1998 OPEL FRONTERA coolant temperature

6E–336
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0016
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory (EEPROM)
The electrically erasable programmable read only
memory (EEPROM) is a permanent memory chip that is
physically soldered within the PCM. The EEPROM
contains the program and the calibration information that
the PCM needs to control powertrain operation.
Unlike the PROM used in past applications, the EEPROM
is not replaceable. If the PCM is replaced, the new PCM
will need to be programmed. Equipment containing the
correct program and calibration for the vehicle is required
to program the PCM.
Fuel Control Heated Oxygen Sensors
The fuel control heated oxygen sensors (Bank 1 HO2S 1
and Bank 2 HO2S 1) are mounted in the exhaust stream
where they can monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust
gas. The oxygen present in the exhaust gas reacts with
the sensor to produce a voltage output. This voltage
should constantly fluctuate from approximately 100 mV to
900 mV. The heated oxygen sensor voltage can be
monitored with Tech 2. By monitoring the voltage output
of the oxygen sensor, the PCM calculates the pulse width
command for the injectors to produce the proper
combustion chamber mixture.
Low HO2S voltage is a lean mixture which will result in
a rich command to compensate.
High HO2S voltage is a rich mixture which will result in
a lean command to compensate.
An open Bank 1 HO2S 1 signal circuit will set a DTC
P0134 and Tech 2 will display a constant voltage between
400-500 mV. A constant voltage below 300 mV in the
sensor circuit (circuit grounded) will set DTC P0131. A
constant voltage above 800 mV in the circuit will set DTC
P0132. Faults in the Bank 2 HO2S 1 signal circuit will
cause DTC 0154 (open circuit), DTC P0151 (grounded
circuit), or DTC P0152 (signal voltage high) to set.
0012
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor
which changes its resistance based on the temperature of
air entering the engine. Low temperature produces a high
resistance of 100,000 ohms at –40
C (–40F). High
temperature causes low resistance of 70 ohms at 130
C
(266
F) . The PCM supplies a 5-volt signal to the sensor
through a resistor in the PCM and monitors the signal
voltage. The voltage will be high when the incoming air is
cold. The voltage will be low when the incoming air is hot.
By measuring the voltage, the PCM calculates the
incoming air temperature. The IAT sensor signal is used
to adjust spark timing according to the incoming air
density.
Tech 2 displays the temperature of the air entering the
engine. The temperature should read close to the
ambient air temperature when the engine is cold and rise
as underhood temperature increases. If the engine has
not been run for several hours (overnight), the IAT sensor
temperature and engine coolant temperature should read
close to each other. A fault in the IAT sensor circuit will set
DTC P0112 or DTC P0113.

6E–337 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0018
Knock Sensor
Insufficient gasoline octane levels may cause detonation
in some engines. Detonation is an uncontrolled explosion
(burn) in the combustion chamber. This uncontrolled
explosion results from a flame front opposite that of the
normal flame front produced by the spark plug. The
rattling sound normally associated with detonation is the
result of two or more opposing pressures (flame fronts)
colliding within the combustion chamber. Light
detonation is sometimes considered normal, but heavy
detonation could result in engine damage.
A knock sensor system is used to control detonation. This
system is designed to retard spark timing up to 20
degrees to reduce detonation in the engine. This allows
the engine to use maximum spark advance to improve
driveability and fuel economy.
The knock sensor system has two major components:
The knock sensor (KS) module.
The knock sensor.
The knock sensor, mounted in the engine block near the
cylinders, detects abnormal vibration in the engine. The
sensor produces an AC output signal of about 10
millivolts. The signal amplitude and frequency are
dependent on the amount of knock being experienced.
The signal voltage increases with the severity of the
knock. This signal voltage is input to the PCM. The PCM
then retards the ignition control (IC) spark timing based
on the KS signal being received.
The PCM determines whether knock is occurring by
comparing the signal level on the KS circuit with the
voltage level on the noise channel. The noise channel
allows the PCM to reject any false knock signal by
indicating the amount of normal engine mechanical noise
present. Normal engine noise varies depending on the
engine speed and load. If the voltage level on the KS
noise channel circuit is below the range considered
normal, DTC P0327 will set, indicating a fault in the KScircuit or the knock sensor. If the PCM determines that an
abnormal minimum or maximum noise level is being
experienced, DTC P0325 will set.
