2000 DODGE NEON steering

1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated
oxygen sensors.
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) relay and fuel pump relay.
If the PCM does not receive both signals within
approximately 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 sen-
sors.
²The PCM energizes the 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 voltage
²Power steering pressure switch
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²O2 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
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 23
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range.
²All monitored components (refer to the Emission
section 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
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 response 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 pressure
²Throttle 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 the Emission sec-
tion for 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.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
OPERATION
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 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.
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:
14 - 24 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

²Air Conditioning Controls
²Battery Voltage
²Inlet Air/Battery Temperature Sensor
²Brake Switch
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
²Fuel Level Sensor
²Ignition Switch
²Inlet Air/Intake Air Temperature Sensor
²Knock Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Oxygen Sensors
²Power Steering Pressure Switch²SCI 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
²Proportional Purge Solenoid
²EGR Solenoid
²Fuel Injectors
²Fuel Pump Relay
²Generator 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
²Inlet Air/Intake 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
²Inlet Air/Intake 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
Fig. 1 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
Fig. 2 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
1 ± PCM
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 25
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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-
tivates the ASD relay and fuel pump relay. When
these relays deactivate, power is shut off from the
fuel injectors, ignition coils, heating element in the
oxygen sensors and the fuel pump.
The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8 volts direct
current to power the camshaft position sensor, crank-
shaft position sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The
PCM also provides a 5 volt direct current supply for
the manifold absolute pressure sensor and throttle
position sensor.
PCM GROUND
OPERATION
Ground is provided through multiple pins of the
PCM connector. Depending on the vehicle there may
be as many as three different ground pins. There are
power grounds and sensor grounds.
The power grounds are used to control the ground
side of any relay, solenoid, ignition coil or injector.
The signal ground is used for any input that uses
sensor return for ground, and the ground side of any
internal processing component.
The SBEC III case is shielded to prevent RFI and
EMI. The PCM case is grounded and must be firmly
attached to a good, clean body ground.
Internally all grounds are connected together, how-
ever there is noise suppression on the sensor ground.
For EMI and RFI protection the case is also
grounded separately from the ground pins.
5 VOLT SUPPLYÐPCM OUTPUT
OPERATION
The PCM supplies 5 volts to the following sensors:
²A/C pressure transducer
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure sensor
²Throttle position sensor
²Linear EGR solenoid
8-VOLT SUPPLYÐPCM OUTPUT
OPERATION
The PCM supplies 8 volts to the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor, camshaft position sensor.
FUEL CORRECTION or ADAPTIVE MEMORIES
DESCRIPTION
In Open Loop, the PCM changes pulse width with-
out feedback from the O2 Sensors. Once the engine
warms up to approximately 30 to 35É F, the PCM
goes into closed loopShort Term Correctionand
utilitzes feedback from the O2 Sensors. Closed loop
Long Term Adaptive Memoryis maintained above
170É to 190É F unless the PCM senses wide open
throttle. At that time the PCM returns to Open Loop
operation.
OPERATION
Short Term
The first fuel correction program that begins func-
tioning is the short term fuel correction. This system
corrects fuel delivery in direct proportion to the read-
ings from the Upstream O2 Sensor.
The PCM monitors the air/fuel ratio by using the
input voltage from the O2 Sensor. When the voltage
reaches its preset high or low limit, the PCM begins
to add or remove fuel until the sensor reaches its
switch point. The short term corrections then begin.
The PCM makes a series of quick changes in the
injector pulse-width until the O2 Sensor reaches its
opposite preset limit or switch point. The process
then repeats itself in the opposite direction.
Short term fuel correction will keep increasing or
decreasing injector pulse-width based upon the
upstream O2 Sensor input. The maximum range of
authority for short term memory is 25% (+/-) of base
pulse-width.
Long Term
The second fuel correction program is the long
term adaptive memory. In order to maintain correct
emission throughout all operating ranges of the
engine, a cell structure based on engine rpm and load
(MAP) is used.
There are up to 16 cells. Two cells are used only
during idle, based upon TPS and Park/Neutral
switch inputs. There may be two other cells used for
deceleration, based on TPS, engine rpm, and vehicle
speed. The other twelve cells represent a manifold
pressure and an rpm range. Six of the cells are high
rpm and the other six are low rpm. Each of these
cells is a specific MAP voltage range.
14 - 26 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

OPERATION
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 cyl-
inders 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.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives as an input the knock sensor voltage signal.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except WOT.
The PCM, using short term memory, can respond
quickly to retard timing when engine knock is
detected. Short term memory is lost any time the
ignition key is turned off.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐPCM INPUT
DESCRIPTION
The MAP sensor mounts to the intake manifold
(Fig. 17).
OPERATION
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 andinputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts spark
advance and the air/fuel mixture.
If the PCM considers the MAP Sensor information
inaccurate, the PCM moves into ªlimp-inº mode.
When the MAP Sensor is in limp-in, the PCM limits
the engine speed as a function of the Throttle Posi-
tion Sensor (TPS) to between 1500 and 4000 rpm. If
the MAP Sensor sends realistic signals once again,
the PCM moves out of limp-in and resumes using the
MAP values.
During limp-in a DTC is set and the MIL illumi-
nates.
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCHÐPCM
INPUT
DESCRIPTION
A pressure sensing switch is located on the power
steering gear.
OPERATION
The switch (Fig. 18) provides an input to the PCM
during periods of high pump load and low engine
RPM; such as during parking maneuvers.
When power steering pump pressure exceeds 2758
kPa (400 psi), the switch is open. The PCM increases
idle air flow through the IAC motor to prevent
engine stalling. The PCM sends 12 volts through a
resister to the sensor circuit to ground. When pump
pressure is low, the switch is closed.
SENSOR RETURNÐPCM INPUT
OPERATION
The sensor return circuit provides a low electrical
noise ground reference for all of the systems sensors.
Fig. 17 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 35
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

