The following is a list of the monitored compo-
nents:
²Comprehensive Components
²Oxygen Sensor Monitor
²Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
²Catalyst Monitor
COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENTS
Along with the major monitors, OBD II requires
that the diagnostic system monitor any component
that could affect emissions levels. In many cases,
these components were being tested under OBD I.
The OBD I requirements focused mainly on testing
emissions-related components for electrical opens and
shorts.
However, OBD II also requires that inputs from
powertrain components to the PCM be tested for
rationality, and that outputs to powertrain compo-
nents from the PCM be tested forfunctionality.
Methods for monitoring the various Comprehensive
Component monitoring include:
(1) Circuit Continuity
²Open
²Shorted high
²Shorted to ground
(2) Rationality or Proper Functioning
²Inputs tested for rationality
²Outputs tested for functionality
NOTE: Comprehensive component monitors are
continuous. Therefore, enabling conditions do not
apply.
Input RationalityÐWhile input signals to the
PCM are constantly being monitored for electrical
opens and shorts, they are also tested for rationality.
This means that the input signal is compared against
other inputs and information to see if it makes sense
under the current conditions.
PCM sensor inputs that are checked for rationality
include:
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
²Oxygen Sensor (O2S)
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Vehicle Speed Sensor
²Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
²Intake/inlet Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
²Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor
²Ambient Temperature Sensors
²Power Steering Switch
²Oxygen Sensor Heater
²Brake Switch
²Leak Detection Pump Switch or NVLD switch (if
equipped)
²P/N SwitchOutput FunctionalityÐPCM outputs are tested
for functionality in addition to testing for opens and
shorts. When the PCM provides a voltage to an out-
put component, it can verify that the command was
carried out by monitoring specific input signals for
expected changes. For example, when the PCM com-
mands the Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor to a specific
position under certain operating conditions, it expects
to see a specific (target) idle speed (RPM). If it does
not, it stores a DTC.
PCM outputs monitored for functionality include:
²Fuel Injectors
²Ignition Coils
²Idle Air Control
²Purge Solenoid
²EGR Solenoid (if equipped)
²LDP Solenoid or NVLD solenoid (if equipped)
²Radiator Fan Control
²Trans Controls
OXYGEN SENSOR (O2S) MONITOR
DESCRIPTIONÐEffective control of exhaust
emissions is achieved by an oxygen feedback system.
The most important element of the feedback system
is the O2S. The O2S is located in the exhaust path.
Once it reaches operating temperature 300É to 350ÉC
(572É to 662ÉF), the sensor generates a voltage that
is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen in
the exhaust. When there is a large amount of oxygen
in the exhaust caused by a lean condition, the sensor
produces a low voltage, below 450 mV. When the oxy-
gen content is lower, caused by a rich condition, the
sensor produces a higher voltage, above 450mV (volt-
ages are offset by 2.5 volts on NGC vehicles).
The information obtained by the sensor is used to
calculate the fuel injector pulse width. The PCM is
programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio.
At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to
remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO)
and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.
The O2S is also the main sensing element for the
EGR (if equipped), Catalyst and Fuel Monitors.
The O2S may fail in any or all of the following
manners:
²Slow response rate (Big Slope)
²Reduced output voltage (Half Cycle)
²Heater Performance
Slow Response Rate (Big Slope)ÐResponse rate
is the time required for the sensor to switch from
lean to rich signal output once it is exposed to a
richer than optimum A/F mixture or vice versa. As
the PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio, the sensor must
be able to rapidly detect the change. As the sensor
ages, it could take longer to detect the changes in the
oxygen content of the exhaust gas. The rate of
change that an oxygen sensor experiences is called
25 - 2 EMISSIONS CONTROLRS
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
period the switch ratio reaches a predetermined
value, a counter is incremented by one. The monitor
is enabled to run another test during that trip. When
the test fails 6 times, the counter increments to 3, a
malfunction is entered, and a Freeze Frame is stored,
the code is matured and the MIL is illuminated. If
the first test passes, no further testing is conducted
during that trip.
