CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor detects slots cut
into the transmission driveplate extension (Fig. 6).
There are 3 sets of slots. Each set contains 4 slots,
for a total of 12 slots (Fig. 7). Basic timing is set by
the position of the last slot in each group. Once the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) senses the last
slot, it determines crankshaft position (which piston
will next be at TDC) from the camshaft position sen-
sor input. The 4 pulses generated by the crankshaft
position sensor represent the 69É, 49É, 29É, and 9É
BTDC marks. It may take the PCM one engine rev-
olution to determine crankshaft position.
The PCM uses crankshaft position reference to
determine injector sequence, ignition timing and the
presence of misfire. Once the PCM determines crank-
shaft position, it begins energizing the injectors in
sequence.The crankshaft sensor is located on the passengers
side of the transmission housing, above the differen-
tial housing (Fig. 8). The bottom of the sensor is posi-
tioned next to the drive plate.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder
identification to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) (Fig. 9). The sensor generates pulses as
groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass
underneath it (Fig. 10). The PCM keeps track of
crankshaft 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 2 cam pulses followed by
the long flat spot on the camshaft sprocket, it knows
that the crankshaft timing marks for cylinder 1 are
next (on driveplate). When the PCM receives one
camshaft pulse after the long flat spot on the
sprocket, cylinder number 2 crankshaft timing marks
are next. After 3 camshaft pulses, the PCM knows
Fig. 5 Power Distribution Center
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 7 Timing Slots
Fig. 8 Crankshaft Position Sensor Location
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 5
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
cylinder 4 crankshaft timing marks follow. One cam-
shaft pulse after the 3 pulses indicates cylinder 5.
The 2 camshaft pulses after cylinder 5 signals cylin-
der 6 (Fig. 10). The PCM can synchronize on cylin-
ders1or4.
When metal aligns with the sensor, voltage goes
low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns with
the sensor, voltage switches 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. The number of notches determine the amount
of pulses. If available, an oscilloscope can display the
square wave patterns of each timing event.
Top Dead Center (TDC) does not occur when
notches on the camshaft sprocket pass below the cyl-
inder. TDC occurs after the camshaft pulse (or
pulses) and after the 4 crankshaft pulses associated
with the particular cylinder. The arrows and cylinder
call outs on Figure 4 represent which cylinder the
flat spot and notches identify, they do not indicate
TDC position.
The camshaft position sensor is mounted in the
front of the timing case cover (Fig. 11).
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 sensors resistance to
change. The change in MAP sensor resistance results
in a different input voltage to the PCM.
The input voltage level supplies the PCM with
information relating to ambient barometric pressure
during engine start-up (cranking) and engine load
while its operating. Based on MAP sensor voltage
and inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts
spark advance and the air-fuel mixture.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR
The ECT sensor is located next to the thermostat
housing (Fig. 12). The sensor provides an input volt-
age to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Thesensor is a variable resistance (thermistor) with a
range of -40ÉF to 265ÉF. As coolant temperature var-
ies, the sensors resistance changes, resulting in a dif-
ferent input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM contains different spark advance sched-
ules for cold and warm engine operation. The sched-
ules reduce engine emission and improve driveability.
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 ECT sensor input is also used for cooling fan
control.
Fig. 9 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 10 Camshaft Sprocket
Fig. 11 Camshaft Position Sensor Location
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
The TPS mounts to the side of the throttle body
(Fig. 13).
The TPS connects to the throttle blade shaft. The
TPS is a variable resistor that provides the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) with an input signal
(voltage). The signal represents throttle blade posi-
tion. As the position 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
powertrain control module) represents throttle blade
position. The TPS output voltage to the PCM varies
from approximately 0.40 volt at minimum throttle
opening (idle) to a maximum of 3.80 volts at wide
open throttle.
Along with inputs from other sensors, the PCM
uses the TPS input to determine current engine oper-
ating conditions. The PCM also adjusts fuel injector
pulse width and ignition timing based on these
inputs.
LOCK KEY CYLINDER
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch. The ignition key
rotates the cylinder to 5 different detents (Fig. 14):
²Accessory
²Off (lock)
²Unlock
²On/Run
²Start
KNOCK SENSOR
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter motor. When the
knock sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders,
it sends an input signal to the PCM. In response, the
PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a
scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increase, the knock
sensor output voltage also increases.
Fig. 12 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐ3.3/
3.8LFig. 13 Throttle Position Sensor and Idle Air Control
Motor
Fig. 14 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detents
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 7
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
(3) 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. 21). Secondary resistance should be 7,000 to
15,800 ohms. Replace the coil if resistance is not
within tolerance.
