2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN change time

CAUTION: Never attempt to train more than one
vehicle at a time. System is capable of reading tire
pressure sensor transmissions from other near-by
vehicles.
Each time a wheel rotation or tire pressure sensor
replacement occurs the tire pressure sensors must be
retrained. This is necessary to inform the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that a sensor
change was made and where. Retraining is accom-
plished through the EVIC used in conjunction with a
Re-learn Magnet, Special Tool 8821.
NOTE: Use the following procedure to retrain all
four (4) road wheel tire pressure sensors. No
attempt should be made to retrain individual sen-
sors.
(1) Retrieve Re-learn Magnet, Special Tool 8821.
(2) Press MENU Button on EVIC until9RETRAIN
TIRE SENSORS - NO9is displayed.
(3) Press STEP button to select9YES9.
NOTE: There is a 60 second timer for training the
first sensor and a 60 second timer between training
the remaining sensors. If any of these timers expire,
the EVIC will abort the training procedure.
NOTE: If at any time the EVIC display reads(TRAIN-
ING ABORTED(, move the vehicle ahead at least
one foot and repeat the entire retraining procedure.
(4) Press MENU button to start retraining. Dis-
play will read9TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE9
NOTE: The order for retraining all four sensors is:
²Left Front
²Right Front
²Right Rear
²Left Rear
(5) Starting at left front tire, place Re-learn Mag-
net over valve stem (Fig. 17). Within approximately 5
seconds, vehicle horn will chirp indicating training
complete at that particular sensor. Remove the mag-
net.
(6) Repeat step (5) on remaining sensors as indi-
cated by EVIC until all four TPM sensors positions
are trained.
(7) Once EVIC displays9TRAINING COMPLETE9,
pressing either STEP, C/T, RESET or MENU button
will exit training routine.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: The cap used on this valve stem con-
tains an O-ring seal to prevent contamination and
moisture from entering the valve stem. Retain this
valve stem cap for reuse. Do not substitute a regu-
lar valve stem cap in its place.
CAUTION: The valve stem used on this vehicle is
made of aluminum and the core is nickel plated
brass. The original valve stem core must be rein-
stalled and not substituted with a valve stem core
made of a different material. This is required to pre-
vent corrosion in the valve stem caused by the dif-
ferent metals.
(2) Dismount tire from wheel following tire
changer manufacturers instructions while paying
special attention to the following to avoid damaging
the pressure sensor:
(a) When breaking the tire bead loose from the
wheel rim, avoid using the Bead Breaker in the
area of the sensor. That includes both front and
rear beads of the tire.
(b) When preparing to dismount the tire from
the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/dimount-
ing tool at the valve stem   10É (Fig. 18), then pro-
ceed to dismount the tire from the wheel. Use this
process on both the upper and lower tire beads.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, remove special nut
retaining sensor to wheel (Fig. 19).
(4) Remove sensor from wheel (Fig. 19).
Fig. 17 Magnet Placement Over Valve Stem
1 - RE-LEARN MAGNET
2 - VALVE STEM
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-11
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

fort temperature. For instance, on sunny summer
days the air flow will probably be cooler than the
comfort temperature; on cold or cloudy days and at
night it will probably be slightly warmer. Infrared
Three-Zone Temperature Control provides side-to-
side and front-to-rear variation in comfort tempera-
ture settings. The Infrared Three-Zone Automatic
Temperature Control fan provides a continuously
variable air flow rate to meet occupant comfort
requirements.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
²AUTO HI/LO± This system features two sets of
automatic control logic that allow either a rapid cool-
down rate or a somewhat slower cool-down rate with
less fan noise. HI-AUTO controls the system to reach
its assigned temperature quickly with a higher fan
speed. LO-AUTO controls the system to reach its
assigned temperature somewhat slower with less fan
noise. Both modes will automatically engage auto
recirculation.
²DE-FROST± The de-frost function is active
when the rear window defogger function is active or
when the defog/defrost mode is selected.
²RECIRC± The RECIRC button will close the
air inlet door. If the system is in auto recirc (indica-
tor being displayed automatically), pressing the man-
ual recirc button will disable the auto recirc function
until one of the auto keys are pressed or the ignition
is cycled. If Auto HI/LO is pressed while manual
recirc is active, manual recirc will be deactivated.
²REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER± Pushing the
button sends a PCI bus message to the Intelligent
Power Module which controls the Rear Window
Defogger and side view mirror (if equipped) circuitry.
The defogger function will be active for 10 minutes
and can be turned off by a switch press. The defogger
will function while the control is in the ON mode.
²FAN/MODE± The Fan and Mode knobs have
17 manual selectable positions. Manually changing
either of the rotary knobs for mode or fan speed set-
tings makes control of that function alone manual for
as long as the ignition is on. If only one is changed
manually, the other remains under automatic control.
Pressing the HI-AUTO/LO-AUTO rocker switch
restores full automatic control.
²REAR CONTROL± When the Rear System
control knob is moved to the OFF position, there will
be a delay of approximately 1 second before the sys-
tem actually turns off. This delay is to prevent an
undesired blower dropout if the knob is moved
through OFF to the other selections.
²BLOWER DELAY TIMER± The word DELAY
is displayed at start-up to signify that the system is
waiting so that cold air will not be blowing. This tells
the operator that it is unnecessary to turn the sys-tem off, raise the temperature setting or turn the fan
speed setting down to prevent cold air from blowing.
A countdown in minutes and seconds until the engine
is warm enough to begin delivering heat to the pas-
sengers alternates with the DELAY message at 25
second intervals. This countdown is based on actual
measurement of the rate of engine coolant tempera-
ture change. During the delay time, Defrost mode is
selected and the fan operates at a low speed to keep
the windshield fog free.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
Primary control of the rear compartment unit is in
the instrument panel center stack. The rear unit con-
trol knob there allows the driver to turn the rear
unit off, allow control by the intermediate seat occu-
pants by switching to the REAR position, or provide
fully automatic control based on the temperature set-
ting shown on the front control display.
²REAR CONTROL± Selecting automatic control
of the rear unit at the instrument panel, illuminates
a Locked Padlock in the rear control panel display.
Selecting REAR activates the rear control panel and
the Padlock then appears unlocked.
²FAN KNOB± The rear fan control has Off and
AUTO positions and a range of manual speed set-
tings that override the AUTO setting.
²MODE KNOB± The mode control allows inter-
mediate seat occupants to manually override the
automatic mode and select any balance of air flow
between overhead and floor outlets from full over-
head to full floor.
²SET TEMP± The rear set temp control will
operate identical to the front controls. If the front
control rear set temp button is pressed simulta-
neously with the rear control head, then the front
control head press events shall have priority, i.e. if
the front user presses Rear Set Temp down and the
rear user presses Set Temp up, then the rear set
temp will decrease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COOL DOWN
TEST
The heater-A/C control module can perform an A/C
cool down test, which is a test performed during the
manufacturing process to confirm that the air condi-
tioning system is performing satisfactorily. This test
can also provide a quick confirmation of air condi-
tioning system performance to the service technician.
If the test is completed satisfactorily, no further ser-
vice is required. If the test is failed, proceed to the
A/C Performance Test to confirm the a/c system is
operating properly, or use a DRBIIItscan tool to
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(9) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the filter-drier outlet port.
(10) Remove the nut that secures the suction line
and liquid line fittings to the stud on the expansion
valve.
(11) Disconnect the suction line and liquid line fit-
tings from the expansion valve and move the lines
out of the way.
(12) Remove the seals from the suction line and
liquid line fittings and discard.
(13) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and liquid line fittings and both expansion
valve ports.
(14) Remove the two screws that secure the expan-
sion valve to the evaporator tube tapping plate.
(15) Disconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor from the sen-
sor on the top of the expansion valve.
(16) Remove the expansion valve from the evapo-
rator inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(17) Remove the seals from the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube fittings and discard.
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened evap-
orator inlet and outlet tube fittings and both expan-
sion valve ports.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from the evaporator
inlet and outlet tube fittings and both ports on the
back of the expansion valve.
(2) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the evaporator
inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(3) Position the expansion valve onto the evapora-
tor inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping
plate plate. Tighten the screws to 11 N´m (97 in.
lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle on the top of the expansion
valve.
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the front liquid
line rear section and suction line fittings for the
expansion valve and both ports on the front of the
expansion valve.
(7) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the front liquid
line rear section and suction line fittings for the
expansion valve.
