IGNITION CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM..........1
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM...........1
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................2
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE........2
SPARK PLUG.........................2
FIRING ORDER........................3
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................4
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................5
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................5
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................6
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................7REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L....................7
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................7
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L.................7
KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L.......................8
REMOVAL - 3.8L.......................8
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L...................8
INSTALLATION - 3.8L...................9
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 4 CYLINDER . . . 9
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM PLUGS........9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
SPARK PLUG CABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
REMOVAL - 2.0/2.4L.....................10
INSTALLATION - 2.0/2.4L.................10
IGNITION CONTROL
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION SYSTEM
NOTE: All engines use a fixed ignition timing sys-
tem. Basic ignition timing is not adjustable. All
spark advance is determined by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).
The distributorless ignition system used on these
engines is referred to as the Direct Ignition System
(DIS). The system's three main components are the
coils, crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft posi-
tion sensor. If equipped with the coil on plug ignition
system it utilizes an ignition coil for every cylinder, it
is mounted directly over the each spark plug.
OPERATION - IGNITION SYSTEM
The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft posi-
tion sensor are hall effect devices. The camshaft posi-
tion sensor and crankshaft position sensor generate
pulses that are inputs to the PCM. The PCM deter-
mines engine position from these sensors. The PCM
calculates injector sequence and ignition timing from
crankshaft & camshaft position. For a description of
both sensors, refer to Camshaft Position Sensor and
Crankshaft Position Sensor.
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-1
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SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
2.4L Target Magnet Screw 3 30
2.4L Camshaft Sensor
Screw12.9 115
3.3/3.8L Camshaft Sensor
Screw14.1 125
2.4L Ignition coil bolts 11.8 105
3.3/3.8LIgnition coil bolts 11.8 105
Spark Plugs 17.5 13
Knock Sensor 10 7
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCE
2.4L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
1, 2, 3, & 4 10.8K ohms
3.3/3.8L
CABLE Maximum Resistance
#1 22.5K ohms
#2 22.8K ohms
#3 19.3K ohms
#4 19.3K ohms
#5 13.6K ohms
#6 16.4K ohms
SPARK PLUG
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
2.4L RE14MCC5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
Engine Spark Plug Gap Thread Size
3.3L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in.) reach
3.8L RE14PLP5 0.048 TO 0.053 14mm (1 in. ) reach
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLRS
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
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FIRING ORDER
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). For the location of the relay within the
PDC, refer to the PDC cover for location. Check elec-
trical terminals for corrosion and repair as necessary
OPERATION
The ASD sense circuit (SBEC vehicles) or the
engine switched battery (NGC vehicles) informs the
PCM when the ASD relay energizes. A 12 volt signal
at this input indicates to the PCM that the ASD has
been activated. This input is also used to power cer-
tain drivers on NGC vehicles.
When energized, the ASD relay on SBEC vehicles
supplies battery voltage to the fuel injectors, ignition
coils and the heating element in each oxygen sensor.
When energized, the ASD relay on NGC vehicles
provides power to operate the injectors, ignition coil,
generator field, O2 sensor heaters (both upstream
and downstream), evaporative purge solenoid, EGR
solenoid (if equipped) wastegate solenoid (if
equipped), and NVLD solenoid (if equipped).
For both SBEC and NGC vehicles, the ASD relay
also provides a sense circuit to the PCM for diagnos-
tic purposes. If the PCM does not receive 12 volts
from this input after grounding the control side of
the ASD relay, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC). The PCM energizes the ASD any time there is
an engine speed that exceeds a predetermined value
(typically about 50 rpm). The ASD relay can also be
energized after the engine has been turned off to per-
form an O2 sensor heater test, if vehicle is equipped
with OBD II diagnostics.
As mentioned earlier, the PCM energizes the ASD
relay during an O2 sensor heater test. This test is
performed only after the engine has been shut off for
SBEC vehicles. On NGC vehicles it checks the O2
heater upon vehicle start. The PCM still operates
internally to perform several checks, including moni-
toring the O2 sensor heaters.
CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The camshaft position sensor for the 3.3/3.8L is
mounted in the front of the timing case cover (Fig. 6)
and the camshaft position sensor for the 2.4L is
mounted on the end of the cylinder head (Fig. 3).
OPERATION
The camshaft position sensor provides cylinder
identification to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) (Fig. 1). The sensor generates pulses as
groups of notches on the camshaft sprocket pass
underneath it (Fig. 2). The PCM keeps track of
crankshaft rotation and identifies each cylinder by
the pulses generated by the notches on the camshaft
sprocket. Four crankshaft pulses follow each group of
camshaft pulses.
FIRING ORDER 2.4L
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6 3.3/3.8L
1 - Electrical Connector
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-3
IGNITION CONTROL (Continued)
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(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 3 N´m (30 in. lbs.) torque.
Over torqueing could cause cracks in magnet. If mag-
net cracks replace it.
