1999 DODGE NEON engine

GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
All engines used in this section have a sequential
Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection system. The MPI
system is computer regulated and provides precise
air/fuel ratios for all driving conditions. The Power-
train Control Module (PCM) operates the fuel injec-
tion system.
The PCM regulates:
²Ignition timing
²Air/fuel ratio
²Emission control devices
²Cooling fan
²Charging system
²Idle speed
²Vehicle speed control
Various sensors provide the inputs necessary for
the PCM to correctly operate these systems. In addi-
tion to the sensors, various switches also provide
inputs to the PCM.
All inputs to the PCM are converted into signals.
The PCM can adapt its programming to meet chang-
ing operating conditions.
Fuel is injected into the intake port above the
intake valve in precise metered amounts through
electrically operated injectors. The PCM fires the
injectors in a specific sequence. Under most operat-
ing conditions, the PCM maintains an air fuel ratio
of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel by constantly adjust-
ing injector pulse width. Injector pulse width is the
length of time the injector is open.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injector. Engine
RPM (speed) and manifold absolute pressure (air
density) are the primary inputs that determine injec-
tor pulse width.
MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM
adjusts its response to output devices. For example,
the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse
width and ignition timing for idle than it does for
Wide Open Throttle (WOT). There are several differ-
ent modes of operation that determine how the PCM
responds to the various input signals.
There are two different areas of operation, OPEN
LOOP and CLOSED LOOP.
During OPEN LOOP modes the PCM receives
input signals and responds according to preset PCM
programming. Inputs from the upstream and down-
stream heated oxygen sensors are not monitored dur-
ing OPEN LOOP modes, except for heated oxygen
sensor diagnostics (they are checked for shorted con-
ditions at all times).During CLOSED LOOP modes the PCM monitors
the inputs from the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensors. The upstream heated oxygen
sensor input tells the PCM if the calculated injector
pulse width resulted in the ideal air-fuel ratio of 14.7
to one. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content
through the upstream heated oxygen sensor, the
PCM can fine tune injector pulse width. Fine tuning
injector pulse width allows the PCM to achieve opti-
mum fuel economy combined with low emissions.
For the PCM to enter CLOSED LOOP operation,
the following must occur:
(1) Engine coolant temperature must be over 35ÉF.
²If the coolant is over 35É the PCM will wait 44
seconds.
²If the coolant is over 50ÉF the PCM will wait 38
seconds.
²If the coolant is over 167ÉF the PCM will wait
11 seconds.
(2) For other temperatures the PCM will interpo-
late the correct waiting time.
(3) O2 sensor must read either greater than .745
volts or less than .1 volt.
(4) The multi-port fuel injection systems has the
following modes of operation:
²Ignition switch ON (Zero RPM)
²Engine start-up
²Engine warm-up
²Cruise
²Idle
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide Open Throttle
²Ignition switch OFF
(5) The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up,
deceleration with fuel shutoff and wide open throttle
modes are OPEN LOOP modes. Under most operat-
ing conditions, the acceleration, deceleration (with
A/C on), idle and cruise modes,with the engine at
operating temperatureare CLOSED LOOP modes.
IGNITION SWITCH ON (ZERO RPM) MODE
When the ignition switch activates the fuel injec-
tion system, the following actions occur:
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor and throttle position sensor input. The
PCM determines basic fuel injector pulse width from
this input.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to modify injector pulse
width.
When the key is in the ON position and the engine
is not running (zero rpm), the Auto Shutdown (ASD)
and fuel pump relays de-energize after approximately
1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated
oxygen sensors.
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 21

ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. If the vehicle is in
park or neutral (automatic transaxles) or the clutch
pedal is depressed (manual transaxles) the ignition
switch energizes the starter relay. The following
actions occur when the starter motor is engaged.
²If the PCM receives the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays. If
the PCM does not receive both signals within approx-
imately one second, it will not energize the ASD
relay and fuel pump relay. The ASD and fuel pump
relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump, fuel
injectors, ignition coil and heated oxygen sensors.