The PCM contains a knock sensor (KS) module. The KS
module contains the circuitry which allows the PCM to
utilize the KS signal and diagnose the KS sensor and the
KS circuitry. If the KS module is missing or faulty, a
continuous knock condition will be indicated, and the
PCM will set DTC P0325.
Although it is a plug-in device, the KS module is not
replaceable. If the KS module is faulty, the entire PCM
must be replaced.
0009
Linear Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Control
The PCM monitors the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
actual position and adjusts the pintle position accordingly.
The PCM uses information from the following sensors to
control the pintle position:
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the difference
between the volume and the quantity of air that enters the
engine. “Volume” means the size of the space to be filled.
“Quantity” means the number of air molecules that will fit
into the space. This information is important to the PCM
because heavier, denser air will hold more fuel than
lighter, thinner air. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio as
needed depending on the MAF value. Tech 2 reads the
MAF value and displays it in terms of grams per second
(gm/s). At idle, Tech 2 should read between 4-7 gm/s on a
fully warmed up engine. Values should change quickly on
acceleration. Values should remain stable at any given

6E–339 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0005
PCM Components
The PCM is designed to maintain exhaust emission levels
to government mandated standards while providing
excellent driveability and fuel efficiency. The PCM
monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions via
electronic sensors such as the throttle position (TP)
sensor, heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), and vehicle
speed sensor (VSS). The PCM also controls certain
engine operations through the following:
Fuel injector control
Ignition control module
Knock sensor
Automatic transmission shift functions
Cruise control
A/C clutch control
PCM Voltage Description
The PCM supplies a buffered voltage to various switches
and sensors. It can do this because resistance in the
PCM is so high in value that a test light may not illuminate
when connected to the circuit. An ordinary shop
voltmeter may not give an accurate reading because the
voltmeter input impedance is too low. Use a 10-megohm
input impedance digital voltmeter (such as J 39200) to
assure accurate voltage readings.
The input/output devices in the PCM include
analog-to-digital converters, signal buffers, counters,
and special drivers. The PCM controls most components
with electronic switches which complete a ground circuit
when turned “ON.” These switches are arranged in
groups of 4 and 7, called either a surface-mounted quad
driver module (QDM), which can independently control up
to 4 output terminals, or QDMs which can independently
control up to 7 outputs. Not all outputs are always used.
PCM Input/Outputs
Inputs – Operating Conditions Read
Air Conditioning “ON” or “OFF”
Engine Coolant Temperature
Crankshaft Position
Exhaust Oxygen Content
Electronic Ignition
Manifold Absolute Pressure
Battery Voltage
Throttle Position
Vehicle Speed
Fuel Pump Voltage
Power Steering Pressure
Intake Air Temperature
Mass Air Flow
Engine Knock
Camshaft Position
Outputs – Systems Controlled
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Ignition Control
Fuel Control
Idle Air Control
Electric Fuel Pump
Air Conditioning
Diagnostics
– Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon
lamp)
– Data Link Connector (DLC)
– Data Output
Transmission Control Module
Alternator Gain Control
PCM Service Precautions
The PCM is designed to withstand normal current draws
associated with vehicle operation. Avoid overloading any
circuit. When testing for opens and shorts, do not ground
or apply voltage to any of the PCM’s circuits unless
instructed to do so. These circuits should only be tested
Tech-2. The PCM should remain connected to the PCM
or to a recommended breakout box.
Reprogramming The PCM
The Trooper allow reprogramming of the PCM without
removing it from the vehicle . This provides a flexible and
cost-effective method of making changes in software
calibrations.
The service programming system (SPS) will not allow
incorrect software programming or incorrect calibration
changes.
Refer to the UBS 98model year Immobilizer Workshop
Manual.
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer
connected to the throttle shaft on the throttle body. The
PCM monitors the voltage on the signal line and
calculates throttle position. As the throttle valve angle is
changed (accelerator pedal moved), the TP sensor signal
also changes. At a closed throttle position, the output of

6E–340
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
the TP sensor is low. As the throttle valve opens, the
output increases so that at wide open throttle (WOT), the
output voltage should be above 4 volts.
