2003 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY Emissions system

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 (572 É 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. This main-
tains a 14.7 to 1 Air Fuel (A/F) ratio. At this mixture
ratio, the catalyst works best to remove hydrocarbons
(HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide
(NOx) from the exhaust.
The voltage readings taken from the O2S are very
temperature sensitive. The readings are not accurate
below 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 O2S circuit is monitored for a drop in voltage.
The sensor output is used to test the heater by iso-
lating the effect of the heater element on the O2S
output voltage from the other effects.
EGR MONITOR (if equipped)
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) performs
an on-board diagnostic check of the EGR system.
The EGR monitor is used to test whether the EGR
system is operating within specifications. The diag-
nostic check activates only during selected engine/
driving conditions. When the conditions are met, the
EGR is turned off (solenoid energized) and the O2S
compensation control is monitored. Turning off the
EGR shifts the air fuel (A/F) ratio in the lean direc-
tion. The O2S data should indicate an increase in the
O2 concentration in the combustion chamber when
the exhaust gases are no longer recirculated. While
this test does not directly measure the operation of
the EGR system, it can be inferred from the shift in
the O2S data whether the EGR system is operating
correctly. Because the O2S is being used, the O2S
test must pass its test before the EGR test. Also
looks at EGR linear potentiometer for feedback.
MISFIRE MONITOR
Excessive engine misfire results in increased cata-
lyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emis-
sions. Severe misfires could cause catalyst damage.
To prevent catalytic convertor damage, the PCM
monitors engine misfire.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
for misfire during most engine operating conditions
(positive torque) by looking at changes in the crank-
shaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speed of the
crankshaft will vary more than normal.FUEL SYSTEM MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best
when the air fuel (A/F) ratio is at or near the opti-
mum of 14.7 to 1.
The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum
air/fuel ratio. This is done by making short term cor-
rections in the fuel injector pulse width based on the
O2S output. The programmed memory acts as a self
calibration tool that the engine controller uses to
compensate for variations in engine specifications,
sensor tolerances and engine fatigue over the life
span of the engine. By monitoring the actual air-fuel
ratio with the O2S (short term) and multiplying that
with the program long-term (adaptive) memory and
comparing that to the limit, it can be determined
whether it will pass an emissions test. If a malfunc-
tion occurs such that the PCM cannot maintain the
optimum A/F ratio, then the MIL will be illuminated.
CATALYST MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a
catalyst to decay. A meltdown of the ceramic core can
cause a reduction of the exhaust passage. This can
increase vehicle emissions and deteriorate engine
performance, driveability and fuel economy.
The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors
(O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The
dual O2S's strategy is based on the fact that as a cat-
alyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its
efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring the oxy-
gen storage capacity of a catalyst, its efficiency can
be indirectly calculated. The upstream O2S is used to
detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas
before the gas enters the catalytic converter. The
PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of
the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content
(lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content
of oxygen (rich mixture).
When the upstream O2S detects a lean condition,
there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas.
A functioning converter would store this oxygen so it
can use it for the oxidation of HC and CO. As the
converter absorbs the oxygen, there will be a lack of
oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of
the downstream O2S will indicate limited activity in
this condition.
As the converter loses the ability to store oxygen,
the condition can be detected from the behavior of
the downstream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no
RSEMISSIONS CONTROL25-7
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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OPERATION
OPERATION - SYSTEM
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
many different circuits in the fuel injection, ignition,
emission and engine systems. If the PCM senses a
problem with a monitored circuit often enough to
indicate an actual problem, it stores a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM's memory. If the
code applies to a non-emissions related component or
system, and the problem is repaired or ceases to
exist, the PCM cancels the code after 40 warmup
cycles. Diagnostic trouble codes that affect vehicle
emissions illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL). Refer to Malfunction Indicator Lamp in this
section.
Certain criteria must be met before the PCM
stores a DTC in memory. The criteria may be a spe-
cific range of engine RPM, engine temperature,
and/or input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM might not store a DTC for a monitored
circuit even though a malfunction has occurred. This
may happen because one of the DTC criteria for the
circuit has not been met.For example, assume the
diagnostic trouble code criteria requires the PCM to
monitor the circuit only when the engine operates
between 750 and 2000 RPM. Suppose the sensor's
output circuit shorts to ground when engine operates
above 2400 RPM (resulting in 0 volt input to the
PCM). Because the condition happens at an engine
speed above the maximum threshold (2000 rpm), the
PCM will not store a DTC.
There are several operating conditions for which
the PCM monitors and sets DTC's. Refer to Moni-
tored Systems, Components, and Non-Monitored Cir-
cuits in this section.
