
ignition coil, and oxygen sensor heating element. If
the PCM does not receive the camshaft position sen-
sor and crankshaft position sensor signals within
approximately one second, it de-energizes the ASD
relay and fuel pump relay.
The PCM energizes all injectors until it determines
crankshaft position from the camshaft position sen-
sor and crankshaft position sensor signals. The PCM
determines crankshaft position within 1 engine revo-
lution.
After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. The PCM
adjusts injector pulse width and controls injector syn-
chronization by turning the individual ground paths
to the injectors On and Off.
When the engine idles within664 RPM of its tar-
get RPM, the PCM compares current MAP sensor
value with the atmospheric pressure value received
during the Ignition Switch On (zero RPM) mode. If
the PCM does not detect a minimum difference
between the two values, it sets a MAP diagnostic
trouble code into memory.
Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been
energized, the PCM:
²Determines injector pulse width based on engine
coolant temperature, MAP and the number of engine
revolutions since cranking was initiated.
²Monitors the engine coolant temperature sensor,
camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor,
MAP sensor, and throttle position sensor to deter-
mine correct ignition timing.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is a OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Throttle position
²A/C switch
²Battery voltage
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE 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.
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising speed the
following inputs are received by the PCM:²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content
²A/C control positions
²Battery voltage
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content 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:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Engine speed
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content
²A/C control positions
²Battery voltage
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
pulse width or the number of injectors firing per
engine revolution. This helps maintain better control
of the air/fuel mixture (as sensed through the O2S
sensor).
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During WOT oper-
ation, the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Engine speed
²Throttle position
When the PCM senses WOT condition through the
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) it will:
²De-energize the air conditioning relay. This dis-
ables the air conditioning system.
The exhaust gas oxygen content input is not
accepted by the PCM during WOT operation. The
PCM will adjust injector pulse width to supply a pre-
determined amount of additional fuel.
NSFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 31
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position, the following occurs:
²All outputs are turned off.
²No inputs are monitored.
²The PCM shuts down.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The PCM can test many of its own input and out-
put circuits. If the PCM senses a fault in a major
system, the PCM stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) in memory.
For DTC information, refer to Group 25, Emission
Control Systems. See On-Board Diagnostics.
CCD BUS
Various controllers and modules exchange informa-
tion through a communications port called the CCD
Bus. The PCM transmits the malfunction indicator
(check engine) lamp On/Off signal, engine RPM and
vehicle load information on the CCD Bus.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM is a digital computer containing a micro-
processor (Fig. 1). 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 engine and vehicle operations
through devices that are referred to as PCM Out-
puts.PCM Inputs:
²Air Conditioning Head Pressure
²Battery Voltage
²Brake Switch
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
²Heated Oxygen Sensors (Upstream and Down-
stream)
²Intake Air Temperature Sensor (2.4L only)
²Knock Sensor (execpt 3.0L)
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²SCI Receive
²Speed Control System Controls
²Throttle Position Sensor
²Transaxle Park/Neutral Position Switch (auto-
matic transaxle)
²Transmission Control Module
²Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
²Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
²Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay
²Data Link Connector
²Proportional Purge Solenoid
²Electric EGR Transducer
²Fuel Injectors
²Fuel Pump Relay
²Generator Field
²Idle Air Control Motor
²Ignition Coil
²Leak Detection Pump
²Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
²Radiator Fan Control Module
²Speed Control Solenoids
²Tachometer Output
²Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (3 speed
transmission)
²Transmission Control Module
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts fuel
injector pulse width, idle speed, ignition spark
advance, ignition coil dwell and canister purge oper-
ation. The PCM regulates the cooling fan, air condi-
tioning and speed control systems. The PCM changes
generator charge rate by adjusting the generator
field.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air/fuel
ratio) based on the following inputs:
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature
²Exhaust gas content (oxygen sensors)
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
²Barometric pressure
Fig. 1 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
14 - 32 FUEL SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Intake air temperature (2.4L only)
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
²Transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
The PCM also adjusts engine idle speed through
the idle air control motor based on the following
inputs.
²Air conditioning select switch head pressure
²Brake switch
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
²Transaxle gear selection (park/neutral switch)
²Vehicle distance (speed)
The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump
relays are located in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC).