The PCM calculates fuel delivery based on throttle valve
angle (driver demand). A broken or loose TP sensor may
cause intermittent bursts of fuel from an injector and
unstable idle because the PCM thinks the throttle is
moving. A hard failure in the TP sensor 5-volt reference
or signal circuits will set a DTC P0123. A hard failure with
the TP sensor ground circuit may set DTC P0123. Once
a DTC is set, the PCM will use an artificial default value
based on engine RPM and mass air flow for the throttle
position, and some vehicle performance will return. A
high idle may result when DTC P0123 is set. The PCM
can also detect a shifted TP sensor. The PCM monitors
throttle position and compares the actual TP sensor
reading to a predicted TP value calculated from engine
speed. If the PCM detects an out-of-range condition,
DTC P0121 will be set.
0021
Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT)
Sensor
The transmission fluid temperature sensor is a thermistor
which changes its resistance based on the temperature of
the transmission fluid. For a complete description of the
TFT sensor, refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission
Diagnosis
.
A failure in the TFT sensor or associated wiring will cause
DTC P0712 or DTC P0713 to set. In this case, engine
coolant temperature will be substituted for the TFT
sensor value and the transmission will operate normally.
Transmission Range Switch
IMPORTANT:The vehicle should not be driven with the
transmission range switch disconnected; idle quality will
be affected.
The four inputs from the transmission range switch
indicate to the PCM which position is selected by the
transmission selector lever. This information is used for
ignition timing, EVAP canister purge, EGR and IAC valve
operation.For more information on the transmission on the
transmission range switch, refer to
4L30-E Automatic
Transmission
.
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
The PCM determines the speed of the vehicle by
converting a plusing voltage signal from the vehicle speed
sensor (VSS) into miles per hour. The PCM uses this
signal to operate the cruise control, speedometer, and the
TCC and shift solenoids in the transmission. For more
information on the TCC and shift solenoids, refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission.
0008
Use of Circuit Testing Tools
Do not use a test light to diagnose the powertrain
electrical systems unless specifically instructed by the
diagnostic procedures. Use Connector Test Adapter Kit J
35616 whenever diagnostic procedures call for probing
connectors.
Aftermarket Electrical and Vacuum
Equipment
Aftermarket (add-on) electrical and vacuum equipment is
defined as any equipment which connects to the vehicle’s
electrical or vacuum systems that is installed on a vehicle
after it leaves the factory. No allowances have been
made in the vehicle design for this type of equipment.
NOTE: No add-on vacuum equipment should be added
to this vehicle.
NOTE: Add-on electrical equipment must only be
connected to the vehicle’s electrical system at the battery
(power and ground).
Add-on electrical equipment, even when installed to
these guidelines, may still cause the powertrain system to
malfunction. This may also include equipment not
connected to the vehicle electrical system such as
portable telephones and radios. Therefore, the first step
in diagnosing any powertrain problem is to eliminate all
aftermarket electrical equipment from the vehicle. After

6E–343 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
constant measuring and adjusting of the air/fuel ratio, the
fuel injection system is called a “closed loop” system.
The PCM monitors signals from several sensors in order
to determine the fuel needs of the engine. Fuel is
delivered under one of several conditions called “modes.”
All modes are controlled by the PCM.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm-operated
relief valve mounted on the fuel rail with fuel pump
pressure on one side and manifold pressure on the other
side. The fuel pressure regulator maintains the fuel
pressure available to the injector at three times
barometric pressure adjusted for engine load. It may be
serviced separate.
If the pressure is too low, poor performance and a DTC
P0131, DTC P0151,DTC P0171 or DTC P1171 will be the
result. If the pressure is too high, excessive odor and/or a
DTC P0132, DTC P0152,DTC P0172 or DTC P0175 will
be the result. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis for
information on diagnosing fuel pressure conditions.
0011
Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit
When the key is first turned “ON,” the PCM energizes the
fuel pump relay for two seconds to build up the fuel
pressure quickly. If the engine is not started within two
seconds, the PCM shuts the fuel pump off and waits until
the engine is cranked. When the engine is cranked and
the 58 X crankshaft position signal has been detected by
the PCM, the PCM supplies 12 volts to the fuel pump relay
to energize the electric in-tank fuel pump.
An inoperative fuel pump will cause a “no-start” condition.
A fuel pump which does not provide enough pressure will
result in poor performance.
