EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-16 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The ECM connectors and pins which are pertinent to evaporative emission control are listed in the following table:
Fuel Leak Detection System (vacuum type) – NAS only
The advanced evaporative loss control system equipped with a vacuum type, fuel evaporation leak detection
capability is similar to the standard evaporative loss system, but also includes additional components to enable the
engine control module (ECM) to perform a fuel evaporation leak detection test. The system includes an EVAPs
canister and purge valve, and in addition, a canister vent solenoid (CVS) valve and a fuel tank pressure sensor.
The function of the CVS valve is to block the atmospheric vent side of the EVAP canister under the control of the ECM
so that an evaporation system leak check can be performed. The test is carried out when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running at idle speed. The system test uses the natural rate of fuel evaporation and engine manifold
depression. Failure of the leak check will result in illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
The fuel evaporation leak detection is part of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) strategy and it is able to determine
vapour leaks from holes or breaks greater than 1 mm (0.04 in.) in diameter. Any fuel evaporation system leaks which
occur between the output of the purge valve and the connection to the inlet manifold cannot be determined using this
test, but these will be detected through the fuelling adaption diagnostics.
Connector / Pin No. Function Signal type Control
C0635-23 Main relay output Output drive Switch to ground
C0635-24 Leak detection pump motor (NAS vehicles
with positive pressure type EVAP system
leak detection only)Output drive Switch to ground
C0636-3 Purge valve drive Output signal PWM 12 - 0V
C0636-6 Fuel tank pressure sensor (NAS vehicles
with vacuum type EVAP system leak
detection only)Ground 0V
C0636-30 Canister vent solenoid (CVS) valve (NAS
vehicles with vacuum type EVAP system
leak detection only) / Fuel leak detection
pump (NAS vehicles with positive pressure
type EVAP system leak detection only)Output drive Switch to ground
C0637-9 Fuel tank pressure sensor (NAS vehicles
with vacuum type EVAP system leak
detection only)Output reference 5V
C0637-12 Analogue fuel level (NAS vehicles with
positive pressure type EVAP system leak
detection only)Input Analogue 0 - 5V
C0637-14 Fuel tank pressure sensor (NAS vehicles
with vacuum type EVAP system leak
detection only)Input signal Analogue 0 - 5V
C0637-20 MIL "ON" Output drive Switch to ground
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-17
Fuel Leak Detection System (positive pressure type) – NAS only
The evaporative loss control system equipped with a positive pressure type, fuel evaporation leak detection capability
is similar to the vacuum type, but it is capable of detecting smaller leaks by placing the evaporation system under the
influence of positive air pressure. The system includes an EVAPs canister and purge valve, and in addition, a leak
detection pump comprising a motor and solenoid valve.
The solenoid valve contained in the leak detection pump assembly performs a similar function to the CVS valve
utilised on the vacuum type pressure test. The solenoid valve is used to block the atmospheric vent side of the EVAP
canister under the control of the ECM so that an EVAP system leak check can be performed. At the same time,
pressurised air from the pump is allowed past the valve into the EVAP system to set up a positive pressure. The test
is carried out at the end of a drive cycle when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off. The test is
delayed for a brief period (approximately 10 seconds) after the engine is switched off to allow any slosh in the fuel
tank to stabilise. Component validity checks and pressure signal reference checking takes a further 10 seconds before
the pressurised air is introduced into the EVAP system.
During reference checking, the purge valve is closed and the leak detection pump solenoid valve is not energised,
while the leak detection pump is operated. The pressurised air is bypassed through a restrictor which corresponds to
a 0.5 mm (0.02 in) leak while the current consumption of the leak detection pump motor is monitored.
The system test uses the leak detection pump to force air into the EVAP system when the purge valve and solenoid
valves are both closed (solenoid valve energised), to put the evaporation lines, components and fuel tank under the
influence of positive air pressure. Air is drawn into the pump through an air filter which is located in the engine
compartment.
The fuel leak detection pump current consumption is monitored by the ECM while the EVAP system is under pressure,
and compared to the current noted during the reference check. A drop in the current drawn by the leak detection pump
motor, indicates that air is being lost through holes or leaks in the system which are greater than the reference value
of 0.5 mm (0.02 in). An increase in the current drawn by the leak detection pump motor, indicates that the EVAP
system is well sealed and that there are no leaks present which are greater than 0.5 mm (0.02 in).
The presence of leakage points indicates the likelihood of hydrocarbon emissions to atmosphere from the
evaporation system outside of test conditions and the necessity for rectification work to be conducted to seal the
system. Failure of the leak check will result in illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
The fuel evaporation leak detection is part of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) strategy and it is able to determine
vapour leaks from holes or breaks down to 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) diameter. Any fuel evaporation leaks which occur
between the output of the purge valve and the connection to the inlet manifold cannot be determined using this test,
but these will be detected through the fuelling adaption diagnostics.