(2) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 12.9 N´m (115 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Carefully attach electrical connector to cam-
shaft position sensor.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L
If the removed sensor is reinstalled, clean off
the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW
SPACER must be attached to the face before
installation.Inspect O-ring for damage, replace if
necessary. If the sensor is being replaced, confirm
that the paper spacer is attached to the face and
O-ring is positioned in groove of the new sensor (Fig.
8).
(1) Apply a couple drops of clean engine oil to the
O-ring prior to installation.
(2) Install sensor in the chain case cover and
rotate into position.
(3) Push sensor down until contact is made with
the camshaft gear. While holding the sensor in this
position, install and tighten the retaining bolt 14
N´m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect camshaft position sensor electrical
connector to harness connector.
(5) Install the air box cover and inlet hose (Fig. 5).
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
IGNITION COIL
DESCRIPTION
The ignition coil assembly consists of 2 or 3 inde-
pendent coils molded together (Fig. 9) or (Fig. 10).
The coil assembly for the 3.3/3.8L is mounted on the
intake manifold. The coil assembly for the 2.4L is
mounted on the cylinder head cover. Spark plug
cables route to each cylinder from the coil.
OPERATION
The coil fires two spark plugs every power stroke.
One plug is the cylinder under compression, the
other cylinder fires on the exhaust stroke. The Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) determines which of
the coils to charge and fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the magnetic energy in
the coil transfers to the secondary causing the spark.
The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does
not receive the crankshaft position sensor and cam-
shaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shutdown
(ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for relay
operation.
Fig. 8 Camshaft Position Sensor and Spacer
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - O-RING
3 - PAPER SPACER
Fig. 9 IGNITION COIL - 2.4L
8I - 6 IGNITION CONTROLRS
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (Continued)
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KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block.
The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibra-
tion that is caused by detonation.
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 constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's 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.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
REMOVAL - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles remove the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit), refer to the Transmission sec-
tion for more information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(5) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensor.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
Fig. 12 Knock Sensor
1 - GENERATOR
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - KNOCK SENSOR
4-STARTER
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
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INSTALLATION - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles install the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit) for the rear wheels, refer to
the Transmission section for more information.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Connect the negative cable.
SPARK PLUG
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - STANDARD 4 CYLINDER
All engines use resistor spark plugs. They have
resistance values ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt spark plug
tester.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
Refer to the Specifications section for gap and type
of spark plug.
DESCRIPTION - PLATINUM PLUGS
The V6 engines use platinum resistor spark plugs.
They have resistance values of 6,000 to 20,000 ohms
when checked with at least a 1000 volt tester. For
spark plug identification and specifications, Refer to
the Specifications section.
Do not use an ohm meter to check the resis-
tance of the spark plugs. This will give an inac-
curate reading.
When the spark plugs use a single or double plat-
inum tips and they have a recommended service life
of 100,000 miles for normal driving conditions per
schedule A in this manual. The spark plugs have a
recommended service life of 75,000 miles for severe
driving conditions per schedule B in this manual. A
thin platinum pad is welded to both or just the cen-
ter electrode end(s) as shown in (Fig. 13). Extreme
care must be used to prevent spark plug cross
threading, mis-gapping (Fig. 14) and ceramic insula-
tor damage during plug removal and installation.CAUTION: Cleaning of the platinum plug may dam-
age the platinum tip.
Fig. 13 Platinum Pads
1 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND HERE ONLY
2 - PLATINUM SPARK SURFACE
Fig. 14 Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap
1 - TAPER GAUGE
RSIGNITION CONTROL8I-9
KNOCK SENSOR (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
The instrument clusters are equipped with a self
diagnostic test feature to help identify electronic prob-
lems. Prior to any test, perform the Self-Diagnostic
Test. The self diagnostic system displays instrument
cluster stored fault codes in the odometer display,
sweeps the gauges to the calibration points, and bulb
checks the warning indicators. When the key is in the
ON position with the engine not running, the MIL will
remain illuminated for regulatory purposes.
To activate the Self-Diagnostic program:
(1) With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
depress the TRIP ODOMETER RESET button.
(2) Continue to hold the TRIP ODOMETER
RESET button untilSofand a number (software ver-
sion number (i.e.Sof 3.2) appears in the odometer
window then release the button. If a fault code is
present, the cluster will display it in the odometer
display. When all fault codes have been displayed,
the cluster will displayªendºin the odometer dis-
play. Refer to the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC'S
table to determine what each trouble code means.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC'S
DTC DESCRIPTION
100.0 LOOP-BACK FAILURE
100.1 ABS COMMUNICATION FAULT
100.2 BCM COMMUNICATION FAULT
100.3 EATX COMMUNICATION FAULT
100.4 FCM COMMUNICATION FAULT
100.5 ORC COMMUNICATION FAULT
100.6SBEC/DEC/MCM COMMUNICATION
FAULT
200.0 AIRBAG LED SHORT
200.1 AIRBAG LED OPEN
200.2 ABS LED SHORT
200.3 ABS LED OPEN
200.6 EL INVERTER TIME-OUT
200.7 EATX MISMATCH
400.0 EEPROM READ/WRITE FAILURE
400.1IMPROPER POWER DOWN
DETECTED
CALIBRATION TEST
The CLUSTER CALIBRATION table contains the
proper calibration points for each gauge. If the gauge
pointers are not calibrated, a problem exists in the
cluster. If any gauge is out of calibration, replace the
cluster.