The MIL is extinguished after three consecutive
good trips. The good trip criteria for the catalyst
monitor is more stringent than the failure criteria. In
order to pass the test and increment one good trip,
the downstream sensor switch rate must be less than
45% of the upstream rate. The failure percentages
are 59% respectively.
Enabling ConditionsÐThe following conditions
must typically be met before the PCM runs the cat-
alyst monitor. Specific times for each parameter may
be different from engine to engine.
²Accumulated drive time
²Enable time
²Ambient air temperature
²Barometric pressure
²Catalyst warm-up counter
²Engine coolant temperature
²Vehicle speed
²MAP
²RPM
²Engine in closed loop
²Fuel level
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 (auto trans only)
²Intake air temperature
ConflictÐThe catalyst monitor does not run if any
of the following are conditions are present:
²EGR Monitor in progress (if equipped)
²Fuel system rich intrusive test in progress
²EVAP Monitor in progress²Time since start is less than 60 seconds
²Low fuel level-less than 15 %
²Low ambient air temperature
²Ethanol content learn is taking place and the
ethanol used once flag is set
SuspendÐThe Task Manager does not mature a
catalyst fault if any of the following are present:
²Oxygen Sensor Monitor, Priority 1
²Oxygen Sensor Heater, Priority 1
²EGR Monitor, Priority 1 (if equipped)
²EVAP Monitor, Priority 1
²Fuel System Monitor, Priority 2
²Misfire Monitor, Priority 2
OPERATION - NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
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, fuel system, or mis-
fire diagnostic 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. The misfire will however,
increase the oxygen content in the exhaust, deceiving
the PCM in to thinking the fuel system is too lean.
Also see misfire detection.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION
The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine
cylinder compression. Low compression lowers O2
content in the exhaust. Leading to fuel system, oxy-
gen sensor, or misfire detection fault.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or
leaking exhaust system. It may set a EGR (if
equipped) or Fuel system or O2S fault.
RSEMISSIONS CONTROL25-5
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
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,
including when diagnostics are performed.
PCM CONNECTOR ENGAGEMENT
The PCM may not be able to determine spread or
damaged connector pins. However, it might store
diagnostic trouble codes as a result of spread connec-
tor pins.
DESCRIPTION - MONITORED SYSTEMS
There are new electronic circuit monitors that
check fuel, emission, engine and ignition perfor-
mance. These monitors use information from various
sensor circuits to indicate the overall operation of the
fuel, engine, ignition and emission systems and thus
the emissions performance of the vehicle.
The fuel, engine, ignition and emission systems
monitors do not indicate a specific component prob-
lem. They do indicate that there is an implied prob-
lem within one of the systems and that a specific
problem must be diagnosed.
If any of these monitors detect a problem affecting
vehicle emissions, the Malfunction Indicator (Check
Engine) Lamp will be illuminated. These monitors
generate Diagnostic Trouble Codes that can be dis-
played with the a DRBIIItscan tool.
The following is a list of the system monitors:
²EGR Monitor (if equipped)²Misfire Monitor
²Fuel System Monitor
²Oxygen Sensor Monitor
²Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
²Catalyst Monitor
²Evaporative System Leak Detection Monitor (if
equipped)
Following is a description of each system monitor,
and its DTC.
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnos-
tics Procedures manual for diagnostic proce-
dures.
OXYGEN SENSOR (O2S) MONITOR
Effective control of exhaust emissions is achieved
by an oxygen feedback system. The most important
element of the feedback system is the O2S. The O2S
is located in the exhaust path. Once it reaches oper-
ating temperatures of 300É to 350ÉC (572É to 662ÉF),
the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely pro-
portional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.
The information obtained by the sensor is used to
calculate the fuel injector pulse width. The PCM is
programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio.
At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to
remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO)
and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.
The O2S is also the main sensing element for the
EGR (if equipped), Catalyst and Fuel Monitors.
The O2S may fail in any or all of the following
manners:
²Slow response rate
²Reduced output voltage
²Dynamic shift
²Shorted or open circuits
Response rate is the time required for the sensor to
switch from lean to rich once it is exposed to a richer
than optimum A/F mixture or vice versa. As the sen-
sor starts malfunctioning, it could take longer to
detect the changes in the oxygen content of the
exhaust gas.
