E - T H EO RY/O PER ATIO N - R W D - G ASO LIN E
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CHRY - Theory & Operation - Trucks & RWD Vans - Gasoline
Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van, Ram Wagon
INTRODUCTION
This article covers the basic description and operation of
engine performance related systems and components. Read this article
before working on unfamiliar systems.
COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
The PCM is a digital computer that controls ignition timing,
air/fuel ratio, fuel injector pulse width, ignition coil(s), spark
advance, emission control devices, cooling fan, charging system, idle
speed, cruise control (if equipped), fuel pump and tachometer. For PCM\
location, see PCM LOCATION. PCM uses data from various input sources
to control output devices in order to achieve optimum engine
performance for all operating conditions.
PCM has voltage converters that convert battery voltage to
regulated 5-volt output. The 5-volt output powers battery temperature
sensor, Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor on models equipped with
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor on models without\
DIS, Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature
(ECT) sensor, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor, logic circuits,
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor, Throttle Position (TP) sens\
or
and Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) on some models.
PCM LOCATION
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Application Location
Dakota & Durango ................. Right Front Fender, Near Firewall
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon .... On Firewall, Near Wiper Motor
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NOTE: Components are grouped into 2 categories. The first category,
INPUT DEVICES, includes components that control or produce
voltage signals monitored by the PCM. The second category,
OUTPUT SIGNALS, includes components controlled by the PCM
(this is accomplished by the PCM grounding individual
circuits).
INPUT DEVICES
Vehicles are equipped with different combinations of input
devices. Not all devices are used on all models. To determine
component location and input usage on a specific model, see
appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article. Available input
signals include:
A/C Switch
Switch signals PCM that A/C has been selected. PCM then
activates A/C compressor clutch relay and maintains idle speed at a
preprogrammed RPM. This is done through control of Idle Air Control
diagram in appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article. For theory
and operation on each output component, refer to indicated
system.
A/C Clutch Relay
See A/C CLUTCH RELAY under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
See AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
See DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS) under IGNITION
SYSTEM.
Evaporative Canister Purge Control Solenoid (EVAP-CPCS)
See EVAPORATIVE (EVAP) EMISSIONS SYSTEM under EMISSION
SYSTEMS.
Fuel Injectors
See FUEL CONTROL under FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel Pump Relay
See AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Generator
See GENERATOR under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
See IDLE SPEED under FUEL SYSTEM.
Ignition Coil
See IGNITION SYSTEM.
In-Tank Fuel Pump
See FUEL DELIVERY under FUEL SYSTEM.
Limp-In Mode
See LIMP-IN MODE under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
See MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
Radiator Fan Relay
See RADIATOR FAN RELAY under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Serial Communications Interface (SCI) Transmit
See SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (SCI) under SELF-
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
Shift Indicator Light
See SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Speed Control Servo
See SPEED CONTROL SERVO under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Tachometer
See TACHOMETER under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid
See TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) SOLENOID under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Transmission Governor Pressure Solenoid
See TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR SOLENOID under MISCELLANEOUS
CONTROLS.
Transmission Overdrive/Override (OD/OR) Switch Indicator
Light
See TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE/OVERRIDE (OD/OR) SWITCH INDICATOR
under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Transmission Overdrive (OD) Solenoid
See TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE (OD) SOLENOID under MISCELLANEOUS
CONTROLS.
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL DELIVERY
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
See AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
Fuel pressure regulator is a mechanical device, used to
maintain a constant pressure across fuel injector tip. Spring and
rubber diaphragm will move from an open to closed position keeping
fuel pressure constant. Excess fuel is returned to fuel tank.
Regulator is located in in-tank fuel pump module. Regulator
includes an internal fuel filter. Excess fuel is routed directly into
fuel tank without using a return line. See Fig. 2.
Fig. 2: Cross-Sectional View Of In-Tank Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure
Regulator (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
In-Tank Fuel Pump
Fuel pump is a positive displacement, immersible pump with a
permanent magnet electric motor. Fuel is drawn in through a separate
filter/strainer at bottom of fuel pump and pushed through filter to
fuel outlet line (to fuel injectors). Voltage to operate pump is
supplied from fuel pump relay. On some models, fuel pump relay is
activated by ASD relay.
Fuel pump module includes a combination fuel filter/fuel
pressure regulator, fuel pump reservoir, a separate in-tank fuel
filter, pressure relief/rollover valve, fuel gauge sending unit and
fuel supply line. See Fig. 3.