FAILURE TO START TEST
This no-start test checks the camshaft position sen-
sor and crankshaft position sensor.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 8
volts to the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft
position sensor through one circuit. If the 8 volt sup-
ply circuit shorts to ground, neither sensor will pro-
duce a signal (output voltage to the PCM).
When the ignition key is turned and left in the On
position, the PCM automatically energizes the Auto
Shutdown (ASD) relay. However, the controller de-en-
ergizes the relay within one second because it has
not received a camshaft position sensor signal indi-
cating engine rotation.
During cranking, the ASD relay will not energize
until the PCM receives a camshaft position sensor
signal. Secondly, the ASD relay remains energized
only if the controller senses a crankshaft position
sensor signal immediately after detecting the cam-
shaft position sensor signal.
(1) Check battery voltage. Voltage should be
approximately 12.66 volts or higher to perform fail-
ure to start test.
(2) Disconnect the harness connector from the coil
pack.
(3) Connect a test light to the B+ (battery voltage)
terminal of the coil electrical connector and ground
as shown in (Fig. 22). The B+ wire for the DIS coil is
dark green with an orange tracer.Do not spread
the terminal with the test light probe.(4) Turn the ignition key to theON position.The
test light should flash On and then Off.Do not turn
the Key to off position, leave it in the On posi-
tion.
(a) If the test light flashes momentarily, the
PCM grounded the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay.
Proceed to step 5.
(b) If the test light did not flash, the ASD relay
did not energize. The cause is either the relay or
one of the relay circuits. Use the DRB scan tool to
test the ASD relay and circuits. Refer to the appro-
priate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure Manual.
Refer to the wiring diagrams section for circuit
information.
(5) Crank the engine. (If the key was placed in the
off position after step 4, place the key in the On posi-
tion before cranking. Wait for the test light to flash
once, then crank the engine.)
(6) If the test light momentarily flashes during
cranking, the PCM is not receiving a crankshaft posi-
tion sensor signal. Use the DRB scan tool to test the
crankshaft position sensor and sensor circuits. Refer
to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure
Manual. Refer to the wiring diagrams section for cir-
cuit information.
(7) If the test light did not flash during cranking,
unplug the crankshaft position sensor connector.
Turn the ignition key to the off position. Turn the
key to the On position, wait for the test light to
momentarily flash once, then crank the engine. If the
test light momentarily flashes, the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor is shorted and must be replaced. If the
light did not flash, the cause of the no-start is in
Fig. 21 Checking Ignition Coil Secondary
ResistanceFig. 22 Ignition Coil Engine Harness Connector
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
either the crankshaft position sensor/camshaft posi-
tion sensor 8 volt supply circuit, or the camshaft
position sensor output or ground circuits. Use the
DRB scan tool to test the camshaft position sensor
and the sensor circuits. Refer to the appropriate Pow-
ertrain Diagnostics Procedure Manual. Refer to the
wiring diagrams section for circuit information.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
The engines for this vehicle, use a fixed ignition
system. The PCM regulates ignition timing. Basic
ignition timing is not adjustable.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR
TEST
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for Diagnosis and
Testing.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR
The output voltage of a properly operating cam-
shaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor
switches from high (5.0 volts) to low (0.3 volts). By
connecting an Moper Diagonostic System (MDS) and
engine analyzer to the vehicle, technicians can view
the square wave pattern.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for Diagnosis and
Testing.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Refer to Group 14, Fuel System, for Diagnosis and
Testing.
SPARK PLUG CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The few deposits present will be probably light tan
or slightly gray in color with most grades of commer-
cial gasoline (Fig. 23). There will not be evidence of
electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more
than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km
(1000 miles) of operation for non platinum spark
plugs. Non-platnium spark plugs that have normal
wear can usually be cleaned, have the electrodes filed
and regapped, and then reinstalled.
CAUTION: Never attempt to file the electrodes or
use a wire brush for cleaning platinum spark plugs.
This would damage the platinum pads which would
shorten spark plug life.
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 rustcolored 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. 23). A dry, black deposit on
one or two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking
valves or misfire conditions. Cold (carbon) fouling of
the entire set may be caused by a clogged air cleaner.
Cold fouling is normal after short operating peri-
ods. The spark plugs do not reach a high enough
operating temperature during short operating peri-
ods.Replace carbon fouled plugs with new
spark plugs.
FUEL FOULING
A spark plug that is coated with excessive wet fuel
is called fuel fouled. This condition is normally
observed during hard start periods.Clean fuel
fouled spark plugs with compressed air and
reinstall them in the engine.
