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cylinder is on its exhaust stroke when plug fires.
HALL EFFECT IGNITION SYSTEM
This system is equipped with a Hall Effect distributor.
Shutter(s) attached to distributor shaft rotate through distributor
Hall Effect switch, also referred to as a Camshaft Position (CMP)
sensor, which contains a distributor pick-up (a Hall Effect device and
magnet). As shutter blade(s) pass through pick-up, magnetic field is
interrupted and voltage is toggled between high and low. PCM uses this
data along with Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor data to control
ignition timing and injector pulse width to maintain optimum
driveability.
Power Transistor & Ignition Coil
Power transistor is mounted inside distributor with disc and
optical sensing unit. When ignition is on, ignition coil primary
circuit is energized. As distributor shaft rotates, disc rotates,
triggering optical sensing unit. PCM receives signals from optical
sensing unit. Signals are converted and sent to power transistor,
interrupting primary current flow and inducing secondary voltage.
IGNITION TIMING CONTROL SYSTEM
Ignition timing is controlled by PCM. PCM adjusts timing
based on various conditions such as engine temperature, altitude and
detonation.
EMISSION SYSTEMS
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) CONTROL
Federal Emissions (Non-Turbo)
To lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) exhaust emissions, a non-
computer controlled exhaust gas recirculation system is used. EGR
operation is controlled by throttle body ported vacuum. Vacuum is
routed through vacuum control valve to prevent EGR operation at low
engine temperatures.
Spring pressure holds EGR valve closed during low vacuum
conditions (engine idling or wide open throttle). When vacuum pressure\
increases and overcomes EGR spring pressure, EGR valve is lifted to
allow exhaust gases to flow into intake manifold for combustion.
California Emissions & Turbo
PCM controls EGR operation by activating EGR control solenoid
valve according to engine load. When engine is cold, PCM signals EGR
control solenoid valve to deactivate EGR.
EGR Control Solenoid Valve
Valve denies or allows vacuum supply to EGR valve based on
PCM commands.
EVAPORATIVE CONTROL
Fuel evaporation system prevents fuel vapor from entering
atmosphere. System consists of special fuel tank with vapor separator
tanks (if equipped), vacuum relief filler cap, overfill limiter (2-wa\
y
valve), fuel check valve, thermovalve (if equipped), charcoal
canister, purge control valve, purge control solenoid valve, and
connecting lines and hoses.
Purge Control Solenoid Valve
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When engine is off, fuel vapors are vented into charcoal
canister. When engine is warmed to normal operating temperature and
running at speeds greater than idle, PCM energizes purge control
solenoid valve, allowing vacuum to purge valve.
Canister vapors are then drawn through solenoid valve into
intake manifold for burning. Purge control solenoid valve remains
closed during idle and engine warm-up to reduce HC (hydrocarbons) and
CO (carbon monoxide) emissions.
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE
PCV valve operates in closed crankcase ventilation system.
Closed crankcase ventilation system consists of PCV valve, oil
separator, breather and ventilation hoses.
PCV valve is a one-way check valve located in valve cover.
When engine is running, manifold vacuum pulls PCV valve open, allowing
crankcase fumes to enter intake manifold. If engine backfires through
intake manifold, PCV valve closes to prevent crankcase combustion.
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
NOTE: PCM diagnostic memory is retained by direct power supply
from battery. Memory is not erased by turning off ignition,
but it will be erased if battery or PCM is disconnected.
Self-diagnostic system monitors input and output signals
through the Data Link Connector (DLC). Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs\
)
can only be read using a scan tester. For additional information, see
G - TESTS W/CODES article.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
MIL (CHECK ENGINE light) comes on when ignition is turned on.\
MIL remains on for several seconds after engine has started. If an
abnormal input signal occurs, MIL comes on and code is stored in
memory. If an abnormal input signal returns to normal, PCM turns MIL
off, but code remains stored in memory until it is cleared. If
ignition is turned on again, MIL will not come on until PCM detects
malfunction during system operation.
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Fig. 3: Typical Thermostatic Air Cleaner System
FUEL EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM (EVAP)
The EVAP system allows for proper fuel system ventilation
while preventing fuel vapors from reaching the atmosphere. This means
that vapors must be caught and stored while the engine is off, which
is when most fuel evaporation occurs. When the engine is started,
these fuel vapors can be removed from storage and burned. In most
systems, storage is provided by an activated charcoal (or carbon)
canister. See Fig. 4. On a few early systems, charcoal canisters are
not used. Instead, fuel vapors are vented into the PCV system and
stored inside the crankcase.
The main components of a fuel evaporation system are a sealed
fuel tank, a liquid-vapor separator and vent lines to a vapor-storing
canister filled with activated charcoal. The filler cap is normally
not vented to the atmosphere, but is fitted with a valve to allow both
pressure and vacuum relief.
Although a few variations do exist between manufacturers,
basic operation is the same for all systems. Check for presence of
vapor storage canister or crankcase storage connections when required.
Ensure required hoses, solenoids, etc., are present and connected
properly. Check for proper type fuel tank cap. Check for any non-OEM
or auxiliary fuel tanks for compliance and the required number of
evaporation canisters.