Fig. 3: Identifying Fuel Pump Module Components (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
FUEL CONTROL
Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are electric solenoid valves controlled by
PCM. PCM determines when and length of time (pulse width) injectors
should operate by switching ground path on and off. During start-up,
battery voltage is supplied to injectors through ASD relay. On some
models, battery voltage is supplied by charging system once engine is
operating. When ground is supplied to injector by PCM, armature and
pintle inside injector move a short distance against spring and open a
small orifice. Since fuel is under high pressure, a fine spray is
developed.
Modes Of Operation
As input signals to PCM change, PCM adjusts its response to
output devices. Modes of operation come in 2 types, open loop and
closed loop. In open loop mode, PCM is not using input from HO2S and
is responding to preset programming to determine injector pulse width
and ignition timing. In closed loop mode, PCM adjusts ignition timing
and uses input from HO2S to fine tune injector pulse width.
The following inputs may be used to determine PCM mode:
* A/C Control Positions
* A/C Switch
* Battery Voltage
* Brake Switch
* Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
* Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
* Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
* Engine Speed (RPM)
* Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
* Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
* Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
* Park/Neutral (P/N) Switch
* Starter Relay
* Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
* Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
From these inputs, PCM determines which mode vehicle is in
and responds appropriately. Not all inputs are used in all modes or by
all models. Modes of operation are:
* Ignition Switch On (Engine Not Running) - This is an open
loop mode. PCM pre-positions IAC motor based on ECT sensor
input. PCM determines atmospheric pressure from MAP sensor
and determines basic fuel strategy. PCM modifies fuel
strategy according to IAT sensor, ECT sensor and TP sensor
inputs. PCM activates ASD relay, which in turn activates fuel
pump for only 2 seconds unless engine is cranked. PCM also
energizes HO2S heater element for approximately 2 seconds
unless engine is cranked.
* Engine Start-Up - This is an open loop mode. When starter is
engaged, PCM receives input from battery voltage, ignition
switch, CKP sensor, CMP sensor, ECT sensor, IAT sensor, MAP
sensor and TP sensor. Based on these inputs, voltage is
applied to fuel injectors with PCM controlling injection
sequence, rate, and pulse width. PCM provides ground for
injectors to fire in proper order.
PCM determines proper ignition timing according to input
received from CKP sensor. If PCM does not receive CKP sensor signal
within 3 seconds after engine begins cranking, fuel injection system
is shut down and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (FTC) is set in PCM memory.\
* Engine Warm-Up - This is an open loop mode. PCM determines
injector pulse width using input information from battery
voltage, CKP sensor, CMP sensor, ECT sensor, IAT sensor, MAP
sensor and TP sensor. PCM also monitors A/C request and P/N
switch (A/T only) for fuel calculation. PCM controls engine
idle speed through IAC motor. PCM controls ignition timing
based on CKP sensor input.
PCM.
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS
NOTE: Although not strictly considered part of engine performance
system, some controlled devices can adversely affect
driveability if they malfunction.
A/C CLUTCH RELAY
A/C clutch relay is controlled by PCM. When A/C or Defrost
mode is selected and PCM receives A/C request signal from evaporator
switch, PCM will cycle clutch on and off through A/C clutch relay.
When this relay is energized during engine operation, PCM will
determine correct engine idle speed through IAC motor.
When PCM senses low idle speed or wide open throttle through
TP sensor, PCM will de-energize A/C clutch relay, preventing A/C
operation.
AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY
ASD relay and electric fuel pump relay are energized when
ignition is on. These relays are controlled through PCM by switching a
common ground circuit on and off. Following components are controlled
by ASD and fuel pump relays:
* Electric Fuel Pump
* Fuel Injectors
* Generator Field Winding
* Ignition Coil(s)
* HO2S Heating Element
When ignition switch is turned to RUN position, PCM energizes
ASD relay and electric fuel pump relay which powers these components.
If PCM does not receive a CMP and CKP sensor signal within one second
of engine cranking (start-up), PCM will turn ground circuit off and
de-energize ASD relay.
GENERATOR
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regulates charging system
voltage.
LIMP-IN MODE
Limp-in mode is the attempt by PCM to compensate for failure
of certain components by substituting information from other sources
so that vehicle can still be operated. If PCM senses incorrect data or
no data at all from MAP sensor, TP sensor, ECT sensor or battery
voltage, system is placed into limp-in mode and Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on instrument panel comes on.
If faulty sensor comes back on line, PCM will resume closed
loop operation. On some vehicles, MIL will remain on until ignition is
shut off and vehicle is restarted. To prevent damage to catalytic
converter, vehicle should NOT be driven for extended periods in limp-
in mode.
RADIATOR FAN RELAY
Electric cooling fan is used only on Dakota. Using
information supplied by A/C signal (if equipped), ECT sensor, and VSS,\