The camshaft position sensor (distributor pick-up
signal 3.0L) and crankshaft position 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 relay and
fuel pump relay. When these relays are deactivated,
power is shut off to the fuel injectors, ignition coil,
oxygen sensor heating element and fuel pump.
The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8.0 volts to
power the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft posi-
tion sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The PCM also
provides a 5.0 volt supply for the manifold absolute
pressure sensor, throttle position sensor and engine
coolant temperature sensor.
AIR CONDITIONING PRESSURE TRANSDUCERÐ
PCM INPUT
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
the A/C compressor discharge (high side) pressure
through the air conditioning pressure transducer.
The transducer supplies an input to the PCM. The
PCM engages the A/C compressor clutch if pressure
is sufficient for A/C system operation.
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH SENSEÐPCM INPUT
When the air conditioning or defrost switch is put
in the ON position and the low pressure switch, com-
bination valve, and high pressure switch close, the
PCM receives an A/C input. 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.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) SENSEÐPCM
INPUT
The ASD sense circuit informs the PCM when the
ASD relay energizes. A 12 volt signal at this input
indicates to the PCM that the ASD has been acti-
vated. This input is used only to sense that the ASD
relay is energized.
When energized, the ASD relay supplies battery
voltage to the fuel injectors, ignition coils and the
heating element in each oxygen sensor. If the PCM
does not receive 12 volts from this input after
grounding the ASD relay, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC).
BATTERY VOLTAGEÐPCM INPUT
The PCM monitors the battery voltage input to
determine fuel injector pulse width and generator
field control.
If battery voltage is low the PCM will increase
injector pulse width (period of time that the injector
is energized).
BRAKE SWITCHÐPCM INPUT
When the brake switch is activated, the PCM
receives an input indicating that the brakes are
being applied. After receiving this input the PCM
maintains idle speed to a scheduled RPM through
control of the idle air control motor. The brake switch
is mounted on the brake pedal support bracket.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The PCM determines fuel injection synchronization
and cylinder identification from inputs provided by
the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position
sensor. From the two inputs, the PCM determines
crankshaft position.
3.3/3.8L
The sensor generates pulses as groups of notches
on the camshaft sprocket pass underneath it (Fig. 2).
The PCM keeps track of crankshaft rotation and
identifies each cylinder by the pulses generated by
the notches on the camshaft sprocket. Four crank-
shaft 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
receives one camshaft pulse after the long flat spot
on the sprocket, cylinder number two crankshaft tim-
ing 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. 3). The PCM can
synchronize on cylinders 1 or 4.
NSFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 33
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

The crankshaft position sensor is located in the
transaxle housing, above the vehicle speed sensor
(Fig. 10). The bottom of the sensor is positioned next
to the drive plate.The distance between the bot-
tom of sensor and the drive plate is critical to
the operation of the system. When servicing the
crankshaft position sensor, refer to the appro-
priate Multi-Port Fuel Injection Service Proce-
dures section in this Group.
2.4L
The second crankshaft counterweight has
machined into it two sets of four timing reference
notches and a 60 degree signature notch (Fig. 11).
From the crankshaft position sensor input the PCM
determines engine speed and crankshaft angle (posi-
tion).
The notches generate pulses from high to low in
the crankshaft position sensor output voltage. When
a metal portion of the counterweight aligns with the
crankshaft position sensor, the sensor output voltagegoes low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns
with the sensor, voltage spikes high (5.0 volts). As a
group of notches pass under the sensor, the output
voltage switches from low (metal) to high (notch)
then back to low.
If available, an oscilloscope can display the square
wave patterns of each voltage pulse. From the width
of the output voltage pulses, the PCM calculates
engine speed. The width of the pulses represent the
amount of time the output voltage stays high before
switching back to low. The period of time the sensor
output voltage stays high before switching back to
low is referred to as pulse width. The faster the
engine is operating, the smaller the pulse width on
the oscilloscope.
By counting the pulses and referencing the pulse
from the 60 degree signature notch, the PCM calcu-
lates crankshaft angle (position). In each group of
timing reference notches, the first notch represents
69 degrees before top dead center (BTDC). The sec-
ond notch represents 49 degrees BTDC. The third
notch represents 29 degrees. The last notch in each
set represents 9 degrees before top dead center
(TDC).
