CONVERTER-TORQUE
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter is a hydraulic device that cou-
ples the engine crankshaft to the transmission. The
torque converter consists of an outer shell with an
internal turbine (1), a stator (2), an overrunning clutch,
an impeller (5), and an electronically applied converter
clutch (6). The converterclutch provides reduced
engine speed and greater fuel economy when
engaged. Clutch engagement also provides reduced
transmission fluid temperatures. The torque converter
hub (3) drives the transmission oil (fluid) pump and
contains an o-ring seal (4) to better control oil flow.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that is
not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced
if a transmission failure resulted in large amounts
of metal or fiber contamination in the fluid.
IMPELLER
Impeller
1 - ENGINE FLEXPLATE 4 - ENGINE ROTATION
2 - OIL FLOW FROM IMPELLER SECTION INTO TURBINE
SECTION5 - ENGINE ROTATION
3 - IMPELLER VANES AND COVER ARE INTEGRAL
OPERATION
The application of each driving or holding component is controlled by the valve body based upon the manual lever
position, throttle pressure, and governor pressure. The governor pressure is a variable pressure input to the valve
body and is one of the signals that a shift is necessary. First through fourth gear are obtained by selectively apply-
ing and releasing the different clutches and bands. Engine power is thereby routed to the various planetary gear
assemblies which combine with the overrunning clutch assemblies to generate the different gear ratios. The torque
converter clutch is hydraulically applied and is released when fluid is vented from the hydraulic circuit by the torque
converter control (TCC) solenoid on the valve body. The torque converter clutch is controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). The torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear,and in third gear under various condi-
tions, such as when the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising on a level surface after the vehicle has
warmed up. The torque converter clutch can also be engaged in the MANUAL SECOND gear position if high trans-
mission temperatures are sensed by the PCM. The torque converter clutch will disengage momentarily when an
increase in engine load is sensed by the PCM, such as when the vehicle beginsto go uphill or the throttle pressure
is increased. The torque converter clutch feature increases fuel economyand reduces the transmission fluid tem-
perature.
Since the overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear only and the direct clutch is applied in all ranges except fourth
gear, the transmission operation for park, neutral, and first through third gear will be described first. Once these
powerflows are described, the third to fourth shift sequence will be described.
PARK POWERFLOW
As the engine is running and the crankshaft is rotat-
ing, the flexplate and torque converter, which are also
bolted to it, are all rotating in a clockwise direction as
viewed from the front of the engine. The notched hub
of the torque converter is connected to the oil pump’s
internal gear, supplying the transmission with oil pres-
sure. As the converter turns, it turns the input shaft in
a clockwise direction. As the input shaft is rotating, the
front clutch hub-rear clutch retainer and all their asso-
ciated parts are also rotating, all being directly con-
nected to the input shaft. The power flow from the
engine through the front clutch hub and rear clutch
retainer stops at the rear clutch retainer. Therefore, no
power flow to the output shaft occurs because no
clutches are applied. The only mechanism in use at
this time is the parking sprag (1), which locks the
parking gear (2) on the output shaft (3) to the trans-
mission case.
CONVERTER-TORQUE
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter is a hydraulic device that cou-
ples the engine crankshaft to the transmission. The
torque converter consists of an outer shell with an
internal turbine (1), a stator (4), an overrunning clutch,
an impeller (2), and an electronically applied converter
clutch (6). The converterclutch provides reduced
engine speed and greater fuel economy when
engaged. Clutch engagement also provides reduced
transmission fluid temperatures. The torque converter
hub drives the transmission oil (fluid) pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that is
not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced
if a transmission failure resulted in large amounts
of metal or fiber contamination in the fluid.
The following is a list of the system monitors:
Misfire Monitor
Fuel System Monitor
Oxygen Sensor Monitor
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Catalyst Monitor
Leak Detection Pump Monitor (if equipped)
All these system monitors require two consecutive trips with the malfunction present to set a fault.
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual for diagnostic procedures.
The following is an operation and description of each system monitor:
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 operating temperature
300° to 350°C (572° to 662°F), the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely proportional to the amount of oxy-
gen in the exhaust. The information obtained by the sensor is used to calculate the fuel injector pulse width. This
maintains 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 O2S is also the main sensing element for the Catalyst and Fuel Monitors.