NOTE: Various diagnostic procedures may actually
cause a diagnostic monitor to set a DTC. For
instance, pulling a spark plug wire to perform a
spark test may set the misfire code. When a repair
is completed and verified, use the DRBIIITscan tool
to erase all DTC's and extinguish the MIL.Technicians can display stored DTC's. Refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/POWER-
TRAIN CONTROL MODULE - DESCRIPTION). For
obtaining the DTC information, use the Data Link
Connector with the DRBIIItscan tool (Fig. 1).
DRB IIITSTATE DISPLAY TEST MODE
OPERATION
The switch inputs to the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM) have two recognized states; HIGH and
LOW. For this reason, the PCM cannot recognize the
difference between a selected switch position versus
an open circuit, a short circuit, or a defective switch.
If the State Display screen shows the change from
HIGH to LOW or LOW to HIGH, assume the entire
switch circuit to the PCM functions properly. From
the state display screen, access either State Display
Inputs and Outputs or State Display Sensors.
Fig. 1 Data Link Connector
RSEMISSIONS CONTROL25-9
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)
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EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
OPERATION - EVAPORATION CONTROL
SYSTEM............................10
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................11
EVAP/PURGE SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
FUEL FILLER CAP
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
NATURAL VAC LEAK DETECTION ASSY
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13ORVR
OPERATION...........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE DOES
NOT FILL............................16
P C V VA LV E
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PCV SYSTEM . . . 17
VAPOR CANISTER
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................18
REMOVAL - WITH NVLD................19
REMOVAL - REAR EVAP CANISTER.......19
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................19
INSTALLATION - WITH NVLD............20
INSTALLATION - REAR EVAP CANISTER . . . 20
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
OPERATION - EVAPORATION CONTROL
SYSTEM
The evaporation control system prevents the emis-
sion of fuel tank vapors into the atmosphere. When
fuel evaporates in the fuel tank, the vapors pass
through vent hoses or tubes to an activated carbon
filled evaporative canister. The canister temporarily
holds the vapors. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) allows intake manifold vacuum to draw
vapors into the combustion chambers during certain
operating conditions (Fig. 1).All engines use a proportional purge solenoid sys-
tem. The PCM controls vapor flow by operating the
purge solenoid. Refer to Proportional Purge Solenoid
in this section.
NOTE: The evaporative system uses specially man-
ufactured hoses. If they need replacement, only use
fuel resistant hose. Also the hoses must be able to
pass an Ozone compliance test.
NOTE: For more information on Onboard Refueling
Vapor Recovery (ORVR), refer to the Fuel Delivery
section.
25 - 10 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSRS
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SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
PCV VAlve 3.3/3.8L 6.3 55
Fig. 1 ORVR System Schematic
1 - FUEL TANK (PLASTIC)
2 - FUEL FILLER TUBE
3 - FUEL CAP (PRESSURE/RELIEF)
4 - FILL TUBE TO FUEL TANK CONNECTOR (ELASTOMERIC)
5 - TANK VENT/ROLLOVER VALVE(S)
6 - VAPOR RECIRCULATION LINE
7 - TANK VAPOR LINE
8 - VAPOR LINE TO CANISTER
9 - CHECK VALVE (N/C)
10 - CONTROL VALVE
11 - NATURAL VACUUM LEAD DETECTION (NVLD)12 - LIQUID SEPARATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
13 - ENGINE WIRING HARNESS TO NVLD
14 - VAPOR CANISTER
15 - PURGE LINE
16 - PURGE DEVICE
17 - WITHOUT NVLD
18 - BREATHER ELEMENT
19 - FLOW CONTROL ORIFICE
20 - SERVICE PORT
21 - WITH NVLD
RSEVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS25-11
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS (Continued)
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EVAP/PURGE SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles use a proportional purge solenoid (Fig.
2). The solenoid regulates the rate of vapor flow from
the EVAP canister to the throttle body. The PCM
operates the solenoid.
OPERATION
During the cold start warm-up period and the hot
start time delay, the PCM does not energize the sole-
noid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged.
The proportional purge solenoid operates at a fre-
quency of 200 hz and is controlled by an engine con-
troller circuit that senses the current being applied
to the proportional purge solenoid and then adjusts
that current to achieve the desired purge flow. The
proportional purge solenoid controls the purge rate of
fuel vapors from the vapor canister and fuel tank to
the engine intake manifold.
REMOVAL
The solenoid attaches to a bracket near the radia-
tor on the passenger side of vehicle (Fig. 3). The sole-
noid will not operate unless it is installed correctly.
