mation (VECI) Label. Chrysler permanently attaches
the label in the engine compartment. It cannot be
removed without defacing information and destroying
the label.

The label contains the vehicle’s emission specifica-

tions and vacuum hose routings. All hoses must be
connected and routed according to the label.

TRIP DEFINITION

A “Trip” means vehicle operation (following an

engine-off period) of duration and driving mode such
that all components and systems are monitored at
least once by the diagnostic system. The monitors
must successfully pass before the PCM can verify
that a previously malfunctioning component is meet-
ing the normal operating conditions of that compo-
nent. For misfire or fuel system malfunction, the
MIL may be extinguished if the fault does not recur
when monitored during three subsequent sequential
driving cycles in which conditions are similar to
those under which the malfunction was first deter-
mined.

Anytime the MIL is illuminated, a DTC is stored.

The DTC can self erase only after the MIL has been
extinguished. Once the MIL is extinguished, the
PCM must pass the diagnostic test for the most
recent DTC for 40 warm-up cycles (80 warm-up
cycles for the Fuel System Monitor and the Misfire
Monitor). A warm-up cycle can best be described by
the following:

• The engine must be running

• A rise of 40°F in engine temperature must occur

from the time when the engine was started

• Engine coolant temperature must crossover

160°F

• A “driving cycle” that consists of engine start up

and engine shut off.

Once the above conditions occur, the PCM is con-

sidered to have passed a warm-up cycle. Due to the
conditions required to extinguish the MIL and erase
the DTC, it is most important that after a repair has
been made, all DTC’s be erased and the repair veri-
fied by running 1–good trip.

NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS

The PCM does not monitor all circuits, systems

and conditions that could have malfunctions causing
driveability problems. However, problems with these
systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trou-
ble codes for other systems or components. For exam-
ple, a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault
directly, but could cause a rich/lean condition or mis-
fire. This could cause the PCM to store an oxygen
sensor or misfire diagnostic trouble code.

The major non-monitored circuits are listed below

along with examples of failures modes that do not
directly cause the PCM to set a DTC, but for a sys-
tem that is monitored.

FUEL PRESSURE

The fuel pressure regulator controls fuel system

pressure. The PCM cannot detect 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 condition causing the
PCM to store an oxygen sensor, fuel system, or mis-
fire diagnostic trouble code.

EMISSIONS CONTROL

25 - 1

SECONDARY IGNITION CIRCUIT

The PCM cannot detect an inoperative ignition coil,

fouled or worn spark plugs, ignition cross firing, or
open spark plug cables. The misfire will however,
increase the oxygen content in the exhaust, deceiving
the PCM in to thinking the fuel system is too lean.
Also see misfire detection. There are DTC’s that can
detect misfire and Ionization shorts in the secondary
ignition circuit, refer to the Powertrain Diagnostic
manual for more information

CYLINDER COMPRESSION

The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine

cylinder compression. Low compression lowers O2
content in the exhaust. Leading to fuel system, oxy-
gen sensor, or misfire detection fault.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or

leaking exhaust system. It may set a EGR (if
equipped) or Fuel system or O2S fault.

FUEL INJECTOR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS

The PCM cannot determine if a fuel injector is

clogged, the needle is sticking or if the wrong injector
is installed. However, these could result in a rich or
lean condition causing the PCM to store a diagnostic
trouble code for either misfire, an oxygen sensor, or
the fuel system.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION

Although the PCM monitors engine exhaust oxygen

content when the system is in closed loop, it cannot
determine excessive oil consumption.

THROTTLE BODY AIR FLOW

The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air

cleaner inlet or filter element.

VACUUM ASSIST

The PCM cannot detect leaks or restrictions in the

vacuum circuits of vacuum assisted engine control
system devices. However, these could cause the PCM
to store a MAP sensor diagnostic trouble code and
cause a high idle condition.

PCM SYSTEM GROUND

The PCM cannot determine a poor system ground.

However, one or more diagnostic trouble codes may
be generated as a result of this condition. The mod-
ule should be mounted to the body at all times,
including when diagnostics are performed.

PCM CONNECTOR ENGAGEMENT

The PCM may not be able to determine spread or

damaged connector pins. However, it might store

diagnostic trouble codes as a result of spread connec-
tor pins.

MONITORED SYSTEMS

There are new electronic circuit monitors that

check fuel, emission, engine and ignition perfor-
mance. These monitors use information from various
sensor circuits to indicate the overall operation of the
fuel, engine, ignition and emission systems and thus
the emissions performance of the vehicle.

The fuel, engine, ignition and emission systems

monitors do not indicate a specific component prob-
lem. They do indicate that there is an implied prob-
lem within one of the systems and that a specific
problem must be diagnosed.

If any of these monitors detect a problem affecting

vehicle emissions, the Malfunction Indicator (Check
Engine) Lamp will be illuminated. These monitors
generate Diagnostic Trouble Codes that can be dis-
played with the a scan tool.

The following is a list of the system monitors:
• EGR Monitor (if equipped)

• Misfire Monitor

• Fuel System Monitor

• Oxygen Sensor Monitor

• Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor

• Catalyst Monitor

• Evaporative System Leak Detection Monitor (if

equipped)

Following is a description of each system monitor,

and its DTC.

Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnos-

tics Procedures manual for diagnostic proce-
dures.

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 oper-
ating temperatures of 300° to 350°C (572° to 662°F),
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. The PCM is
programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio.
At this mixture ratio, the catalyst works best to
remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO)
and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the exhaust.

The O2S is also the main sensing element for the

EGR (if equipped), Catalyst and Fuel Monitors.

The O2S may fail in any or all of the following

manners:

• Slow response rate

• Reduced output voltage

• Dynamic shift

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EMISSIONS CONTROL

EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)

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