The O2S can fail in any or all of the following manners:
slow response rate
reduced output voltage
dynamic shift
shortedoropencircuits
Response rate is the time required for the sensor to switch from lean to richonce it is exposed to a richer than
optimum A/F mixture or vice versa. As the sensor starts malfunctioning, itcould 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. A good sensor can easilygenerate 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.
OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR
If there is an oxygen sensor (O2S) shorted to voltage DTC, as well as a O2S heater DTC, the O2S fault MUST be
repaired first. Before checking the O2S fault, verify that the heater circuit is operating correctly.
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 operating temperature
300°C to 350°C (572°F to 662°F), the sensor generates a voltage that is inversely proportional to the amount of
oxygen in the exhaust. The information obtained by the sensor is used to calculate the fuel injector pulse width. This
maintains 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 sensor are very temperature sensitive. The readings are not accurate
below 572°F (300°C). Heating of the O2S sensor is done to allow the engine controllertoshifttoclosedloopcontrol
as soon as possible. The heating element used to heat the O2S sensor must be testedtoensurethatitisheating
the sensor properly.
The O2S sensor circuit is monitored for a drop in voltage. The sensor outputis used to test the heater by isolating
the effect of the heater element on the O2S sensor output voltage from the other effects.
LEAK DETECTION PUMP MONITOR (IF EQUIPPED)
The leak detection assembly incorporates two primary functions: it must detect a leak in the evaporative system and
seal the evaporative system so the leak detection test can be run.
The primary components within the assembly are: A three port solenoid thatactivates both of the functions listed
above; a pump which contains a switch, two check valves and a spring/diaphragm, a canister vent valve (CVV) seal
which contains a spring loaded vent seal valve.
Immediately after a cold start, between predetermined temperature thresholds limits, the three port solenoid is briefly
energized. This initializes the pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also closes the vent seal. During non
test conditions the vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm assembly which pushes it open at the full travel
position. The vent seal will remain closed while the pump is cycling due to the reed switch triggering of the three
port solenoid that prevents the diaphragm assembly from reaching full travel. After the brief initialization period, the
solenoid is de-energized allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the pumpcavity, thus permitting the spring to drive
the diaphragm which forces air out of the pump cavity and into the vent system. When the solenoid is energized
and de energized, the cycle is repeated creating flow in typical diaphragmpump fashion. The pump is controlled in
2 modes:
Pump Mode: The pump is cycled at a fixed rate to achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten the overall test
length.
Test Mode: The solenoid is energized with a fixed duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur when the dia-
phragm reaches the Switch closure point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5” H20. The cycle
rate of pump strokes is quite rapid as the system begins to pump up to this pressure. As the pressure increases, the
cycle rate starts to drop off. If there is no leak in the system, the pump would eventually stop pumping at the equal-
ized pressure. If there is a leak, it will continue to pump at a rate representative of the flow characteristic of the size
of the leak. From this information we can determine if the leak is larger than the required detection limit (currently
set at .040” orifice by CARB). If a leak is revealed during the leak test portion of the test, the test is terminated at
the end of the test mode and no further system checks will be performed.
After passing the leak detection phase of the test, system pressure is maintained by turning on the LDP’s solenoid
until the purge system is activated. Purge activation in effect creates a leak. The cycle rate is again interrogated and
when it increases due to the flow through the purge system, the leak check portion of the diagnostic is complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system after completion of the testsequence as the pump diaphragm assem-
bly moves to the full travel position.
Evaporative system functionality will be verified by using the stricter evap purge flow monitor. At an appropriate
warm idle the LDP will be energized to seal the canister vent. The purge flowwill be clocked up from some small
value in an attempt to see a shift in the02 control system. If fuel vapor, indicated by a shift in the 02 control, is
present the test is passed. If not, it is assumed that the purge system is notfunctioning in some respect. The LDP
is again turned off and the test is ended.
MISFIRE MONITOR
Excessive engine misfire results in increased catalyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emissions. 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 crankshaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speedof 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 nitrogen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best when the Air Fuel (A/F)
ratio is at or near the optimum of 14.7 to 1.