Evaporative Emission Control Components
The evaporative emission control components and the fuel evaporation leak detection test components (NAS only)
are described below:
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-21
If the purge valve breaks or becomes stuck in the open or closed position, the EVAP system will cease to function
and there are no default measures available. The ECM will store the fault in memory and illuminate the MIL warning
lamp if the correct monitoring conditions have been achieved (i.e. valve status unchanged for 45 seconds after engine
has been running for 15 minutes). If the purge valve is stuck in the open position, a rich air:fuel mixture is likely to
result at the intake manifold, this could cause the engine to misfire and the fuelling adaptions will change.
The following failure modes are possible:
lSticking valve
lValve blocked
lConnector or harness wiring fault (open or short circuit)
lValve stuck open
If the purge valve malfunctions, the following fault codes may be stored in the ECM diagnostic memory, which can be
retrieved using TestBook/T4:
Canister Vent Solenoid (CVS) Unit – (NAS with vacuum type, fuel evaporation leak detection system only)
1CVS unit
2Mounting bracket3Spring clips to pipe from EVAP canister
4Harness connector
The canister vent solenoid (CVS) valve is mounted on a slide-on bracket which is riveted to the cruise control bracket
at the right hand side of the engine compartment. The vent pipe from the EVAP canister is connected to a stub pipe
on the CVS unit via a hose and plastic pipe combination. A two-pin connector links to the engine management ECM
via the engine harness for solenoid control; one of the wires is the supply feed from fuse No.2 in the engine
compartment fusebox, the other wire is the valve drive line to the ECM. The solenoid is operated when the ECM
grounds the circuit.
P-code Description
P0440Purge valve not sealing
P0444Purge valve open circuit
P0445Purge valve short circuit to ground
P0443Purge valve short circuit to battery voltage
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-22 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The valve is normally open, allowing any build up of air pressure within the evaporation system to escape, whilst
retaining the environmentally harmful hydrocarbons in the EVAP canister. When the ECM is required to run a fuel
system test, the CVS valve is closed to seal the system. The ECM is then able to measure the pressure in the fuel
evaporative system using the fuel tank pressure sensor.
The ECM performs electrical integrity checks on the CVS valve to determine wiring or power supply faults. The ECM
can also detect a valve blockage if the signal from the fuel tank pressure sensor indicates a depressurising fuel tank
while the CVS valve should be open to atmosphere.
The following failure modes are possible:
lConnector or harness wiring fault (open or short circuit)
lValve stuck open or shut
lValve blocked
If the CVS valve malfunctions, the following fault codes may be stored in the ECM diagnostic memory, which can be
retrieved using TestBook/T4:
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor (NAS vehicles with vacuum type leak detection system only)
1Ambient pressure
2Tank pressure3Sensor cell
The fuel tank pressure sensor is located in the top flange of the fuel tank sender / fuel pump module and is a non-
serviceable item (i.e. if the sensor becomes defective, the complete fuel tank sender unit must be replaced). The fuel
tank pressure sensor connector is accessible through the fuel pump access hatch in the boot area floor of the vehicle.
The pressure sensor is a piezo-resistive sensor element with associated circuitry for signal amplification and
temperature compensation. The active surface is exposed to ambient pressure by an opening in the cap and by the
reference port. It is protected from humidity by a silicon gel. The tank pressure is fed up to a pressure port at the back
side of the diaphragm.
P-code Description
P0446CVS valve / pipe blocked
P0447CVS valve open circuit
P0448CVS valve short circuit to ground
P0449CVS valve short circuit to battery voltage
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-23
For systems utilising the vacuum method for determining evaporation leaks, the sensor is used to monitor for a drop
in vacuum pressure. The evaporation system is sealed by the CVS valve and purge valve after a vacuum has been
previously set up from the intake manifold while the purge valve is open and the CVS valve is closed. If any holes or
leaks are present at the evaporation system joints, the vacuum pressure will gradually drop and this change in
pressure will be detected by the fuel tank pressure sensor. This system is capable of determining leaks down to 1 mm
(0.04 in.) in diameter.
The fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the NAS OBD system, a component failure will not be noticed by the driver,
but if the ECM detects a fault, it will be stored in the diagnostic memory and the MIL light will be illuminated on the
instrument pack. Possible failures are listed below:
lDamaged or blocked sensor
lHarness / connector faulty
lSensor earthing problem
lOpen circuit
lShort circuit to battery voltage
lShort circuit to ground
lECM fault
Possible failure symptoms of the fuel tank pressure sensor are listed below:
lFuel tank pressure sensor poor performance
lFuel tank pressure sensor low range fault
lFuel tank pressure sensor high range fault
If the fuel tank pressure sensor should malfunction, the following fault codes may be stored in the ECM diagnostic
memory, which can be retrieved using TestBook/T4:
P-code Description
P0451Fuel tank pressure signal stuck high within range
P0452Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to battery voltage (out of range - High)
P0453Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to ground or open circuit (out of range - Low)
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-38 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and Air Temperature Sensor
The engine management ECM uses the mass air flow sensor to measure the mass of air entering the intake and
interprets the data to determine the precise fuel quantity which needs to be injected to maintain the stoichiometric
air:fuel ratio for the exhaust catalysts. If the mass air flow sensor fails, lambda control and idle speed control will be
affected and the emission levels will not be maintained at the optimum level. If the device should fail and the ECM
detects a fault, it invokes a software backup strategy.
+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
The air temperature sensor is used by the engine management ECM to monitor the temperature of the inlet air. If the
device fails, catalyst monitoring will be affected. The air temperature sensor in integral to the mass air flow sensor.
+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
Throttle Position Sensor
If the engine management ECM detects a throttle position sensor failure, it may indicate a blocked or restricted air
intake filter. Failure symptoms may include:
lPoor engine running and throttle response
lEmission control failure
lNo closed loop idle speed control
lAltitude adaption is incorrect
If a signal failure should occur, a default value is derived using data from the engine load and speed.
+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
Atmospheric pressure will vary with altitude and have a resulting influence on the calculations performed by the ECM
in determining the optimum engine operating conditions to minimise emissions. The following are approximate
atmospheric pressures for the corresponding altitudes:
l0.96 bar at sea level
l0.70 bar at 2,750 m (9,000 ft.)
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-39
Evaporative Emission Control Operation
Fuel vapour is stored in the activated charcoal (EVAP) canister for retention when the vehicle is not operating. When
the vehicle is operating, fuel vapour is drawn from the canister into the engine via a purge control valve. The vapour
is then delivered to the intake plenum chamber to be supplied to the engine cylinders where it is burned in the
combustion process.
During fuel filling the fuel vapour displaced from the fuel tank is allowed to escape to atmosphere, valves within the
fuel filler prevent any vapour escaping through to the EVAP canister as this can adversely affect the fuel cut-off height.
Only fuel vapour generated whilst driving is prevented from escaping to atmosphere by absorption into the charcoal
canister. The fuel filler shuts off to leave the tank approximately 10% empty to ensure the ROVs are always above
the fuel level and so vapour can escape to the EVAP canister and the tank can breathe. The back pressures normally
generated during fuel filling are too low to open the pressure relief valve, but vapour pressures accumulated during
driving are higher and can open the pressure relief valve. Should the vehicle be overturned, the ROVs shut off to
prevent any fuel spillage.
Fuel vapour generated from within the fuel tank as the fuel heats up is stored in the tank until the pressure exceeds
the operating pressure of the two-way valve. When the two-way valve opens, the fuel vapour passes along the vent
line from the fuel tank (via the fuel tank vapour separator) to the evaporation inlet port of the EVAP canister. The fuel
tank vents between 5.17 and 6.9 kPa.
Fuel vapour evaporating from the fuel tank is routed to the EVAP canister through the fuel vapour separator and vent
line. Liquid fuel must not be allowed to contaminate the charcoal in the EVAP canister. To prevent this, the fuel vapour
separator fitted to the fuel neck allows fuel to drain back into the tank. As the fuel vapour cools, it condenses and is
allowed to flow back into the fuel tank from the vent line by way of the two-way valve.
The EVAP canister contains charcoal which absorbs and stores fuel vapour from the fuel tank while the engine is not
running. When the canister is not being purged, the fuel vapour remains in the canister and clean air exits the canister
via the air inlet port.
The engine management ECM controls the electrical output signal to the purge valve. The system will not work
properly if there is leakage or clogging within the system or if the purge valve cannot be controlled.
+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
When the engine is running, the ECM decides when conditions are correct for vapour to be purged from the EVAP
canister and opens the canister purge valve. This connects a manifold vacuum line to the canister and fuel vapour
containing the hydrocarbons is drawn from the canister's charcoal element to be burned in the engine. Clean air is
drawn into the canister through the atmosphere vent port to fill the displaced volume of vapour.
The purge valve remains closed below preset coolant and engine speed values to protect the engine tune and
catalytic converter performance. If the EVAP canister was purged during cold running or at idling speed, the additional
enrichment in the fuel mixture would delay the catalytic converter light off time and cause erratic idle. When the purge
valve is opened, fuel vapour from the EVAP canister is drawn into the plenum chamber downside of the throttle
housing, to be delivered to the combustion chambers for burning.