²The PCM energizes all four injectors (on the 69É
degree falling edge) for a calculated pulse width until
it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft
position sensor and crankshaft position sensor sig-
nals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within
1 engine revolution.
²After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. It adjusts
injector pulse width and controls injector synchroni-
zation by turning the individual ground paths to the
injectors On and Off.
²When the engine idles within664 RPM of its
target 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 determines injector pulse width
based on the following:
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine RPM
²Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Throttle position
²The number of engine revolutions since cranking
was initiated
During Start-up the PCM maintains ignition tim-
ing at 9É BTDC.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
²Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²A/C switch
²Battery voltage²Power steering pressure switch
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²Both O2 sensors
²All diagnostics
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
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising or idle
the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content
²A/C control positions
²Power steering pressure switch
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
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 (measured
by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sen-
sor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During
active misfire and depending on the severity, the
PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the
malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on
instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine
misfire DTC in memory.
The PCM performs several diagnostic routines.
They include:
²Oxygen sensor monitor
²Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics
during open loop operation (except for shorted)
²Fuel system monitor
²EGR monitor
²Purge system monitor
²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range.
²All monitored components (refer to Group 25 for
On-Board Diagnostics).
The PCM compares the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensor inputs to measure catalytic
convertor efficiency. If the catalyst efficiency drops
14 - 22 FUEL SYSTEMPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

below the minimum acceptable percentage, the PCM
stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory.
During certain idle conditions, the PCM may enter
a variable idle speed strategy. During variable idle
speed strategy the PCM adjusts engine speed based
on the following inputs.
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Battery temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine run time
²Power steering pressure switch
²Vehicle mileage
ACCELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. The PCM recog-
nizes an abrupt increase in Throttle Position sensor
output voltage or MAP sensor output voltage 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:
²A/C pressure transducer
²A/C sense
²Battery voltage
²Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Exhaust gas oxygen content (upstream heated
oxygen sensor)
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Power steering pressure switch
²Throttle position
²IAC motor control changes in respones to MAP
sensor feedback
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. In response, the PCM may
momentarily turn off the injectors. This helps
improve fuel economy, emissions and engine braking.
If decel fuel shutoff is detected, downstream oxy-
gen sensor diagnostics is performed.
WIDE-OPEN-THROTTLE MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide-open-
throttle operation, the following inputs are received
by the PCM:
²Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine speed
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure²Throttle position
When the PCM senses a wide-open-throttle condi-
tion through the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) it de-
energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay. This
disables the air conditioning system.
The PCM does not monitor the heated oxygen sen-
sor inputs during wide-open-throttle operation except
for downstream heated oxygen sensor and both
shorted diagnostics. The PCM adjusts injector pulse
width to supply a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When the operator turns the ignition switch to the
OFF position, the following occurs:
²All outputs are turned off, unless 02 Heater
Monitor test is being run. Refer to Group 25,
On-Board Diagnostics.
²No inputs are monitored except for the heated
oxygen sensors. The PCM monitors the heating ele-
ments in the oxygen sensors and then 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.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
The power distribution center (PDC) is located next
to the battery (Fig. 1). The PDC contains the starter
relay, radiator fan relay, A/C compressor clutch relay,
auto shutdown relay, fuel pump relay and several
fuses.
Fig. 1 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 23
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a digital
computer containing a microprocessor (Fig. 2). 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 Outputs.
PCM Inputs:
²Air Conditioning Controls
²Battery Voltage
²Battery Temperature Sensor
²Brake Switch
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
²Fuel Level Sensor
²Ignition Switch
²Intake Air Temperature Sensor
²Knock Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Oxygen Sensors
²Power Steering Pressure Switch
²SCI Receive
²Speed Control Switches
²Throttle Position Sensor
²Transmission Park/Neutral Switch (automatic
transmission)
²Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
²Air Conditioning WOT Relay
²Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
²Charging Indicator Lamp
²Data Link Connector
²Duty Cycle EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
²EGR Solenoid
²Fuel Injectors
²Fuel Pump Relay²Generator Field
²Idle Air Control Motor
²Ignition Coils
²Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
²Radiator Fan Relay
²Speed Control Solenoids
²Tachometer
²Torque Convertor Clutch Solenoid
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts fuel
injector pulse width, idle speed, ignition spark
advance, ignition coil dwell and EVAP canister purge
operation. The PCM regulates the cooling fan, air
conditioning and speed control systems. The PCM
changes generator charge rate by adjusting the gen-
erator field. The PCM also performs diagnostics.