OIL FOULING
A spark plug that is coated with excessive wet oil
is oil fouled. In older engines, wet fouling can be
caused by worn rings or excessive cylinder wear.
Break-in fouling of new engines may occur before
normal oil control is achieved.Replace oil fouled
spark plugs with new ones.
OIL OR ASH ENCRUSTED
If one or more plugs are oil or ash encrusted, eval-
uate the engine for the cause of oil entering the com-
bustion chambers (Fig. 24). Sometimes fuel additives
can cause ash encrustation on an entire set of spark
Fig. 23 Normal Operation and Cold (Carbon) Fouling
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
29). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 in per 1000 miles of operation.
This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat range
rating should be used. Over advanced ignition tim-
ing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions also
can cause spark plug overheating.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
To perform a complete test of the this sensor and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool and appropri-
ate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual. To
test the throttle position sensor only, refer to the fol-
lowing:
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) can be tested
with a digital voltmeter (DVM). The center terminal
of the sensor is the output terminal. One of the other
terminals is a 5 volt supply and the remaining ter-
minal is ground.
Connect the DVM between the center and sensor
ground terminal. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams for correct pinout.With the ignition switch in the ON position, check
the output voltage at the center terminal wire of the
connector. Check the output voltage at idle and at
Wide-Open-Throttle (WOT). At idle, TPS output volt-
age should be approximately 0.38 volts to 1.2 volts.
At wide open throttle, TPS output voltage should be
approximately 3.1 volts to 4.4 volts. The output volt-
age should gradually increase as the throttle plate
moves slowly from idle to WOT.
Check for spread terminals at the sensor and PCM
connections before replacing the TPS.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge. If the
gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground
electrode (Fig. 30).
CAUTION: The Platinum pads can be damaged dur-
ing the measurement of checking the gap if extreme
care is not used.
Refer to 3.3/3.8L Spark Plug Gap Measurment in
this section.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect both cables from battery, negative
cable first.
(2) Remove 2 screws holding Power Distribution
Center (PDC) to bracket (Fig. 31).
(3) Remove heat shield from battery (Fig. 32).
(4) Remove nut and clamp holding battery to bat-
tery tray (Fig. 33).
(5) Remove battery from vehicle.
(6) Rotate PDC toward center of vehicle to remove
from rear bracket (Fig. 34).
Fig. 27 Chipped Electrode Insulator
Fig. 28 Preignition Damage
Fig. 29 Spark Plug Overheating
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
2.4L ENGINE
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............ 17
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.......... 16
FIRING ORDERÐ2.4L.................... 16
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ2.4L . . . 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............ 19
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.......... 19
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ
2.4L................................. 20
IGNITION COILÐ2.4L..................... 18
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ2.4L . . . 21KNOCK SENSORÐ2.4L................... 21
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐ2.4/3.3/3.8L.................. 20
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICEÐ2.4L........ 18
SPARK PLUG SERVICE................... 18
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR............ 20
SPECIFICATIONS
IGNITION COIL......................... 22
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐ2.4L..... 22
SPARK PLUG........................... 22
TORQUE.............................. 22
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FIRING ORDERÐ2.4L
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The PCM determines what cylinder to fire from the
crankshaft position sensor input and the camshaft
position sensor input. The second crankshaft counter-
weight has machined into it two sets of four timing
reference notches and a 60 degree signature notch
(Fig. 1). From the crankshaft position sensor input
the PCM determines engine speed and crankshaft
angle (position).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 voltage
goes low (less than 0.3 volts). When a notch aligns
with the sensor, voltage switches 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
FIRING ORDERÐ2.4L
Fig. 1 Timing Reference Notches
8D - 16 IGNITION SYSTEMNS
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, near the oil filter
(Fig. 8).
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
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.The camshaft position sensor attaches to the rear
of the cylinder head (Fig. 2). A target magnet
attaches to the rear of the camshaft and indexes to
the correct position (Fig. 3). The target magnet has
four different poles arranged in an asymmetrical pat-
tern. As the target magnet rotates, the camshaft
position sensor senses the change in polarity (Fig. 4).
The sensor output switch switches from high (5.0
volts) to low (0.30 volts) as the target magnet rotates.
When the north pole of the target magnet passes
under the sensor, the output switches high. The sen-
sor output switches low when the south pole of the
target magnet passes underneath.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSORÐ2.4L
The intake air temperature sensor measures the
temperature of the air as it enters the engine. The
sensor supplies one of the inputs the PCM uses to
determine injector pulse width and spark advance.
The intake air temperature sensor threads into the
intake manifold (Fig. 5).
Fig. 2 Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 3 Target Magnet
Fig. 4 Target Magnet Polarity
NSIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)