The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1. This is done by making short term
corrections in the fuel injector pulse width based on the O2S sensor output. The programmed memory acts as a self
calibration tool that the engine controller uses to compensate for variations in engine specifications, sensor toler-
ances and engine fatigue over the life span of the engine. By monitoring theactual fuel-air ratio with the O2S sen-
sor (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 malfunction occurs such that the PCM cannot main-
tain 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 nitrogen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a catalyst to decay. 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
sensor strategy is based on the fact that as a catalyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its efficiency are
both reduced. By monitoring the oxygen storage capacity of a catalyst, itsefficiency can be indirectly calculated. The
upstream O2S is used to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas beforethe gas enters the catalytic con-
verter. 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 function-
ing converter would store this oxygen so it can use it for the oxidation of HCand 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 down-
stream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no chemical reaction takes place. This means the concentration 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) betweenthe switching of the O2S’s.
To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich switches of upstream anddownstream 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 catalyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions increase to over
the legal limit, the MIL will be illuminated.
TRIP DEFINITION
The term “Trip” has different meanings depending on what the circumstances are. If the MIL (Malfunction Indicator
Lamp) is OFF, a Trip is defined as when the Oxygen Sensor Monitor and the Catalyst Monitor have been completed
in the same drive cycle.
When any Emission DTC is set, the MIL on the dash is turned ON. When the MIL is ON, it takes 3 good trips to turn
the MIL OFF. In this case, it depends on what type of DTC is set to know what a “Trip” is.
For the Fuel Monitor or Mis-Fire Monitor (continuous monitor), the vehicle must be operated in the “Similar Condition
Window” for a specified amount of time to be considered a Good Trip.
If a Non-Continuous OBDII Monitor fails twice in a row and turns ON the MIL, re-running that monitor which previ-
ously failed, on the next start-up and passing the monitor, is considered tobeaGoodTrip.Thesewillincludethe
following:
Oxygen Sensor
Catalyst Monitor
Purge Flow Monitor
Leak Detection Pump Monitor (if equipped)
EGR Monitor (if equipped)
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
If any other Emission DTC is set (not an OBDII Monitor), a Good Trip is considered to be when the Oxygen Sensor
Monitor and Catalyst Monitor have been completed; or 2 Minutes of engine run time if the Oxygen Sensor Monitor
or Catalyst Monitor have been stopped from running.
It can take up to 2 Failures in a row to turn on the MIL. After the MIL is ON, it takes3GoodTripstoturntheMIL
OFF. After the MIL is OFF, the PCM will self-erase the DTC after 40 Warm-up cycles. A Warm-up cycle is counted
when the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) has crossed 160°F (71.1C) and has risen by at least 40°F
(4.4°C) since the engine has been started.
If the MIL is ON and a DTC was set by the Fuel Monitor or Misfire Monitor (both continuous monitors), the
vehicle must be operated in the Similar Condition Window for a specified amount of time.
If the MIL is ON and a DTC was set by a Task Manager commanded once-per-trip monitor (such as the Oxy-
gen Sensor Monitor, Catalyst Monitor, Purge Flow Monitor, Leak DetectionPump Monitor, EGR Monitor or
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor), a good trip is when the monitor is passed on the next start-up.
If the MIL is ON and any other emissions DTC was set (not an OBD II monitor), a good trip occurs when the
Oxygen Sensor Monitor and Catalyst Monitor have been completed, or two minutes of engine run time if the
Oxygen Sensor Monitor and Catalyst Monitor have been stopped from running.
Fuel System Good Trip
To count a good trip (three required) and turn off the MIL, the following conditions must occur:
Engine in closed loop
Operating in Similar Conditions Window
Short Term multiplied by Long Term less than threshold
Less than threshold for a predetermined time
If all of the previous criteria are met, the PCM will count a good trip (threerequired) and turn off the MIL.
Misfire Good Trip
If the following conditions are met the PCM will count one good trip (three required) in order to turn off the MIL:
Operating in Similar Condition Window
1000 engine revolutions with no misfire
Warm-Up Cycles
Once the MIL has been extinguished by the Good Trip Counter, the PCM automatically switches to a Warm-Up
CycleCounterthatcanbeviewedontheDRBIII.Warm-UpCyclesareusedtoerase DTCs and Freeze Frames.