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air-fuel
ratio) based on the following inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Coolant temperature
²Intake air temperature
²Exhaust gas content (oxygen sensor)
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
²Coolant temperature
²Intake air temperature
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
²Transmission 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 sense
²Battery voltage
²Battery temperature
²Brake switch
²Coolant temperature
²Engine speed (crankshaft position sensor)
²Engine run time
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Power steering pressure switch
²Throttle position
²Transmission gear selection (park/neutral
switch)
²Vehicle distance (speed)
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays
are mounted externally, but turned on and off by the
PCM.
The crankshaft position sensor signal is sent to the
PCM. If the PCM does not receive the signal within
approximately one second of engine cranking, it deac-
Fig. 2 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
14 - 24 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
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 two sets of four timing reference notches
including a 60 degree signature notch (Fig. 7). From
the crankshaft position sensor input the PCM deter-
mines 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 0.5 volts). When a notch aligns
with the sensor, voltage goes high (5.0 volts). As a
group of notches pass under the sensor, the outputvoltage switches from low (metal) to high (notch)
then back to low.
If available, an oscilloscope can display the square
wave patterns of each voltage pulses. 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 at 20É
increments. From the voltage pulse width the PCM
tells the difference between the timing reference
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 cylin-
der number one is the next cylinder at TDC.
The crankshaft position sensor mounts to the
engine block behind the alternator, just above the oil
filter (Fig. 8).
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
The combination coolant temperature sensor has
two elements. One element supplies coolant temper-
ature signal to the PCM. The other element supplies
coolant temperature signal to the instrument panel
gauge cluster. The PCM determines engine coolant
temperature from the coolant temperature sensor.
As coolant temperature varies the coolant temper-
ature sensors resistance changes resulting in a differ-
ent input voltage to the PCM and the instrument
panel gauge cluster.
When the engine is cold, the PCM will provide
slightly richer air- fuel mixtures and higher idle
speeds until normal operating temperatures are
reached.
SOHC
The coolant sensor threads into the rear of the cyl-
inder head, next to the camshaft position sensor (Fig.
9). New sensors have sealant applied to the threads.
Fig. 5 Target MagnetÐTypical
Fig. 6 Target Magnet Polarity
14 - 26 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DOHC
The coolant sensor threads into the intake mani-
fold next to the thermostat housing (Fig. 10). New
sensors have sealant applied to the threads.
FUEL LEVEL SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The fuel level sensor (fuel gauge sending unit)
sends a signal to the PCM to indicate fuel level. The
purpose of this feature is to prevent a false setting of
misfire and fuel system monitor trouble codes if the
fuel level is less than approximately 15 percent of its
rated capacity. It is also used to send a signal for fuel
gauge operation via the CCD bus circuits.
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (O2S SENSOR)ÐPCM
INPUT
As vehicles accumulate mileage, the catalytic con-
vertor deteriorates. The deterioration results in a
less efficient catalyst. To monitor catalytic convertor
Fig. 7 Timing Reference Notches
Fig. 8 Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 9 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐSOHC
Fig. 10 Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐDOHC
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 27
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

deterioration, the fuel injection system uses two
heated oxygen sensors. One sensor upstream of the
catalytic convertor, one downstream of the convertor.
The PCM compares the reading from the sensors to
calculate the catalytic convertor oxygen storage
capacity and converter efficiency. Also, the PCM uses
the upstream heated oxygen sensor input when
adjusting injector pulse width.
When the catalytic converter efficiency drops below
emission standards, the PCM stores a diagnostic
trouble code and illuminates the malfunction indica-
tor lamp (MIL).