The timing reference notches are machined to a
uniform width representing 13.6 degrees of crank-
shaft rotation. From the voltage pulse width the
PCM tells the difference between the timing refer-
ence notches and the 60 degree signature notch. The
60 degree signature notch produces a longer pulse
width than the smaller timing reference notches. If
the camshaft position sensor input switches from
high to low when the 60 degree signature notch
passes under the crankshaft position sensor, the
PCM knows cylinder number one is the next cylinder
at TDC.
The crankshaft position sensor mounts to the
engine block behind the generator, just above the oil
filter (Fig. 12).
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
The engine coolant temperature sensor is a vari-
able resistor with a range of -40ÉC to 129ÉC (-40ÉF to
265ÉF).
The engine coolant temperature sensor provides an
input voltage to the PCM. As coolant temperature
varies, the sensor resistance changes resulting in a
different input voltage to the PCM.
When the engine is cold, the PCM will demand
slightly richer air/fuel mixtures and higher idle
speeds until normal operating temperatures are
reached.
The engine coolant sensor is also used for cooling
fan control.
Fig. 10 Crankshaft Position Sensor LocationÐ3.0/
3.3/3.8L
Fig. 11 Timing Reference Notches
14 - 36 FUEL SYSTEMNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

3.0/3.3/3.8L
The sensor is installed next to the thermostat
housing (Fig. 13) and (Fig. 14).
2.4L
The coolant sensor threads into the top of the ther-
mostat housing (Fig. 15). New sensors have sealant
applied to the threads.
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (O2S SENSOR)ÐPCM
INPUT
The O2S produce voltages from 0 to 1 volt, depend-
ing upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in
the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of oxy-
gen is present (caused by a lean air/fuel mixture), the
sensors produces a low voltage. When there is a
lesser amount present (rich air/fuel mixture) it pro-
duces a higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen
content and converting it to electrical voltage, the
sensors act as a rich- lean switch.
The oxygen sensors are equipped with a heating
element that keeps the sensors at proper operating
temperature during all operating modes. Maintaining
correct sensor temperature at all times allows the
Fig. 12 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.4L
Fig. 13 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3/
3.8L
Fig. 14 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.0L
Fig. 15 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐ2.4L
NSFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 37
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

in the engine compartment next to the battery (Fig.
30). A label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
identifies the relays and fuses in the PDC.
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 Battery system information and 8C for charg-
ing system information.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay supplies bat-
tery voltage to the fuel injectors, electronic ignition
coil and the heating elements in the oxygen sensors.
A buss bar in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
supplies voltage to the solenoid side and contact side
of the relay. The ASD relay power circuit contains a
25 amp fuse between the buss bar in the PDC and
the relay. The fuse is located in the PDC. Refer to
Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams for circuit information.
The PCM controls the relay by switching the
ground path for the solenoid side of the relay on and
off. The PCM turns the ground path off when the
ignition switch is in the Off position unless the 02
Heater Monitor test is being run. Refer to Group 25,
On-Board Diagnostics. When the ignition switch is in
the On or Crank position, the PCM monitors the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals to determine engine speed and ignition
timing (coil dwell). If the PCM does not receive the
crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sen-
sor signals when the ignition switch is in the Run
position, it will de-energize the ASD relay.The ASD relay is located in the PDC (Fig. 30). A
label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover iden-
tifies the relays and fuses in the PDC.
FUEL PUMP RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The fuel pump relay supplies battery voltage to the
fuel pump. The fuel pump relay power circuit con-
tains a 9 amp fuse. The fuse is located in the PDC.
Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams for circuit infor-
mation.
The PCM controls the fuel pump relay by switch-
ing the ground path for the solenoid side of the relay
on and off. The PCM turns the ground path off when
the ignition switch is in the Off position. When the
ignition switch is in the On position, the PCM ener-
gizes the fuel pump. If the crankshaft position sensor
does not detect engine rotation, the PCM de-ener-
gizes the relay after approximately one second.
The fuel pump relay is located in the PDC (Fig.
30). A label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
identifies the relays and fuses in the PDC.