The output voltage of the O2S ranges from 0 to 1
volt (voltages are offset by 2.5 volts on NGC vehi-
cles). A good sensor can easily generate any output
voltage in this range as it is exposed to different con-
centrations of oxygen. To detect a shift in the A/F
mixture (lean or rich), the output voltage has to
change beyond a threshold value. A malfunctioning
sensor could have difficulty changing beyond the
threshold value.
OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR
If there is an oxygen sensor (O2S) DTC as well as
a O2S heater DTC, the O2S heater fault MUST be
repaired first. After the O2S fault is repaired, verify
that the heater circuit is operating correctly.
25 - 6 EMISSIONS CONTROLRS
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TASK MANAGER
DESCRIPTION.........................24OPERATION...........................24
TASK MANAGER
DESCRIPTION
The PCM is responsible for efficiently coordinating
the operation of all the emissions-related compo-
nents. The PCM is also responsible for determining if
the diagnostic systems are operating properly. The
software designed to carry out these responsibilities
is call the ªTask Managerº.
OPERATION
The Task Manager determines when tests happen
and when functions occur. Many of the diagnostic
steps required by OBD II must be performed under
specific operating conditions. The Task Manager soft-
ware organizes and prioritizes the diagnostic proce-
dures. The job of the Task Manager is to determine if
conditions are appropriate for tests to be run, moni-
tor the parameters for a trip for each test, and record
the results of the test. Following are the responsibil-
ities of the Task Manager software:
²Test Sequence
²MIL Illumination
²Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
²Trip Indicator
²Freeze Frame Data Storage
²Similar Conditions Window
Test Sequence
In many instances, emissions systems must fail
diagnostic tests more than once before the PCM illu-
minates the MIL. These tests are known as 'two trip
monitors.' Other tests that turn the MIL lamp on
after a single failure are known as 'one trip moni-
tors.' A trip is defined as 'start the vehicle and oper-
ate it to meet the criteria necessary to run the given
monitor.'
Many of the diagnostic tests must be performed
under certain operating conditions. However, there
are times when tests cannot be run because another
test is in progress (conflict), another test has failed
(pending) or the Task Manager has set a fault that
may cause a failure of the test (suspend).
²Pending
Under some situations the Task Manager will notrun a monitor if the MIL is illuminated and a fault is
stored from another monitor. In these situations, the
Task Manager postpones monitorspendingresolu-
tion of the original fault. The Task Manager does not
run the test until the problem is remedied.
For example, when the MIL is illuminated for an
Oxygen Sensor fault, the Task Manager does not run
the Catalyst Monitor until the Oxygen Sensor fault is
remedied. Since the Catalyst Monitor is based on sig-
nals from the Oxygen Sensor, running the test would
produce inaccurate results.
²Conflict
There are situations when the Task Manager does
not run a test if another monitor is in progress. In
these situations, the effects of another monitor run-
ning could result in an erroneous failure. If thiscon-
flictis present, the monitor is not run until the
conflicting condition passes. Most likely the monitor
will run later after the conflicting monitor has
passed.
For example, if the Fuel System Monitor is in
progress, the Task Manager does not run the catalyst
Monitor. Since both tests monitor changes in air/fuel
ratio and adaptive fuel compensation, the monitors
will conflict with each other.
²Suspend
Occasionally the Task Manager may not allow a two
trip fault to mature. The Task Manager willsus-
pendthe maturing of a fault if a condition exists
that may induce an erroneous failure. This prevents
illuminating the MIL for the wrong fault and allows
more precise diagnosis.
For example, if the PCM is storing a one trip fault
for the Oxygen Sensor and the catalyst monitor, the
Task Manager may still run the catalyst Monitor but
will suspend the results until the Oxygen Sensor
Monitor either passes or fails. At that point the Task
Manager can determine if the catalyst system is
actually failing or if an Oxygen Sensor is failing.
MIL Illumination
The PCM Task Manager carries out the illumina-
tion of the MIL. The Task Manager triggers MIL illu-
mination upon test failure, depending on monitor
failure criteria.
25 - 24 ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICSRS
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