CLUSTER CALIBRATION
SPEEDOMETER CALIBRATION POINT
1 0 MPH (0 KM/H)
2 20 MPH (40 KM/H)
3 60 MPH (100 KM/H)
4 100 MPH (160 KM/H)
TACHOMETER
1 0 RPM
2 1000 RPM
3 3000 RPM
4 6000 RPM
FUEL GAUGE
1 EMPTY
2 1/4 FILLED
3 1/2 FILLED
4 FULL
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
1 COLD
2 1/4
3 3/4
4 HOT
ODOMETER SEGMENT TEST
If a segment in the odometer does not illuminate
normally, a problem exists in the display.
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR
SEGMENT TEST
If a segment in the transmission range indicator
does not illuminate normally, a problem exists in the
display.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUSTER
DIAGNOSIS
CONDITIONS
Refer to the following tables for possible problems,
causes, and corrections.
²INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIAGNOSIS
²SPEEDOMETER DIAGNOSIS
²TACHOMETER DIAGNOSIS
²FUEL GAUGE DIAGNOSIS
²TEMPERATURE GAUGE DIAGNOSIS
²ODOMETER DIAGNOSIS
²ELECTRONIC GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAY
DIAGNOSIS
NOTE: Always check the functionality of the cluster
by running the self test prior to troubleshooting.
8J - 2 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERRS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
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MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.....21
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM.......21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-
FUNCTION SWITCH...................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP - EXPORT
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
REAR FOG LAMP - EXPORT
DESCRIPTION.........................22REPEATER LAMP - EXPORT
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
TAIL LAMP
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
TAIL LAMP - EXPORT
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
DESCRIPTION
LAMP SYSTEMS
Lighting circuits are protected by fuses. Lighting
circuits require an overload protected power and high
side drivers source, ON/OFF device, lamps and body
grounds to operate properly. Plastic lamps require a
wire in the harness to supply body ground to the
lamp socket. Replace sockets and bulbs that are cor-
roded.
Some of the interior and exterior lighting functions
are governed by the Body Control Module (BCM).
The headlamp, dome, and the door ajar switches pro-
vide signals to the BCM. The BCM in turn sends a
Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) bus
message to the Front Control Module (FCM) to
enable the necessary drivers to set the required illu-
mination configuration.
Wire connectors can make intermittent contact or
become corroded. Before coupling wire connectors,
inspect the terminals inside the connector. Male ter-
minals should not be bent or disengaged from the
insulator. Female terminals should not be sprung
open or disengaged from the insulator. Bent and
sprung terminals can be repaired using needle nose
pliers and pick tool. Corroded terminals appear
chalky or green. Corroded terminals should be
replaced to avoid recurrence of the problem symp-
toms.
Begin electrical system failure diagnosis by testing
related fuses in the fuse block and intelligent power
module. Verify that bulbs are in good condition and
test continuity of the circuit ground. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP SYSTEM
The Automatic Headlamp system turns the instru-
mentation and exterior illumination lamps ON when
the ambient light levels are Night and the engine
RPM is 450 or above, and OFF when light levels are
Day.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
Operating the high-beam headlamps at reduced
power provides daytime running lamps, which are
required on all new Canadian vehicles.
HEADLAMPS ON WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS
For vehicles equipped with the Automatic Head-
lamp System, the instrumentation and exterior illu-
mination lamps will be turned ON when the
headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, RPM >
450 and the windshield wipers have been in the
intermittent, low or high mode of operation for more
than ten seconds. When the windshield wipers are
turned OFF the Body Control Module will determine
if the instrumentation and exterior illumination
lamps should remain ON base upon the current
ambient light level.
HEADLAMP SYSTEM
The configuration of the headlamp system of head-
lamps, park lamps and fog lamps is determined by
the BCM. The BCM determines the lighting configu-
ration as a result of the inputs from the ignition
switch, headlamp switch and multi-function switch. A
PCI bus is transmitted from the BCM to the FCM to
enable the necessary drivers to set the illumination
configuration. Four wires are connected between the
headlamp switch and the BCM. The first wire con-
tains information regarding the position of the head-
lamp switch (Off, Automatic Headlamps, Automatic
Headlamp switch fog, Park with Fog, Head, or Head
with Fog Lamps). The second wire contains informa-
tion regarding the position of the dimmer switch
8L - 2 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORRS
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