(8) Reconnect the liquid line and suction line fit-
tings to the expansion valve.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line and liquid line fittings to the stud on theexpansion valve. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft.
lbs.).
(10) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section fitting for the filter-drier and the filter-
drier outlet port.
(11) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(12) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the filter-
drier outlet port on the top of the filter-drier.
(13) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
liquid line fitting to the filter-drier. Tighten the screw
to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(14) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer to the
transducer on the front liquid line rear section.
(15) Reconnect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(16) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(17) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(18) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(19) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the distribution hous-
ing of the heater-A/C unit, under the instrument
panel. It is a heat exchanger made of rows of tubes
and fins. One end of the core is fitted with a molded
plastic tank that includes integral heater core inlet
and outlet ports. The removable heater core tubes
are held in place these ports by a sealing plate
secured with a screw to the heater core tank. This
removable heater core tube arrangement allows the
heater core to be serviced without removing the heat-
er-A/C unit housing from the vehicle. The heater core
cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must
be replaced.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through heater hoses
to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows
through the heater core, heat removed from the
engine is transferred to the heater core fins and
tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks up
the heat from the heater core fins. The blend air door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by controlling how much of the air flowing through
24 - 74 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
EXPANSION VALVE (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from the evaporator
tube fittings and both expansion valve ports.
(2) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the evaporator
tube fittings.
(3) Position the expansion valve onto the evapora-
tor tubes.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the expansion valve to the evaporator tube sealing
plate. Tighten the screws to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the rear evaporator line extension
onto the expansion valve. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - REAR/EVAPO-
RATOR - INSTALLATION - EVAPORATOR LINE
EXTENSION).
(6) Install the foam insulator wrap over the rear
expansion valve.
(7) Reinstall the rear heater-A/C unit housing into
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/REAR HEATER-
A/C HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
(8) Run the HVAC Cooldown Test to verify proper
operation.
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The rear heater core is located near the front of
the rear heater-A/C unit housing, behind the right
rear wheel house. It is a heat exchanger made of
rows of tubes and fins. One end of the core is fitted
with a molded plastic tank that includes integral
heater core inlet and outlet nipples. The heater core
can be serviced without removing the rear heater-A/C
unit housing from the vehicle. The heater core cannot
be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through heater hoses
to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows
through the heater core, heat removed from the
engine is transferred to the heater core fins and
tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks up
the heat from the heater core fins. The blend air door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by controlling how much of the air flowing through
the rear heater-A/C unit housing is directed through
the heater core.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER CORE
FILLING
In its final installed position, the rear heater core
is positioned higher than the radiator fill cap. There-fore, when the cooling system is drained and refilled,
gravity will not refill the heater core with coolant to
the proper level. This may result in two problems:1.
Insufficient coolant level in the engine cooling sys-
tem, which may result in engine overheating.2.Air
entrapped within the rear heater core, which may
result in insufficient rear heater performance. There
are two methods that may be employed to prevent
these problems:1.Pre-filling of the rear heater core.
2.Thermal cycling of the engine cooling system. Fol-
lowing are descriptions of both prevention methods,
as well as a method to verify rear heater perfor-
mance.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
PRE-FILLING
If the rear heater core or the rear heater-A/C hous-
ing have been removed from the vehicle for service,
the rear heater core may be pre-filled with the proper
engine coolant mixture prior to reconnecting the
heater hoses to the heater core hose fittings.
(1) The heater core should be installed in the rear
heater-A/C unit housing, and the rear heater-A/C
unit housing should be installed in the vehicle.
(2) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the rear heater core from spilled engine
coolant and have absorbent toweling readily avail-
able to mop up any spills.
(3) Insert the small end of an appropriate funnel
into the upper hose fitting of the heater core (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 Pre-Filling Heater Core - Typical
1 - REAR HEATER CORE
24 - 98 PLUMBING - REARRS
EXPANSION VALVE (Continued)
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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

ªBig Slopeº. The PCM checks the oxygen sensor volt-
age in increments of a few milliseconds.
Reduced Output Voltage (Half Cycle)ÐThe
output voltage of the O2S ranges from 0 to 1 volt
(voltages are offset by 2.5 volts on NGC vehicles). A
good sensor can easily generate any output voltage in
this range as it is exposed to different concentrations
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. Each
time the voltage signal surpasses the threshold, a
counter is incremented by one. This is called the Half
Cycle Counter.