STARTER RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
Double Start Override ia a feature that prevents
the starter from operating if the engine is already
running. This feature is accomplished with software
only. There was no hardware added because of this
feature. To incorporate the unique feature of Double
Start Override, it was necessary to use the PCM
(software) to control the starter circuit. To use the
PCM it was necessary to separate the starter relay
coil ground from the park neutral switch. The starter
relay ground is now controlled through Pin 60 of the
PCM. This allows the PCM to interrupt the ground
circuit if other inputs tell it that the engine is turn-
ing. If the starter system is operating properly, it can
be assumed that the override protection is also work-
ing.
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The idle air control motor is mounted on the throt-
tle body. The PCM operates the idle air control motor
(Fig. 26) or (Fig. 27) or (Fig. 28). 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. The inputs are from the throttle posi-
tion sensor, crankshaft position sensor, coolant tem-
perature sensor, and various switch operations
Fig. 30 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
14 - 42 FUEL SYSTEMNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

Shutdown (ASD) RelayÐPCM Output in this section
for relay operation.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
Three-speed automatic transaxles use a torque con-
verter clutch solenoid. The PCM controls the engage-
ment of the torque converter clutch through the
solenoid. The torque converter clutch is engaged only
in direct drive mode. Refer to Group 21 for transaxle
information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE)
LAMPÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM supplies the malfunction indicator (check
engine) lamp on/off signal to the instrument panel
through the CCD Bus. The CCD Bus is a communi-
cations port. Various modules use the CCD Bus to
exchange information.
The 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 (MIL) stays on
continuously, when the PCM has entered a Limp-In
mode or identified a failed emission component. Dur-
ing Limp-in Mode, the PCM attempts to keep the
system operational. The MIL signals the need for
immediate service. In limp-in mode, the PCM com-
pensates for the failure of certain components that
send incorrect signals. The PCM substitutes for the
incorrect signals with inputs from other sensors.
If the PCM detects active engine misfire severe
enough to cause catalyst damage, it flashes the MIL.
At the same time the PCM also sets a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
For signals that can trigger the MIL (Check
Engine Lamp) refer to Group 25, On-Board
Dianostics.
SOLID STATE FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The radiator fan runs at a variable speed depend-
ing on coolant temperature and A/C system pressure.
The radiator fan circuit contains a Solid State Fan
Relay (SSFR). Refer to the Group 8W for a circuit
schematic.
A 5 volt signal is supplied to the SSFR. The PCM
provides a pulsed ground for the SSFR. Depending
upon the amount of pulse on time, the SSFR puts out
a proportional voltage to the fan motor at the lower
speed. For instance, if the on time is 30 percent, then
the voltage to the fan motor will be 3.6 volts.
When engine coolant reaches approximately 102ÉC
(215ÉF) the PCM grounds the SSFR relay. If engine
coolant reaches 207ÉC (225ÉF) the PCM grounds the
high speed ground relay and high speed fan relay. If
the fan operates at high speed, the PCM de-energizes
the high speed relay and high speed ground relay
when coolant temperature drops to approximately
101ÉC (214ÉF). When coolant temperature drops to
101ÉC (214ÉF) the fan operates at low speed. The
PCM de-energizes the low speed relay when coolant
temperature drops to approximately 93ÉC (199ÉF).
Also, when the air conditioning pressure switch
closes, the fan operates at high speed. The air condi-
tioning switch closes at 285 psi610 psi. When air
conditioning pressure drops approximately 40 psi, the
pressure switch opens and the fan operates at low
speed.
The SSFR relay is located on the left front inner
frame just behind the radiator (Fig. 42).
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 plate. When the
PCM removes the ground from the vacuum and vent
solenoids, the throttle blade closes. The PCM bal-
Fig. 41 Ignition Coil Ð3.3/3.8L
Fig. 42 Fan Control Module
14 - 46 FUEL SYSTEMNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(8) Verify the electrical connector is attached to
the Proportional purge solenoid (Fig. 50) and not
damaged.
(9) Verify the vacuum connection at the Propor-
tional purge solenoid is secure and not leaking.
(10) Verify the hoses are securely attached to the
EVAP canister (Fig. 51).(11) Ensure the harness connectors for the fuel
injectors are attached to the correct injector and not
damaged.
(12) Verify the fuel injector harness and engine
wiring harness connectors are fully inserted into the
main wiring harness.
(13) Check the vacuum connections at the throttle
body and intake plenum.
Fig. 48 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 49 Knock Sensor
Fig. 50 Proportional Purge Solenoid
Fig. 51 Evaporative Canister
NSFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 49
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)