The sensor return circuit connects to internal ground
circuits within the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM).
SPEED CONTROLÐPCM INPUT
OPERATION
The speed control system provides five separate
voltages (inputs) to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The voltages correspond to the ON, OFF,
SET, RESUME, CANCEL, and COAST.
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.
Inputs Required for Operation
The inputs required by the PCM to operate the
Speed Control System include:
²Speed Control switches
²Brake switch
²Park/Neutral switch
²Vehicle speed signal
²Engine speed
²CCD bussed message from TCM
SCI RECEIVEÐPCM INPUT
OPERATION
SCI Receive is the serial data communication
receive circuit for the DRB scan tool. The PowertrainControl Module (PCM) receives data from the DRB
through the SCI Receive circuit.
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCHÐPCM
INPUT
DESCRIPTION
The park/neutral position switch is located on the
automatic transaxle housing (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
Manual transaxles do not use park/neutral
switches. The switch provides an input to the PCM to
indicate whether the automatic transaxle is in Park/
Neutral, or a drive gear selection. This input is used
to determine idle speed (varying with gear selection)
and ignition timing advance. The park/neutral input
is also used to cancel vehicle speed control. The park/
neutral switch is sometimes referred to as the neu-
tral safety switch.
The PCM delivers 8.5 volts to the center terminal
of the Park/Neutral switch. When the gear shift lever
is moved to either the Park or the Neutral position,
the PCM receives a ground signal from the Park/
Neutral switch. With the shift lever positioned in
Drive or Reverse, the Park/Neutral switch contacts
open, causing the signal to the PCM to go high.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
DESCRIPTION
The throttle position sensor mounts to the side of
the throttle body (Fig. 20).
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) connects to the
throttle blade shaft. The TPS is a variable resistor
that provides the PCM with an input signal (voltage).
The signal represents throttle blade position. As the
Fig. 18 Power Steering Pressure Switch
1 ± POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH
Fig. 19 Park/Neutral Switch
1 ± PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH
2 ± TRANSAXLE HOUSING
14 - 36 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION
The data link connector is located inside the vehi-
cle, under the instrument panel, left of the steering
column (Fig. 25).
OPERATION
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.
FUEL INJECTORSÐPCM OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION
OPERATION
The 2.0L engine uses electrically operated top feed
fuel injectors (Fig. 26). The Automatic Shutdown
(ASD) relay supplies battery voltage to the fuel injec-
tors. The PCM controls the ground path for each
injector in sequence. By switching the ground paths
on and off, the PCM fine-tunes injector pulse width.
Injector pulse width refers to the amount of time an
injector operates.
The PCM determines injector synchronization from
the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position
sensor inputs. The PCM grounds the ASD and fuel
pump relays after receiving the camshaft position
sensor and crankshaft position sensor inputs.
The PCM energizes the injectors in a sequential
order during all engine operating conditions except
start-up. For the first injector pulse width during
start-up, all injectors are energized at the same time.
Once the PCM determines crankshaft position, it
begins energizing the injectors in sequence.
IGNITION COILÐPCM OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION
The coil assembly consists of 2 coils molded
together. The coil assembly is mounted over the valve
cover (Fig. 27).
OPERATION
High tension leads route to each cylinder from the
coil. The coil fires two spark plugs every power
Fig. 24 Idle Air Control MotorÐTypical
Fig. 25 Data Link Connector
1 ± DATA LINK CONNECTOR
Fig. 26 Fuel Injector
1 ± FUEL INJECTOR
2 ± NOZZLE
3 ± TOP (FUEL ENTRY)
14 - 40 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER STEERING......................... 1
POWER STEERING PUMP.................. 16STEERING GEAR.......................... 21
STEERING COLUMN....................... 29
POWER STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING SYSTEM................1
POWER STEERING FLUID HOSES............2
POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER...........2
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
SWITCH...............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS......4
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST........................9
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL
CHECK...............................11REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........11
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE . . . 11
POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE.....12
POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER..........13
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
SWITCH..............................14
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................15
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING.......................15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into lin-
ear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion
teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear.
Power assist steering is provided by an open-cen-
ter, rotary-type control valve. It is used to direct
power steering fluid from the power steering pump to
either side of the integral steering rack piston. Road
feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion bar
which initially steers the vehicle. As steering effort
increases as in a turn, the torsion bar twists, causing
relative rotary motion between the rotary valve body
and valve spool. This movement directs fluid behind
the integral rack piston, which in turn builds up
hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.
This vehicle comes with power steering as stan-
dard equipment and it is the only steering systemavailable. The power steering system consists of
these major components:
²POWER STEERING PUMP
²POWER STEERING GEAR
²POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
(mounted on the pump)
²POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER (on some
models)
For information on the first two components, refer
to their respective sections within this service man-
ual group. Information on the third component can
be found in POWER STEERING PUMP. Information
on all other components can be found in this section
of this service manual group.
PLSTEERING 19 - 1