electrical resistance.
O-ringA type of sealing ring made of a
special rubber-like material; in use, the O-ring
is compressed into a groove to provide the
sealing action.
Overhead cam (ohc) engineAn engine with
the camshaft(s) located on top of the cylinder
head(s).Overhead valve (ohv) engineAn engine with
the valves located in the cylinder head, but
with the camshaft located in the engine block.
Oxygen sensorA device installed in the
engine exhaust manifold, which senses the
oxygen content in the exhaust and converts
this information into an electric current. Also
called a Lambda sensor.
PPhillips screwA type of screw head having a
cross instead of a slot for a corresponding
type of screwdriver.
PlastigageA thin strip of plastic thread,
available in different sizes, used for measuring
clearances. For example, a strip of Plastigage
is laid across a bearing journal. The parts are
assembled and dismantled; the width of the
crushed strip indicates the clearance between
journal and bearing.
Propeller shaftThe long hollow tube with
universal joints at both ends that carries
power from the transmission to the differential
on front-engined rear wheel drive vehicles.
Proportioning valveA hydraulic control
valve which limits the amount of pressure to
the rear brakes during panic stops to prevent
wheel lock-up.
RRack-and-pinion steeringA steering system
with a pinion gear on the end of the steering
shaft that mates with a rack (think of a geared
wheel opened up and laid flat). When the
steering wheel is turned, the pinion turns,
moving the rack to the left or right. This
movement is transmitted through the track
rods to the steering arms at the wheels.
RadiatorA liquid-to-air heat transfer device
designed to reduce the temperature of the
coolant in an internal combustion engine
cooling system.
RefrigerantAny substance used as a heat
transfer agent in an air-conditioning system.
R-12 has been the principle refrigerant for
many years; recently, however, manufacturers
have begun using R-134a, a non-CFC
substance that is considered less harmful to
the ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Rocker armA lever arm that rocks on a shaft
or pivots on a stud. In an overhead valve
engine, the rocker arm converts the upward
movement of the pushrod into a downward
movement to open a valve.
Adjusting spark plug gap
Plastigage
Gasket
procarmanuals.com