exhaust manifold, the other is a unique under-floor
catalytic converter (Fig. 3).
The three-way catalytic converter simultaneously
converts three exhaust emissions into harmless
gases. Specifically, HC and CO emissions are con-
verted into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) are converted into elemen-
tal Nitrogen (N) and water. The three-way catalyst is
most efficient in converting HC, CO and NOx at the
stoichiometric air fuel ratio of 14.7:1.
The oxygen content in a catalyst is important for
efficient conversion of exhaust gases. When a high
oxygen content (lean) air/fuel ratio is present for an
extended period, oxygen content in a catalyst can
reach a maximum. When a rich air/fuel ratio is
present for an extended period, the oxygen content in
the catalyst can become totally depleted. When this
occurs, the catalyst fails to convert the gases. This is
known as catalyst ªpunch through.9
Catalyst operation is dependent on its ability to
store and release the oxygen needed to complete the
emissions-reducing chemical reactions. As a catalyst
deteriorates, its ability to store oxygen is reduced.
Since the catalyst's ability to store oxygen is some-
what related to proper operation, oxygen storage can
be used as an indicator of catalyst performance.
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Pro-
cedure for diagnosis of a catalyst related Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).
The combustion reaction caused by the catalyst
releases additional heat in the exhaust system, caus-ing temperature increases in the area of the reactor
under severe operating conditions. Such conditions
can exist when the engine misfires or otherwise does
not operate at peak efficiency.Do notremove spark
plug wires from plugs or by any other means short
out cylinders, if exhaust system is equipped with a
Fig. 2 Flex-Joint
1 ± BELLOWS
2 ± PROTECTIVE ENDCAPS
3 ± FLANGE
Fig. 3 Catalytic Converters
1 ± CATALYTIC CONVERTER (LEV EMISSION)
2 ± CLOSE-COUPLED CATALYTIC CONVERTER (ULEV
EMISSION)
3 ± UNDER-FLOOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER (ULEV EMISSION)
4 ± OXYGEN SENSORS5 ± OXYGEN SENSOR
6 ± CATALYTIC CONVERTER (FEDERAL EMISSION)
7 ± OXYGEN SENSOR
11 - 2 EXHAUST 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)
Pending ConditionsÐ
²Misfire DTC
²Front Oxygen Sensor Response
²Front Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
²Front Oxygen Sensor Electrical
²Rear Oxygen Sensor Rationality (middle check)
²Rear Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
²Rear Oxygen Sensor Electrical
²Fuel System Monitor
²All TPS faults
²All MAP faults
²All ECT sensor faults
²Purge flow solenoid functionality
²Purge flow solenoid electrical
²All PCM self test faults
²All CMP and CKP sensor faults
²All injector and ignition electrical faults
²Idle Air Control (IAC) motor functionality
²Vehicle Speed Sensor
²Brake switch
²Intake air temperature
ConflictÐThe catalyst monitor does not run if
any of the following are conditions are present:
²EGR Monitor in progress
²Fuel system rich intrusive test in progress
²EVAP Monitor in progress
²Time since start is less than 60 seconds
²Low fuel level
²Low ambient air temperature
SuspendÐThe Task Manager does not mature a
catalyst fault if any of the following are present:
²Oxygen Sensor Monitor, Priority 1
²Upstream Oxygen Sensor Heater, Priority 1
²EGR Monitor, Priority 1
²EVAP Monitor, Priority 1
²Fuel System Monitor, Priority 2
²Misfire Monitor, Priority 2
NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
OPERATION
The PCM does not monitor all circuits, systems
and conditions that could have malfunctions causing
driveability problems. However, problems with these
systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trou-
ble codes for other systems or components. For exam-
ple, a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault
directly, but could cause a rich/lean condition or mis-
fire. This could cause the PCM to store an oxygen
sensor or misfire diagnostic trouble code.
The major non-monitored circuits are listed below
along with examples of failures modes that do not
directly cause the PCM to set a DTC, but for a sys-
tem that is monitored.FUEL PRESSURE
The fuel pressure regulator controls fuel system
pressure. The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel
pump inlet filter, clogged in-line fuel filter, or a
pinched fuel supply or return line. However, these
could result in a rich or lean condition causing the
PCM to store an oxygen sensor or fuel system diag-
nostic trouble code.
SECONDARY IGNITION CIRCUIT
The PCM cannot detect an inoperative ignition coil,
fouled or worn spark plugs, ignition cross firing, or
open spark plug cables.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION
The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine
cylinder compression.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or
leaking exhaust system. It may set a EGR or Fuel
system fault or O2S.
FUEL INJECTOR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS
The PCM cannot determine if a fuel injector is
clogged, the needle is sticking or if the wrong injector
is installed. However, these could result in a rich or
lean condition causing the PCM to store a diagnostic
trouble code for either misfire, an oxygen sensor, or
the fuel system.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
Although the PCM monitors engine exhaust oxygen
content when the system is in closed loop, it cannot
determine excessive oil consumption.
THROTTLE BODY AIR FLOW
The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air
cleaner inlet or filter element.
VACUUM ASSIST
The PCM cannot detect leaks or restrictions in the
vacuum circuits of vacuum assisted engine control
system devices. However, these could cause the PCM
to store a MAP sensor diagnostic trouble code and
cause a high idle condition.
PCM SYSTEM GROUND
The PCM cannot determine a poor system ground.
However, one or more diagnostic trouble codes may
be generated as a result of this condition. The mod-
ule should be mounted to the body at all times, also
during diagnostic.
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 23
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)