The purge valve is opened and closed in accordance with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal supplied from the
engine management ECM. The system will not work properly if the purge valve cannot be controlled. Possible failure
modes associated with the purge valve are listed below:
lValve drive open circuit.
lShort circuit to vehicle supply or ground.
lPurge valve or pipework blocked or restricted.
lPurge valve stuck open.
lPipework joints leaking or disconnected.
Possible symptoms associated with a purge valve or associated pipework failure is listed below:
lEngine may stall on return to idle if purge valve is stuck open.
lPoor idling quality if the purge valve is stuck open
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively lean if the EVAP canister is clear and the purge valve is stuck open.
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively rich if the EVAP canister is saturated and the purge valve is stuck open.
lSaturation of the EVAP canister if the purge valve is stuck closed.
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-41
EVAP System, Leak Detection Diagnostic (vacuum type)
The EVAP system leak detection is performed as follows:
1The ECM checks that the signal from the fuel tank pressure sensor is within the expected range. If the signal is
not within range, the leakage test will be cancelled.
2Next the purge valve is held closed and the canister vent solenoid (CVS) valve is opened to atmosphere. If the
ECM detects a rise in pressure with the valves in this condition, it indicates there is a blockage in the fuel
evaporation line between the CVS valve and the EVAP canister, or that the CVS valve is stuck in the closed
position and thus preventing normalisation of pressure in the fuel evaporation system. In this instance, the
leakage test will be cancelled.
3The CVS valve and the purge valve are both held in the closed position while the ECM checks the fuel tank
pressure sensor. If the fuel tank pressure sensor detects a decline in pressure, it indicates that the purge valve
is not closing properly and vapour is leaking past the valve seat face under the influence of the intake manifold
depression. In this instance, the leakage test will be cancelled.
4If the preliminary checks are satisfactory, a compensation measurement is determined next. Variations in fuel
level occur within the fuel tank, which will influence the pressure signal detected by the fuel tank pressure
sensor. The pressure detected will also be influenced by the rate of change in the fuel tank pressure, caused by
the rate of fuel evaporation which itself is dependent on the ambient temperature conditions. Because of these
variations, it is necessary for the ECM to evaluate the conditions prevailing at a particular instance when testing,
to ensure that the corresponding compensation factor is included in its calculations.
The CVS valve and purge valves are both closed while the ECM checks the signal from the fuel tank pressure
sensor. The rise in fuel pressure detected over a defined period is used to determine the rate of fuel evaporation
and the consequent compensation factor necessary.
5With the CVS valve still closed, the purge valve is opened. The inlet manifold depression present while the purge
valve is open, decreases EVAP system pressure and sets up a small vacuum in the fuel tank. The fuel tank
pressure sensor is monitored by the ECM and if the vacuum gradient does not increase as expected, a large
system leak is assumed by the ECM (e.g. missing or leaking fuel filler cap) and the diagnostic test is terminated.
If the EVAP canister is heavily loaded with hydrocarbons, purging may cause the air:fuel mixture to become
excessively rich, resulting in the upstream oxygen sensors requesting a leaner mix from the ECM to bring the
mixture back to the stoichiometric ideal. This may cause instability in the engine idle speed and consequently
the diagnostic test will have to be abandoned. The ECM checks the status of the upstream oxygen sensors
during the remainder of the diagnostic, to ensure the air:fuel mixture does not adversely affect the engine idle
speed.
6When the fuel tank pressure sensor detects that the required vacuum has been reached (-800 Pa), the purge
valve is closed and the EVAP system is sealed. The ECM then checks the change in the fuel tank pressure
sensor signal (diminishing vacuum) over a period of time, and if it is greater than expected (after taking into
consideration the compensation factor due to fuel evaporation within the tank, determined earlier in the
diagnostic), a leak in the EVAP system is assumed. If the condition remains, the MIL warning light will be turned
on after two drive cycles.
The decrease in vacuum pressure over the defined period must be large enough to correspond to a hole
equivalent to 1 mm (0.04 in.) diameter or greater, to be considered significant enough to warrant the activation
of an emissions system failure warning.
The diagnostic test is repeated at regular intervals during the drive cycle, when the engine is at idle condition. The
diagnostic test will not be able to be performed under the following conditions:
lDuring EVAP canister purging
lDuring fuelling adaption
lIf excess slosh in the fuel tank is detected (excess fuel vapour will be generated, invalidating the result)
Following the test, the system returns to normal purge operation after the canister vent solenoid opens. Possible
reasons for an EVAP system leak test failure are listed below:
lFuel filler not tightened or cap missing.
lSensor or actuator open circuit.
lShort circuit to vehicle supply or ground.
lEither purge or CVS valve stuck open.
lEither purge or CVS valve stuck shut or blocked pipe.
lPiping broken or not connected.
lLoose or leaking connection.