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from solenoid.
(2) Disconnect vacuum tubes from solenoid.
(3) Remove solenoid from bracket.
INSTALLATION
The solenoid attaches to a bracket near the radia-
tor on the passenger side of vehicle. The solenoid will
not operate unless it is installed correctly.The top of the solenoid has TOP printed on it. The
solenoid will not operate unless it is installed cor-
rectly.
(1) Install solenoid on bracket.
(2) Connect vacuum tube to solenoid.
(3) Connect electrical connector to solenoid.
FUEL FILLER CAP
DESCRIPTION
The plastic fuel fill cap is threaded/quarter turn
onto the end of the fuel filler tube. It's purpose is to
retain vapors and fuel in the fuel tank.
OPERATION
The fuel filler cap incorporates a two-way relief
valve that is closed to atmosphere during normal
operating conditions. The relief valve is calibrated to
open when a pressure of 17 kPa (2.5 psi) or vacuum
of 2 kPa (0.6 in. Hg) occurs in the fuel tank. When
the pressure or vacuum is relieved, the valve returns
to the normally closed position.
CAUTION: Remove the fuel filler cap to release fuel
tank pressure before disconnecting any fuel system
component.
Fig. 2 Proportional Purge Solenoid
Fig. 3 EVAP PURGE SOLENOID
1 - EVAP Purge Solenoid
2 - EGR VAlve
3 - Generator
25 - 12 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSRS
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ORVR
OPERATION
The emission control principle used in the ORVR
system is that the fuel flowing into the filler tube
(appx. 1º I.D.) creates an aspiration effect which
draws air into the fill tube (Fig. 9). During refueling,
the fuel tank is vented to the vapor canister to cap-
ture escaping vapors. With air flowing into the filler
tube, there are no fuel vapors escaping to the atmo-
sphere. Once the refueling vapors are captured by
the canister, the vehicle's computer controlled purge
system draws vapor out of the canister for the engine
to burn. The vapors flow is metered by the purge
solenoid so that there is no or minimal impact on
driveability or tailpipe emissions.
As fuel starts to flow through the fill tube, it opens
the normally closed check valve and enters the fuel
tank. Vapor or air is expelled from the tank through
the control valve to the vapor canister. Vapor is
absorbed in the canister until vapor flow in the lines
stops, either following shut-off or by having the fuel
level in the tank rise high enough to close the control
valve. The control valve(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL TANK - OPERATION)
contains a float that rises to seal the large diameter
vent path to the canister. At this point in the fueling
of the vehicle, the tank pressure increases, the check
valve closes (preventing tank fuel from spitting back
at the operator), and fuel then rises up the filler tube
to shut-off the dispensing nozzle.
If the engine is shut-off while the On-Board diag-
nostics test is running, low level tank pressure can
be trapped in the fuel tank and fuel can not be added
to the tank until the pressure is relieved. This is due
to the leak detection pump closing the vapor outlet
from the top of the tank and the one-way check valve
not allowing the tank to vent through the fill tube to
atmosphere. Therefore, when fuel is added, it will
back-up in the fill tube and shut off the dispensing
nozzle. The pressure can be eliminated in two ways:
1. Vehicle purge must be activated and for a long
enough period to eliminate the pressure. 2. Removing
the fuel cap and allowing enough time for the system
to vent thru the recirulation tube.
Fig. 7 LDP LOCATION
Fig. 8 LDP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
25 - 14 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSRS
LEAK DETECTION PUMP (Continued)
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Fig. 9 ORVR System Schematic
1 - FUEL TANK (PLASTIC)
2 - FUEL FILLER TUBE
3 - FUEL CAP (PRESSURE/RELIEF)
4 - FILL TUBE TO FUEL TANK CONNECTOR (ELASTOMERIC)
5 - TANK VENT/ROLLOVER VALVE(S)
6 - VAPOR RECIRCULATION LINE
7 - TANK VAPOR LINE
8 - VAPOR LINE TO CANISTER
9 - CHECK VALVE (N/C)
10 - CONTROL VALVE
11 - NATURAL VACUUM LEAD DETECTION (NVLD)12 - LIQUID SEPARATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
13 - ENGINE WIRING HARNESS TO NVLD
14 - VAPOR CANISTER
15 - PURGE LINE
16 - PURGE DEVICE
17 - WITHOUT NVLD
18 - BREATHER ELEMENT
19 - FLOW CONTROL ORIFICE
20 - SERVICE PORT
21 - WITH NVLD
RSEVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS25-15
ORVR (Continued)
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