Fuel Rail
The fuel rail is mounted to the top of the engine and
distributes fuel to the individual injectors. Fuel is
delivered to the fuel inlet tube of the fuel rail by the fuel
lines. The fuel goes through the fuel rail to the fuel
pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator maintainsa constant fuel pressure at the injectors. Remaining fuel
is then returned to the fuel tank.
055RW009
Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve
The purpose of the idle air control (IAC) valve is to control
engine idle speed, while preventing stalls due to changes
in engine load. The IAC valve, mounted in the throttle
body, controls bypass air around the throttle plate. By
moving the conical valve (pintle) in (to decrease air flow)
or out (to increase air flow), a controlled amount of air can
move around the throttle plate. If the RPM is too low, the
PCM will retract the IAC pintle, resulting in more air
moving past the throttle plate to increase the RPM. If the
RPM is too high, the PCM will extend the IAC pintle,
allowing less air to move past the throttle plate,
decreasing the RPM.
The IAC pintle valve moves in small steps called counts.
During idle, the proper position of the IAC pintle is
calculated by the PCM based on battery voltage, coolant
temperature, engine load, and engine RPM. If the RPM
drops below a specified value, and the throttle plate is
closed, the PCM senses a near-stall condition. The PCM
will then calculate a new IAC pintle valve position to
prevent stalls.
If the IAC valve is disconnected and reconnected with the
engine running, the idle RPM will be wrong. In this case,
the IAC must be reset. The IAC resets when the key is
cycled “ON” then “OFF.” When servicing the IAC, it
should only be disconnected or connected with the
ignition “OFF.”
The position of the IAC pintle valve affects engine start-up
and the idle characteristics of the vehicle. If the IAC pintle
is fully open, too much air will be allowed into the manifold.
This results in high idle speed, along with possible hard
starting and a lean air/fuel ratio. DTC P0507 or DTC
P1509 may set. If the IAC pintle is stuck closed, too little
air will be allowed in the manifold. This results in a low idle
speed, along with possible hard starting and a rich air/fuel
ratio. DTC P0506 or DTC P1508 may set. If the IAC
pintle is stuck part-way open, the idle may be high or low
and will not respond to changes in the engine load.

6E–344
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0006
Run Mode
The run mode has the following two conditions:
Open loop
Closed loop
When the engine is first started the system is in “open
loop” operation. In “open loop,” the PCM ignores the
signal from the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). It
calculates the air/fuel ratio based on inputs from the TP,
ECT, and MAF sensors.
The system remains in “open loop” until the following
conditions are met:
The HO2S has a varying voltage output showing that
it is hot enough to operate properly (this depends on
temperature).
The ECT has reached a specified temperature.
A specific amount of time has elapsed since starting
the engine.
Engine speed has been greater than a specified RPM
since start-up.
The specific values for the above conditions vary with
different engines and are stored in the programmable
read only memory (PROM). When these conditions are
met, the system enters “closed loop” operation. In
“closed loop,” the PCM calculates the air/fuel ratio
(injector on-time) based on the signal from the HO2S.
This allows the air/fuel ratio to stay very close to 14.7:1.
Starting Mode
When the ignition is first turned “ON,” the PCM energizes
the fuel pump relay for two seconds to allow the fuel pump
to build up pressure. The PCM then checks the engine
coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the throttle
position (TP) sensor to determine the proper air/fuel ratio
for starting.
The PCM controls the amount of fuel delivered in the
starting mode by adjusting how long the fuel injectors are
energized by pulsing the injectors for very short times.
Throttle Body Unit
The throttle body has a throttle plate to control the amount
of air delivered to the engine. The TP sensor and IAC
valve are also mounted on the throttle body. Vacuum
ports located behind the throttle plate provide the vacuum
signals needed by various components.
Engine coolant is directed through a coolant cavity in the
throttle body to warm the throttle valve and to prevent
icing.
0019
General Description (Electronic
Ignition System)
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
As the camshaft sprocket turns, a magnet in the sprocket
activates the Hall-effect switch in the CMP sensor. When
the Hall-effect switch is activated, it grounds the signal
line to the PCM, pulling the camshaft position sensor
signal circuit’s applied voltage low. This is a CMP signal.
The CMP signals is created as piston #1 is approximately
25
after top dead counter on the power stroke. If the
correct CMP signal is not received by the PCM, DTC
P0341 will be set.