The O2S sensors produce voltages from 0 to 1 volt,
depending upon the oxygen content of the exhaust
gas in the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of
oxygen 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
system to enter into closed loop operation sooner.
Also, it allows the system to remain in closed loop
operation during periods of extended idle.
In Closed Loop operation the PCM monitors the
O2S sensor input (along with other inputs) and
adjusts the injector pulse width accordingly. During
Open Loop operation the PCM ignores the O2 sensor
input. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width based
on preprogrammed (fixed) values and inputs from
other sensors.
The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay supplies bat-
tery voltage to both the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensors. The oxygen sensors are
equipped with a heating element. The heating ele-
ments reduce the time required for the sensors to
reach operating temperature.
UPSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
The input from the upstream heated oxygen sensor
tells the PCM the oxygen content of the exhaust gas.
Based on this input, the PCM fine tunes the air-fuel
ratio by adjusting injector pulse width.
The sensor input switches 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
sensor produces voltage as low as 0.1 volt. When
there is a lesser amount of oxygen present (rich air-
fuel mixture) the sensor produces a voltage as high
as 1.0 volt. By monitoring the oxygen content and
converting it to electrical voltage, the sensor acts as
a rich-lean switch.The heating element in the sensor provides heat to
the sensor ceramic element. Heating the sensor
allows the system to enter into closed loop operation
sooner. Also, it allows the system to remain in closed
loop operation during periods of extended idle.
In Closed Loop, the PCM adjusts injector pulse
width based on the upstream heated oxygen sensor
input along with other inputs. In Open Loop, the
PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on prepro-
grammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sen-
sors.
The upstream oxygen sensor threads into the out-
let flange of the exhaust manifold (Fig. 11).
DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
The downstream heated oxygen sensor threads into
the outlet pipe at the rear of the catalytic convertor
(Fig. 12). The downstream heated oxygen sensor
input is used to detect catalytic convertor deteriora-
tion. As the convertor deteriorates, the input from
the downstream sensor begins to match the upstream
sensor input except for a slight time delay. By com-
paring the downstream heated oxygen sensor input
to the input from the upstream sensor, the PCM cal-
culates catalytic convertor efficiency.
IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSEÐPCM INPUT
The ignition circuit sense input tells the Power-
train Control Module (PCM) the ignition switch has
energized the ignition circuit. Refer to the wiring dia-
grams for circuit information.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor measures
the temperature of the intake air as it enters the
engine. The sensor supplies one of the inputs the
PCM uses to determine injector pulse width and
spark advance.
Fig. 11 Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor
14 - 28 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

As Intake Air temperature varies the Intake Air
Temperature sensors resistance changes resulting in
a different input voltage to the PCM.
The IAT sensor and Manifold Absolute Pressure
(MAP) switch are a combined into a single sensor
that attachs to the intake manifold (Fig. 13) or (Fig.
14).
KNOCK SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 15). 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 sends an input voltage (signal) to the PCM. As
the intensity of the engine knock vibration increases,
the knock sensor output voltage also increases.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The PCM supplies 5 volts direct current to the
MAP sensor. The MAP sensor converts intake mani-
fold pressure into voltage. The PCM monitors the
MAP sensor output voltage. As vacuum increases,
MAP sensor voltage decreases proportionately. Also,
as vacuum decreases, MAP sensor voltage increases
proportionately.
At key on, before the engine is started, the PCM
determines atmospheric air pressure from the MAP
sensor voltage. While the engine operates, the PCM
determines intake manifold pressure from the MAP
sensor voltage. Based on MAP sensor voltage and
inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts spark
advance and the air/fuel mixture.
The MAP/Intake Air Temperature sensor mounts to
the intake manifold (Fig. 13) and (Fig. 14).
Fig. 12 Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor
Fig. 13 / MAP/Intake Air Temperature SensorÐSOHC
Fig. 14 MAP/Intake Air Temperature SensorÐDOHC
Fig. 15 Knock Sensor
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 29
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)