Heater PerformanceÐThe heater is tested by a
separate monitor. Refer to the Oxygen Sensor Heater
Monitor.
OPERATIONÐAs the Oxygen Sensor signal
switches, the PCM monitors the half cycle and big
slope signals from the oxygen sensor. If during the
test neither counter reaches a predetermined value, a
malfunction is entered and Freeze Frame data is
stored. Only one counter reaching its predetermined
value is needed for the monitor to pass.
The Oxygen Sensor Monitor is a two trip monitor
that is tested only once per trip. When the Oxygen
Sensor fails the test in two consecutive trips, the
MIL is illuminated and a DTC is set. The MIL is
extinguished when the Oxygen Sensor monitor
passes in three consecutive trips. The DTC is erased
from memory after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles
without test failure.
Enabling ConditionsÐThe following conditions
must typically be met for the PCM to run the oxygen
sensor monitor:
²Battery voltage
²Engine temperature
²Engine run time
²Engine run time at a predetermined speed
²Engine run time at a predetermined speed and
throttle opening
²Transmission in gear and brake depressed (auto-
matic only)
²Fuel system in Closed Loop
²Long Term Adaptive (within parameters)
²Power Steering Switch in low PSI (no load)
²Engine at idle
²Fuel level above 15%
²Ambient air temperature
²Barometric pressure
²Engine RPM within acceptable range of desired
idle
Pending ConditionsÐThe Task Manager typi-
cally does not run the Oxygen Sensor Monitor if over-
lapping monitors are running or the MIL is
illuminated for any of the following:²Misfire Monitor
²Front Oxygen Sensor and Heater Monitor
²MAP Sensor
²Vehicle Speed Sensor
²Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
²Throttle Position Sensor
²Engine Controller Self Test Faults
²Cam or Crank Sensor
²Injector and Coil
²Idle Air Control Motor
²EVAP Electrical
²EGR Solenoid Electrical (if equipped)
²Intake/inlet Air Temperature
²5 Volt Feed
ConflictÐThe Task Manager does not run the
Oxygen Sensor Monitor if any of the following condi-
tions are present:
²A/C ON (A/C clutch cycling temporarily sus-
pends monitor)
²Purge flow in progress
²Ethanol content learn is taking place and the
ethanol used once flag is set (if equipped)
SuspendÐThe Task Manager suspends maturing
a fault for the Oxygen Sensor Monitor if any of the
following are present:
²Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor, Priority 1
²Misfire Monitor, Priority 2
OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR
DESCRIPTIONÐIf there is an oxygen sensor
(O2S) DTC as well as a O2S heater DTC, the O2S
fault MUST be repaired first. After the O2S fault is
repaired, verify that the heater circuit is operating
correctly.
The voltage readings taken from the O2S are very
temperature sensitive. The readings are not accurate
below a sensor temperature of 300ÉC. Heating of the
O2S is done to allow the engine controller to shift to
closed loop control as soon as possible. The heating
element used to heat the O2S must be tested to
ensure that it is heating the sensor properly.
The heater element itself is not tested. The sensor
output is used to test the heater by isolating the
effect of the heater element on the O2S output volt-
age from the other effects. The resistance is normally
between 100 ohms and 4.5 megaohms. When oxygen
sensor temperature increases, the resistance in the
internal circuit decreases. The PCM sends a 5 volts
biased signal through the oxygen sensors to ground
this monitoring circuit. As the temperature increases,
resistance decreases and the PCM detects a lower
voltage at the reference signal. Inversely, as the tem-
perature decreases, the resistance increases and the
PCM detects a higher voltage at the reference signal.
The O2S circuit is monitored for a drop in voltage.
RSEMISSIONS CONTROL25-3
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)
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chemical reaction takes place. This means the con-
centration of oxygen will be the same downstream as
upstream. The output voltage of the downstream
O2S copies the voltage of the upstream sensor. The
only difference is a time lag (seen by the PCM)
between the switching of the O2S's.
To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich
switches of upstream and downstream O2S's is
counted. The ratio of downstream switches to
upstream switches is used to determine whether the
catalyst is operating properly. An effective catalyst
will have fewer downstream switches than it has
upstream switches i.e., a ratio closer to zero. For a
totally ineffective catalyst, this ratio will be one-to-
one, indicating that no oxidation occurs in the device.