Forty Warm-Up cycles must occur in order for the PCM to self-erase a DTC and Freeze Frame. A Warm-Up Cycle
is defined as follows:
Engine coolant temperature must start below and rise above 160° F (71.1°C).
Engine coolant temperature must rise by 40° F (4.4°C)
No further faults occur
Freeze Frame Data Storage
Once a failure occurs, the Task Manager records several engine operating conditions and stores it in a Freeze
Frame. The Freeze Frame is considered one frame of information taken by an on-board data recorder. When a fault
occurs, the PCM stores the input data from various sensors so that technicians can determine under what vehicle
operating conditions the failure occurred.
The data stored in Freeze Frame is usually recorded when a system fails the first time for two trip faults. Freeze
Frame data will only be overwritten by a different fault with a higher priority.
CAUTION: Erasing DTCs, either with the DRB III or by disconnecting the battery, also clears all Freeze
Frame data.
Similar Conditions Window
The Similar Conditions Window displays information about engine operation during a monitor. Absolute MAP (engine
load) and Engine RPM are stored in this window when a failure occurs. There are two different Similar conditions
Windows: Fuel System and Misfire.
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel System Similar Conditions Window— An indicator that ’Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys Fail’ and ’RPM
When Fuel Sys Failed’ are all in the same range when the failure occurred. Indicated by switching from ’NO’
to ’YES’.
Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys Fail— The stored MAP reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at
what engine load the failure occurred.
Absolute MAP— A live reading of engine load to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
RPM When Fuel Sys Fail— The stored RPM reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what engine
RPM the failure occurred.
Engine RPM— A live reading of engine RPM to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
Adaptive Memory Factor— The PCM utilizes both Short Term Compensation and Long Term Adaptive to
calculate the Adaptive Memory Factor for total fuel correction.
Upstream O2S Volts— A live reading of the Oxygen Sensor to indicate its performance. For example, stuck
lean, stuck rich, etc.
SCW Time in Window (Similar Conditions Window Time in Window)—Atimer used by the PCM that
indicates that, after all Similar Conditions have been met, if there has been enough good engine running time
in the SCW without failure detected. This timer is used to increment a Good Trip.
Fuel System Good Trip Counter—ATripCounterusedtoturnOFFtheMILforFuelSystemDTCs.To
increment a Fuel System Good Trip, the engine must be in the Similar Conditions Window, Adaptive Memory
Factor must be less than calibrated threshold and the Adaptive Memory Factor must stay below that threshold
for a calibrated amount of time.
Test Done This Trip— Indicates that the monitor has already been run and completed during the current trip.
MISFIRE
Same Misfire Warm-Up State— Indicates if the misfire occurred when the engine was warmed up above
160° F (71.1°C).
In Similar Misfire Window— An indicator that ’Absolute MAP When Misfire Occurred’ and ’RPM When Mis-
fire Occurred’ are all in the same range when the failure occurred. Indicated by switching from ’NO’ to ’YES’.
Absolute MAP When Misfire Occurred— The stored MAP reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at
what engine load the failure occurred.
Absolute MAP— A live reading of engine load to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
RPM When Misfire Occurred— The stored RPM reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at what
engine RPM the failure occurred.
Engine RPM— A live reading of engine RPM to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions Window.
Adaptive Memory Factor— The PCM utilizes both Short Term Compensation and Long Term Adaptive to
calculate the Adaptive Memory Factor for total fuel correction.
200 Rev Counter— Counts 0–100 720 degree cycles.
SCW Cat 200 Rev Counter— Counts when in similar conditions.
SCW FTP 1000 Rev Counter— Counts 0–4 when in similar conditions.
Misfire Good Trip Counter— Counts up to three to turn OFF the MIL.
Misfire Data— Data collected during test.
Test Done This Trip— Indicates YES when the test is done.
NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
The PCM does not monitor the following circuits, systems and conditions that could have malfunctions causing
driveability problems. The PCM might not store diagnostic trouble codes for these conditions. However, problems
with these systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trouble codes for other systems or components.EXAM-
PLE:a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault directly, but could causea rich/lean condition or misfire. This
could cause the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or misfire diagnostic troublecode
FUEL PRESSURE
The fuel pressure regulator controls fuel system pressure. The PCM cannotdetect 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 con-
dition causing the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or fuel system 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.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION
The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression.