DESCRIPTION
- EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM - DIESEL
- STATE DISPLAY TEST MODE
- CIRCUIT ACTUATION TEST MODE
- DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
- TASK MANAGER
- TRIP DEFINITION
- COMPONENT MONITORS
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM - DIESEL
The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls many different circuits in the fuel injection and engine systems. If the ECM senses a problem with a monitored circuit that indicates an actual problem, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in the ECM's memory, and eventually may illuminate the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) constantly while the key is on. If the problem is repaired, or is intermittent, the ECM will erase the DTC after 40 warm-up cycles without the fault detected. A warm-up cycle consists of starting the vehicle when the engine is cold, then the engine is warmed up to a certain temperature, and finally, the engine temperature falls to a normal operating temperature, then the key is turned off.
Certain criteria must be met for a DTC to be entered into ECM memory. The criteria may be a specific range of engine rpm, engine or fuel temperature and/or input voltage to the ECM. A DTC indicates that the ECM has identified an abnormal signal in a circuit or the system.
There are several operating conditions that the ECM does not monitor and set a DTC for.
ECM MONITORED SYSTEMS
The ECM can detect certain problems in the electrical system.
Open or Shorted Circuit – The ECM will not distinguish between an open or a short to ground, however the ECM can determine if there is excessive current on a circuit, such as a short to voltage or a decrease in component resistance.
Output Device Current Flow – The ECM senses whether the output devices are electrically connected.
If there is a problem with the circuit, the ECM senses whether the circuit is open, shorted to ground (–), or shorted to (+) voltage.
Fuel Pressure: Fuel pressure is controlled by the fuel injection pump and fuel pressure solenoid. The ECM uses a fuel pressure sensor to determine if a fuel pressure problem exists.
Fuel Injector Malfunctions: The ECM can determine if a fuel injector has an electrical problem. The fuel injectors on the diesel engine are controlled by the ECM.
ECM NON–MONITORED SYSTEMS
The ECM does not monitor the following circuits, systems or conditions that could have malfunctions that result in driveability problems. A DTC will not be displayed for these conditions.
Cylinder Compression: The ECM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression.
Exhaust System: The ECM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or leaking exhaust system except in the case of a exhaust particulate filter. The ECM monitors the exhaust particulate filter with a pressure differential sensor which signals the ECM when it is time to run the burn off cycle.
Vacuum Assist: Leaks or restrictions in the vacuum circuits of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR) are not monitored by the ECM.
ECM System Ground: The ECM cannot determine a poor system ground. However, a DTC may be generated as a result of this condition.
ECM/PCM Connector Engagement: The ECM cannot determine spread or damaged connector pins. However, a DTC may be generated as a result of this condition.
HIGH AND LOW LIMITS
The ECM compares input signals from each input device. It has high and low limits that are programmed into it for that device. If the inputs are not within specifications and other DTC criteria are met, a DTC will be stored in memory. Other DTC criteria might include engine rpm limits or input voltages from other sensors or switches. The other inputs might have to be sensed by the ECM when it senses a high or low input voltage from the control system device in question.
STATE DISPLAY TEST MODE
The switch inputs to the Powertrain Control Module (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. Connect a diagnostic scan tool to the data link connector and access the state display screen. Then access either State Display Inputs and Outputs or State Display Sensors.
CIRCUIT ACTUATION TEST MODE
The Circuit Actuation Test Mode checks for proper operation of output circuits or devices the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may not internally recognize. The PCM attempts to activate these outputs and allow an observer to verify proper operation. Most of the tests provide an audible or visual indication of device operation (click of relay contacts, fuel spray, etc.). Except for intermittent conditions, if a device functions properly during testing, assume the device, its associated wiring, and driver circuit work correctly. Connect a scan tool to the data link connector and access the Actuators screen.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) indicates the PCM has recognized an abnormal condition in the system.
Remember that DTC's are the results of a system or circuit failure, but do not directly identify the failed component or components.
BULB CHECK
Each time the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the malfunction indicator (check engine) lamp on the instrument panel should illuminate for approximately 2 seconds then go out. This is done for a bulb check.
OBTAINING DTC'S
1. Obtain the applicable Powertrain Diagnostic Information.
2. Obtain the appropriate scan tool.
3. Connect the appropriate scan tool to the data link (diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of instrument panel; near the steering column.
4. Turn the ignition switch on and access the “Read Fault” screen.
5. Record all the DTC's and “freeze frame” information shown on the appropriate scan tool.
6. To erase DTC's, use the “Erase Trouble Code” data screen on the appropriate scan tool. Do not erase any DTC's until problems have been investigated and repairs have been performed.
TASK MANAGER
The PCM is responsible for efficiently coordinating the operation of all the emissions-related components. The PCM is also responsible for determining if the diagnostic systems are operating properly. The software designed to carry out these responsibilities is call the 'Task Manager'.
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-Contiuous OBDII Monitor fails twice in a row and turns ON the MIL, re-running that monitor which previously failed, on the next start-up and passing the monitor, is considered to be a Good Trip. These will include the 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 takes 3 Good Trips to turn the MIL 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 71°C (160°F) and has risen by at least 4°C (40°F) since the engine has been started.
COMPONENT MONITORS
There are several components that will affect vehicle emissions if they malfunction. If one of these components malfunctions the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
Some of the component monitors are checking for proper operation of the part. Electrically operated components now have input (rationality) and output (functionality) checks. Previously, a component like the Throttle Position sensor (TPS) was checked by the PCM for an open or shorted circuit. If one of these conditions occurred, a DTC was set. Now there is a check to ensure that the component is working. This is done by watching for a TPS indication of a greater or lesser throttle opening than MAP and engine rpm indicate. In the case of the TPS, if engine vacuum is high and engine rpm is 1600 or greater, and the TPS indicates a large throttle opening, a DTC will be set. The same applies to low vacuum if the TPS indicates a small throttle opening.
All open/short circuit checks, or any component that has an associated limp-in, will set a fault after 1 trip with the malfunction present. Components without an associated limp-in will take two trips to illuminate the MIL.