The system must be monitored so that when cata-
lyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions
increase to over the legal limit, the MIL (Check
Engine lamp) will be illuminated.
NATURAL VACUUM LEAK DETECTION (NVLD) (if equipped)
The Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) sys-
tem is the next generation evaporative leak detection
system that will first be used on vehicles equipped
with the Next Generation Controller (NGC). This
new system replaces the leak detection pump as the
method of evaporative system leak detection. This is
to detect a leak equivalent to a 0.0209(0.5 mm) hole.
This system has the capability to detect holes of this
size very dependably.
The basic leak detection theory employed with
NVLD is the9Gas Law9. This is to say that the pres-
sure in a sealed vessel will change if the temperature
of the gas in the vessel changes. The vessel will only
see this effect if it is indeed sealed. Even small leaks
will allow the pressure in the vessel to come to equi-
librium with the ambient pressure. In addition to the
detection of very small leaks, this system has the
capability of detecting medium as well as large evap-
orative system leaks.
The NVLD seals the canister vent during engine off
conditions. If the EVAP system has a leak of less than
the failure threshold, the evaporative system will be
pulled into a vacuum, either due to the cool down
from operating temperature or diurnal ambient tem-
perature cycling. The diurnal effect is considered one
of the primary contributors to the leak determination
by this diagnostic. When the vacuum in the system
exceeds about 19H2O (0.25 KPA), a vacuum switch
closes. The switch closure sends a signal to the NGC.
The NGC, via appropriate logic strategies (described
below), utilizes the switch signal, or lack thereof, to
make a determination of whether a leak is present.
The NVLD device is designed with a normally open
vacuum switch, a normally closed solenoid, and a
seal, which is actuated by both the solenoid and a
diaphragm. The NVLD is located on the atmosphericvent side of the canister. The NVLD assembly may
be mounted on top of the canister outlet, or in-line
between the canister and atmospheric vent filter. The
normally open vacuum switch will close with about 19
H2O (0.25 KPA) vacuum in the evaporative system.
The diaphragm actuates the switch. This is above the
opening point of the fuel inlet check valve in the fill
tube so cap off leaks can be detected. Submerged fill
systems must have recirculation lines that do not
have the in-line normally closed check valve that pro-
tects the system from failed nozzle liquid ingestion,
in order to detect cap off conditions.
The normally closed valve in the NVLD is intended
to maintain the seal on the evaporative system dur-
ing the engine off condition. If vacuum in the evapo-
rative system exceeds 39to 69H2O (0.75 to 1.5 KPA),
the valve will be pulled off the seat, opening the seal.
This will protect the system from excessive vacuum
as well as allowing sufficient purge flow in the event
that the solenoid was to become inoperative.
The solenoid actuates the valve to unseal the can-
ister vent while the engine is running. It also will be
used to close the vent during the medium and large
leak tests and during the purge flow check. This sole-
noid requires initial 1.5 amps of current to pull the
valve open but after 100 ms. will be duty cycled down
to an average of about 150 mA for the remainder of
the drive cycle.
Another feature in the device is a diaphragm that
will open the seal in the NVLD with pressure in the
evaporative system. The device will9blow off9at
about 0.59H2O (0.12 KPA) pressure to permit the
venting of vapors during refueling. An added benefit
to this is that it will also allow the tank to9breathe9
during increasing temperatures, thus limiting the
pressure in the tank to this low level. This is benefi-
cial because the induced vacuum during a subse-
quent declining temperature will achieve the switch
closed (pass threshold) sooner than if the tank had to
decay from a built up pressure.
The device itself has 3 wires: Switch sense, sole-
noid driver and ground. It also includes a resistor to
protect the switch from a short to battery or a short
to ground. The NGC utilizes a high-side driver to
energize and duty-cycle the solenoid.
DESCRIPTION - HIGH AND LOW LIMITS
The PCM compares input signal voltages from each
input device with established high and low limits for
the device. If the input voltage is not within limits
and other criteria are met, the PCM stores a diagnos-
tic trouble code in memory. Other diagnostic trouble
code criteria might include engine RPM limits or
input voltages from other sensors or switches that
must be present before verifying a diagnostic trouble
code condition.
25 - 8 EMISSIONS CONTROLRS
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)
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