1999 DODGE NEON Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

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)

operates the solenoid based on inputs from the multi-
port fuel injection system. The transducer and EGR
valve are serviced as an assembly.
When the PCM energizes the solenoid, vacuum
does not reach the transducer. Vacuum flows to the
transducer when the PCM de-energizes the solenoid.
When exhaust system back-pressure becomes high
enough, it fully closes a bleed valve in the vacuum
transducer. When the PCM de-energizes the solenoid
and back-pressure closes the transducer bleed valve,
vacuum flows through the transducer to operate the
EGR valve.
De-energizing the solenoid, but not fully closing the
transducer bleed hole (because of low back-pressure),
varies the strength of the vacuum signal applied to
the EGR valve. Varying the strength of the vacuum
signal changes the amount of EGR supplied to the
engine. This provides the correct amount of exhaust
gas recirculation for different operating conditions.
The transducer mounts to the clean air hose and
the EGR valve mount to the rear of the cylinder head
(Fig. 23).
GENERATOR FIELDÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM regulates the charging system voltage
within a range of 12.9 to 15.0 volts. Refer to Group
8A for Battery system information and 8C for charg-
ing system information.
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTORÐPCM OUTPUT
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is mounted on the
throttle body. The PCM operates the idle air control
motor (Fig. 24). The PCM adjusts engine idle speed
through the idle air control motor to compensate for
engine load, coolant temperature or barometric pres-
sure changes.
The throttle body has an air bypass passage that
provides air for the engine during closed throttle idle.The idle air control motor pintle protrudes into the
air bypass passage and regulates air flow through it.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed by moving the
IAC motor pintle in and out of the bypass passage.
The adjustments are based on inputs the PCM
receives. The inputs are from the throttle position
sensor, crankshaft position sensor, coolant tempera-
ture sensor, MAP sensor, vehicle speed sensor and
various switch operations (brake, park/neutral, air
conditioning).
DATA LINK CONNECTOR
The data link connector (diagnostic connector)
links the DRB scan tool with the powertrain control
module (PCM). Refer to On-Board Diagnostics in the
General Diagnosis section of this group. The data
link connector is located inside the vehicle, under the
instrument panel, left of the steering column (Fig.
25).
Fig. 23 Electric EGR Backpressure TransducerÐ
Typical
Fig. 24 Idle Air Control Motor Air Bypass PassageÐ
Typical
Fig. 25 Data Link Connector
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 33
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

send incorrect signals. The PCM substitutes for the
incorrect signals with inputs from other sensors.
If the PCM detects active engine misfire severe
enough to cause catalyst damage, it flashes the MIL.
At the same time the PCM also sets a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
For signals that can trigger the MIL (Check
Engine Lamp) refer to Group 25, On-Board
Dianostics.
SOLID STATE FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The radiator fan runs when coolant temperature
and A/C system pressure demand cooling. The radia-
tor fan circuit contains a Solid State Fan Relay
(SSFR). Refer to the Group 8W for a circuit sche-
matic.
A 5 volt signal is supplied to the SSFR. The PCM
provides a pulsed ground for the SSFR. Depending
upon the amount of pulse on time, the SSFR puts out
a proportional voltage to the fan motor at the lower
speed. For instance, if the on time is 30 percent, then
the voltage to the fan motor will be 3.6 volts.
When engine coolant reaches approximately 99ÉC
(210ÉF) the PCM grounds the SSFR relay. When the
PCM grounds the relay it operates at a 30% duty
cycle and immediately ramps up to 100% duty cycle.
The PCM de-energizes the SSFR relay when coolant
temperature drops to approximately 93ÉC (199ÉF).
Also, when the air conditioning pressure switch
closes, the PCM grounds the SSFR. The air condi-
tioning switch closes at 285 psi610 psi. When air
conditioning pressure drops approximately 40 psi, the
pressure switch opens and the fan turns off.
The SSFR relay is located on the left front inner
frame just behind the radiator.
SPEED CONTROLÐPCM INPUT
The speed control system provides five separate
voltages (inputs) to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The voltages correspond to the ON/OFF, SET,
RESUME and CANCEL.
The speed control ON voltage informs the PCM
that the speed control system has been activated.
The speed control SET voltage informs the PCM that
a fixed vehicle speed has been selected. The speed
control RESUME voltage indicates the previous fixed
speed is requested. The speed control CANCEL volt-
age tells the PCM to deactivate but retain set speed
in memory (same as depressing the brake pedal). The
speed control OFF voltage tells the PCM that the
speed control system has deactivated. Refer to Group
8H for more speed control information.
SCI RECEIVEÐPCM OUTPUT
SCI Receive is the serial data communication
receive circuit for the DRB scan tool. The Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) receives data from the DRB
through the SCI Receive circuit.
TACHOMETERÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM operates the tachometer on the instru-
ment panel. The PCM calculates engine RPM from
the crankshaft position sensor input.
TORQUE CONVERTOR CLUTCH SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
Three-speed automatic transaxles use a torque con-
verter clutch solenoid. The PCM controls the engage-
ment of the torque converter clutch through the
solenoid (Fig. 29). The torque converter clutch is
engaged up only in direct drive mode. Refer to Group
21 for transmission information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
VISUAL INSPECTIONÐSOHC
Before diagnosing or servicing the fuel injection
system, perform a visual inspection for loose, discon-
nected, or misrouted wires and hoses (Fig. 30). A
thorough visual inspection that includes the following
checks saves unnecessary test and diagnostic time.
(1) Inspect the battery connections. Clean corroded
terminals (Fig. 31).
(2) Check the 2 PCM 40-way connector for
stretched wires on pushed out terminals (Fig. 31).
Fig. 29 Torque Convertor Clutch Solenoid
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 35
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(14) Check the electrical connection at the knock
sensor (Fig. 41).
(15) Check the electrical connections at the cam-
shaft position sensor and engine coolant temperature
sensor (Fig. 42).
(16) Check the electrical connector at the Elec-
tronic EGR Transducer. Inspect the vacuum and back
pressure hoses at the solenoid and transducer for
leaks (Fig. 43).
(17) Inspect the electrical connections at the gen-
erator (Fig. 44). Check the generator belt for glazing
or damage.
Fig. 39 Duty Cycle Purge Solenoid
Fig. 40 Starter Motor and Ground Strap
Fig. 41 Knock Sensor
Fig. 42 Camshaft Position Sensor and Engine
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 43 Electronic EGR Transducer
14 - 38 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)