Computers and Control Systems: Description and Operation
System Description
PGM-FI System
The PGM-FI system on this model is a sequential multiport fuel injection system.
Fuel injector Timing and Duration
The ECM/PCM contains memories for the basic discharge durations at various engine speeds and manifold air flow rates. The basic discharge duration, after being read out from the memory, is further modified by signals sent from various sensors to obtain the final discharge duration.
Idle Air Control
Idle Air Control Valve (IAC Valve)
When the engine is cold, the A/C compressor is on, the transmission is in gear, the brake pedal is depressed, the P/S load is high, or the alternator Is charging, the ECM/PCM controls current to the IAC Valve to maintain the correct idle speed.
Ignition Timing Control
- The ECM/PCM contains memories for basic ignition timing at various engine speeds and manifold air flow rates. Ignition timing is also adjusted for engine coolant temperature.
- A knock control system was adopted which sets the ideal ignition timing for the octane rating of the gasoline used.*3
Other Control Functions
1. Starting Control
When the engine is started, the ECM/PCM provides a rich mixture by increasing fuel injector duration.
2. Fuel Pump Control
- When the ignition switch is initially turned on, the ECM/PCM supplies ground to the PGM-FI main relay that supplies current to the fuel pump for two seconds to pressurize the fuel system.
- When the engine is running, the ECM/PCM supplies ground to the PGM-FI main relay that supplies current to the fuel pump.
- When the engine is not running and the ignition is on, the ECM/PCM cuts ground to the PGM-FI main relay which cuts current to the fuel pump.
3. Fuel Cut-off Control
- During deceleration with the throttle valve closed, current to the fuel injectors is cut off to improve fuel economy at speeds over the following rpm:
- D16Y5 engine (M/T): 850 rpm
- D16Y5 engine (CVT), D16Y8 engine (USA M/T): 920 rpm
- D16Y8 engine (USA A/T), D16Y7 engine (USA A/T): 910 rpm
- D16Y8 engine (Canada M/T), D16Y7 engine (Canada): 990 rpm
- D16Y8 engine (Canada M/T): 1,000 rpm
- B16A2 engine: 970 rpm
- Fuel cut-off action also takes place when engine speed exceeds 6,900 rpm (D16Y5, D16Y7 engine; D16Y8 engine:7,000 rpm, B16A2 engine: 8,100 rpm), regardless of the position of the throttle valve, to protect the engine from over-revving. With '99 D1 6Y7 engine (A/T) and '99 D16Y8 engine (A/T), the PCM cuts the fuel at engine speeds over 5,000 rpm when the vehicle is not moving.
4. A/C Compressor Clutch Relay
When the ECM/PCM receives a demand for cooling from the air conditioning system, it delays the compressor from being energized, and enriches the mixture to assure smooth transition to the A/C mode.
5. Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge Control Solenoid Valve*7
When the engine coolant temperature is above 154 °F (68 °C), the ECM/PCM controls the EVAP purge control solenoid valve which controls vacuum to the EVAP purge control canister.
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge Control Solenoid Valve*4
When the engine coolant temperature above 154 °F (68 °C), intake air temperature above 32 °F (0 °C) and vehicle speed above 0 mile (0 kph) or [A/C compressor clutch on and intake air temperature above 160 °F (41 °C)], the ECM/PCM controls the EVAP purge control solenoid valve which controls vacuum to the EVAP purge control canister.
6. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Control Solenoid Valve*7
When EGR is required for control of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, the ECM controls the EGR control solenoid valve which supplies regulated vacuum to the EGR valve.
7. Alternator Control
The system controls the voltage generated at the alternator in accordance with the electrical load and driving mode, which reduces the engine load to improve the fuel economy.
ECM/PCM Fail-safe/Back-up Functions
1. Fail-safe Function
When an abnormality occurs in a signal from a sensor, the ECM/PCM ignores that signal and assumes a pre-programmed value for that sensor that allows the engine to continue to run.
2. Back-up Function
When an abnormality occurs in the ECM/PCM itself, the fuel injectors are controlled by a back-up circuit independent of the system in order to permit minimal driving.
3. Self-diagnosis Function [Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)]
When an abnormality occurs in a signal from a sensor, the ECM/PCM supplies ground for the MIL and stores the DTC in erasable memory. When the ignition is initially turned on, the ECM/PCM supplies ground for the MIL for two seconds to check the MIL bulb condition.
4. Two Trip Detection Method
To prevent false indications, the Two Trip Detection Method is used for the HO2S, fuel metering-related, idle control system, ECT sensor, EGR system and EVAP control system self-diagnostic functions. When an abnormality occurs, the ECM/PCM stores it in its memory. When the same abnormality recurs after the ignition switch is turned OFF and ON (II) again, the ECM/PCM informs the driver by lighting the MIL. However, to ease troubleshooting, this function is cancelled when you jump the service check connector. The MIL will then blink immediately when an abnormality occurs.
5. Two (or Three) Driving Cycle Detection Method
A Driving Cycle" consists of starting the engine, beginning closed loop operation, and stopping the engine. If misfiring that increases emissions is detected during two consecutive driving cycles, or TWC deterioration is detected during three consecutive driving cycles, the ECM/PCM turns the MIL on. However, to ease troubleshooting, this function is cancelled when you jump the service check connector. The MIL will then blink immediately when an abnormality occurs.