1998 OPEL FRONTERA battery replacement

6E–257 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1618 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) PCM
Interprocessor Communication Error
Circuit Description
The serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication is
used internally by the PCM to send messages between
the engine processor and the automatic transmission
processor. Included in each message sent between the
two-processors is a checksum of the message. Both the
engine processor and automatic transmission processor
will compare this check sum value with the calculated
value. If the checksums don’t match, the processor will
view the new data as being corrupted and ignore the
values. The processor will then use the previous
message. The receiving processor will then send a
message to the sending processor informing it that it’s
last message was corrupted.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
Battery voltage is above 9.0 V for 2 seconds.
The PCM detects an internal program fault (check sum
of data communications error).
Check sum fault present for 3 out 6 seconds.
No TCM resets for 2 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The PCM will flash the “Check Trans” lamp the first
time the fault is detected.
The PCM will store conditions which were present
when the DTC was set as Freeze Frame and in the
Failure Records data.
The automatic transmission will operate in the “safety
mode” to protect the mechanical parts of the
transmission. Shift quality and/or gear changes may
not be normal.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P1618 can be cleared by using the Tech 2 “Clear
Info” function or by disconnecting the PCM battery
feed.
DTC P1618 – Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) PCM Interprocessor
Communication Error
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
2Is the EEPROM calibration the latest version
available?
—Go to Step 4Go to Step 3
3Reprogram the PCM with the latest available
calibrations.
Does DTC 1618 re-appear when the
OBD System
Check
is repeated?—Go to Step 4
Repair
completed
4Replace the PCM.
IMPORTANT:The replacement PCM must be
programmed. Refer to
UBS 98model year Immobilizer
Workshop Manual.
Is the action complete?—Verify repair—

6E–261 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
DTC P1640 – Driver-1-Input High Voltage
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
13Repair the open circuit between the fuse and the PCM
driver terminal for the affected circuit.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
141. Connect the PCM.
2. Start the engine and let it idle.
3. Backprobe the affected terminal at the PCM with a
DVM.
Was the voltage equal to the specified value?
+BGo to Step 16Go to Step 15
151. Run the engine at idle.
2. Check for battery voltage at the fuse for the affected
circuit.
Was battery voltage available at the fuse?
—Go to Step 11Go to Step 10
16Replace the PCM.
IMPORTANT:The replacement PCM must be
programmed. Refer to
UBS 98model year Immobilizer
Workshop Manual.
Is the action complete?—Verify repair—

6E–299 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
damage, therefore, it is important to use care when
handling and testing electronic components.
NOTE: To prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge
damage, follow these guidelines:
Do not touch the control module connector pins or
soldered components on the control module circuit
board.
Do not open the replacement part package until the
part is ready to be installed.
Before removing the part from the package, ground
the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.
If the part has been handled while sliding across the
seat, or while sitting down from a standing position, or
while walking a distance, touch a known good ground
before installing the part.
NOTE: To prevent internal PCM damage, the ignition
must be in the “OFF” position in order to disconnect or
reconnect power to the PCM (for example: battery cable,
PCM pigtail, PCM fuse, jumper cables, etc.).
IMPORTANT:When replacing the production PCM
with a service PCM, it is important to transfer the
broadcast code and production PCM number to the
service PCM label. This will allow positive identification of
PCM parts throughout the service life of the vehicle. Do
not record this information on the metal PCM cover.
IMPORTANT:The ignition should always be in the
“OFF” position in order to install or remove the PCM
connectors.
Service of the PCM should normally consist of either re-
placement of the PCM or EEPROM programming. If the
diagnostic procedures call for the PCM to be replaced,
the PCM should be checked first to ensure it is the correct
part. If it is, remove the faulty PCM and install the new
service PCM.
The service PCM EEPROM will not be programmed.
DTC P0601 indicates the check sum error.
Removal Procedure
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Block the wheels.
3. Remove the front console assembly.
1. Remove the four screws.
TS23755
2. Remove the transfer shift lever knob by
unscrewing the knob.
3. Move the transmission gear selector out of the
park position.
4. Lift up sharply on the back edge of the assembly.
5. Disconnect the seat heater switch connectors (if
equipped).
6. Disconnect the POWER and WINTER switch
connectors.
7. Lift out the front console assembly.
TS23756

6E–305 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
In order to install a new IAC valve, measure the
distance between the tip of the pintle and the
mounting flange. If that measurement is 28 mm (1.1
in.) or less, the valve needs no adjustment. If the
measurement is greater than 28 mm (1.1 in.), apply
finger pressure and retract the valve. The force
required to retract the pintle on a new valve will not
damage the valve, shaft, or pintle.
NOTE: Do not push or pull on the IAC valve pintle on IAC
valves that have been in service. The force required to
move the pintle may damage it.
IMPORTANT:Use an identical replacement part in
order to replace a valve. IAC valve pintle shape and
diameter are designed for the specific application.
TS23746
Installation Procedure
1. Install the IAC valve on the throttle body with the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 1 Nꞏm (9 lb in.).
TS23745
2. Connect the IAC valve electrical connector.
3. Install the negative battery cable.
Common Chamber
Removal and Installation Procedure
Refer to Common Chamber in Engine Mechanical.
Accelerator Cable Assembly
Removal Procedure
1. Remove the engine cover.
2. Loosen the adjusting nut on the cable bracket
mounting on the common chamber.
101RW005
3. Remove the accelerator control cable (on the throttle
valve end).
101RW006

6E–320
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
IMPORTANT:An eight-digit identification number is
stamped on the side of the fuel rail. Refer to this number
when you service the fuel rail or when a replacement part
is required.
TS24022
Before removal, the fuel rail assembly may be cleaned
with a spray type engine cleaner. Follow the spray
package instructions. Do not immerse the fuel rails in
liquid cleaning solvent.
1. Depressurize the fuel system. Refer to Fuel Pressure
Relief Procedure in this Section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the engine cover.
4. Disconnect the accelerator pedal cable from throttle
body and cable bracket.
5. Disconnect the connectors from manifold absolute
pressure sensor, solenoid valve, electric vacuum
sensing valve.
6. Disconnect the vacuum hose on canister VSV and
positive crankcase ventilation hose.
7. Remove the common chamber. Refer to the common
chamber in Engine Mechanical.
1. Lift up carefully on the fuel injectors. Do not
separate the fuel injectors from the fuel rail.
2. If an injector becomes separated from the fuel
rail, the infector O-ring seals and the retainer clip
must be replaced.
3. Drain residual fuel into an approved container.
014RW164
8. If removal of the fuel pressure regulator is necessary,
refer to
Fuel Pressure Regulator.
9. If removal of the fuel injectors is necessary, refer to
Fuel Injectors.
Installation Procedure
1. If the fuel injectors were removed, install them. Refer
to
Fuel Injectors.
2. If the fuel pressure regulator was removed, install it.
Refer to
Fuel Pressure Regulator.
3. Install the common chamber. Refer to common
chamber in engine Mechanical.
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6E–341 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
this is done, if the problem still exists, it may be diagnosed
in the normal manner.
Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Electronic components used in the PCM are often
designed to carry very low voltage. Electronic
components are susceptible to damage caused by
electrostatic discharge. Less than 100 volts of static
electricity can cause damage to some electronic
components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4000
volts for a person to feel even the zap of a static
discharge.
TS23793
There are several ways for a person to become statically
charged. The most common methods of charging are by
friction and induction.
An example of charging by friction is a person sliding
across a vehicle seat.
Charge by induction occurs when a person with well
insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object
and momentary touches ground. Charges of the
same polarity are drained off leaving the person
highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static
charges can cause damage, therefore it is important
to use care when handling and testing electronic
components.
NOTE: To prevent possible electrostatic discharge
damage, follow these guidelines:
Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered
components on the PCM circuit board.
Do not touch the knock sensor module component
leads.
Do not open the replacement part package until the
part is ready to be installed.
Before removing the part from the package, ground
the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.
If the part has been handled while sliding across the
seat, while sitting down from a standing position, or
while walking a distance, touch a known good ground
before installing the part.
Upshift Lamp
Refer to Manual Transmission.
General Description (Air Induction)
Air Induction System
The air induction system filters contaminants from the
outside air, and directs the progress of the air as it is
drawn into the engine. A remote-mounted air cleaner
prevents dirt and debris in the air from entering the
engine. The air duct assembly routes filtered air to the
throttle body. Air enters the engine by to following steps:
1. Through the throttle body.
2. Into the common chamber.
3. Through the cylinder head intake ports.
4. Into the cylinders.
055RV010
General Description (Fuel Metering)
Acceleration Mode
The PCM provides extra fuel when it detects a rapid
increase in the throttle position and the air flow.
Accelerator Controls
The accelerator control system is a cable-type system
with specific linkage adjustments.
Refer to
Cable Adjustment.
Battery Voltage Correction Mode
When battery voltage is low, the PCM will compensate for
the weak spark by increasing the following:
The amount of fuel delivered.
The idle RPM.
Ignition dwell time.
CMP Signal
The PCM uses this signal to determine the position of the
number 1 piston during its power stroke, allowing the

ENGINE COOLING 6B – 7
THERMOSTAT
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain coolant from the radiator and engine.
3. Thermostat housing
1) Remove mounting bolt and remove thermostat
housing together with radiator hose.
4. Gasket
5. Thermostat
INSPECTION
Make necessary repair and parts replacement if
excessive wear or damage is found during inspection.
Submerge the thermostat assembly in the water.
Place wooden blocks on the bottom of the water
container.
Do not heat the thermostat directly.
Gradually increase the water temperature. Stir the
water so that the entire water is the same temperature.
1) Make sure that valve begins to open at the
specified temperature.
Valve Opening Temperature: 85°C (185°F)
2) Make sure that valve opens fully at the specified
temperature.
Valve Full Open Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
1
2
3
4
Legend
(1) Bolt
(2) Thermostat Housing
(3) Thermostat
(4) Intake Manifold
035RW002
031RS003

6E–165 4JX1–TC ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0601 (Flash DTC 55)
ECM Checksum Error
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL).
The ECM will store conditions which were present
when the DTC was set in the Failure Records data only.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P0601 can be cleared by using the Tech 2 “Clear
Info” function or by disconnecting the ECM battery
feed.
Diagnostic Aids
DTC P0601 indicates that the contents of the
EEPROM have changed since the ECM was
programmed. The only possible repair is ECM
replacement. Remember to program the replacement
ECM with the correct software and calibration for the
vehicle.
DTC P0601 – ECM Checksum Error
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
2Replace the ECM (Refer to the Data Programming in
Case of ECM change).
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—