6E–346
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Crankshaft position (58X reference).
Camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Knock signal (knock sensor).
Park/Neutral position (PRNDL input).
Vehicle speed (vehicle speed sensor).
PCM and ignition system supply voltage.
The crankshaft positron (CKP) sensor sends the
PCM a 58X signal related to the exact position of the
crankshaft.
TS22909
The camshaft position (CMP) sensor sends a signal
related to the position of the camshaft.
TS22910
The knock sensor tells the PCM if there is any
problem with pre-ignition or detonation. This
information allows the PCM to retard timing, if
necessary.
TS24037
Based on these sensor signals and engine load
information, the PCM sends 5V to each ignition coil.
060RW015
The PCM applies 5V signal voltage to the ignition coil
requiring ignition. This signal sets on the power transistor
of the ignition coil to establish a grounding circuit for the
primary coil, applying battery voltage to the primary coil.
At the ignition timing, the PCM stops sending the 5V
signal voltage. Under this condition the power transistor
of the ignition coil is set off to cut the battery voltage to the
primary coil, thereby causing a magnetic field generated
in the primary coil to collapse. On this moment a line of
magnetic force flows to the secondary coil, and when this
magnetic line crosses the coil, high voltage induced by

6E–347 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
the secondary ignition circuit to flow through the spark
plug to the ground.
TS24047
Ignition Control PCM Output
The PCM provides a zero volt (actually about 100 mV to
200 mV) or a 5-volt output signal to the ignition control (IC)
module. Each spark plug has its own primary and
secondary coil module (”coil-at-plug”) located at the spark
plug itself. When the ignition coil receives the 5-volt signal
from the PCM, it provides a ground path for the B+ supply
to the primary side of the coil-at -plug module. This
energizes the primary coil and creates a magnetic field in
the coil-at-plug module. When the PCM shuts off the
5-volt signal to the ignition control module, the ground
path for the primary coil is broken. The magnetic field
collapses and induces a high voltage secondary impulse
which fires the spark plug and ignites the air/fuel mixture.
The circuit between the PCM and the ignition coil is
monitored for open circuits, shorts to voltage, and shorts
to ground. If the PCM detects one of these events, it will
set one of the following DTCs:
P0351: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #1
P0352: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #2
P0353: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #3
P0354: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #4
P0355: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #5
P0356: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #6
Knock Sensor (KS) PCM Input
The knock sensor (KS) system is comprised of a knock
sensor and the PCM. The PCM monitors the KS signals
to determine when engine detonation occurs. When a
knock sensor detects detonation, the PCM retards the
spark timing to reduce detonation. Timing may also be
retarded because of excessive mechanical engine or
transmission noise.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM is responsible for maintaining proper spark and
fuel injection timing for all driving conditions. To provideoptimum driveability and emissions, the PCM monitors
the input signals from the following components in order
to calculate spark timing:
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
PRNDL input from transmission range switch.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) .
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequency fail at higher
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion of
the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow, and
white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These deposits
are normal combustion by-products of fuels and
lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wear will
also occur. Engines which are not running properly are
often referred to as “misfiring.” This means the ignition
spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the proper time.
While other ignition and fuel system causes must also be
considered, possible causes include ignition system
conditions which allow the spark voltage to reach ground
in some other manner than by jumping across the air gap
at the tip of the spark plug, leaving the air/fuel mixture
unburned. Misfiring may also occur when the tip of the
spark plug becomes overheated and ignites the mixture
before the spark jumps. This is referred to as
“pre-ignition.”
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, excessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring occurs
before the recommended replacement interval, locate
and correct the cause.
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry, black
carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark plug in
the cylinder. Excessive idling and slow speeds under
light engine loads can keep the spark plug temperatures
so low that these deposits are not burned off. Very rich
fuel mixtures or poor ignition system output may also be
the cause. Refer to DTC P0172.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the normal
red-brown, yellow or white deposits of combustion by
products become sufficient to cause misfiring. In some
c a s e s , t h e s e d e p o s i t s m a y m e l t a n d f o r m a s h i n y g l a z e o n
the insulator around the center electrode. If the fouling is
found in only one or two cylinders, valve stem clearances
or intake valve seals may be allowing excess lubricating