Isuzu Amigo / Axiom / Trooper / Rodeo / VehiCross. Manual - part 883

6E–556

TROOPER 6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

The powertrain control module (PCM) is located in the
passenger compartment below the center console. The
PCM controls the following:

Fuel metering system.

Transmission shifting (automatic transmission only).

Ignition timing.

On-board diagnostics for powertrain functions.

The PCM constantly observes the information from
various sensors. The PCM controls the systems that
affect vehicle performance. The PCM performs the
diagnostic function of the system. It can recognize
operational problems, alert the driver through the MIL
(Check Engine lamp), and store diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs). DTCs identify the problem areas to aid the
technician in making repairs.

PCM Function

The PCM supplies either 5 or 12 volts to power various
sensors or switches. The power is supplied through
resistances in the PCM which are so high in value that a
test light will not light when connected to the circuit. In
some cases, even an ordinary shop voltmeter will not give
an accurate reading because its resistance is too low.
Therefore, a digital voltmeter with at least 10 megohms
input impedance is required to ensure accurate voltage
readings. Tool J 39200 meets this requirement. The PCM
controls output circuits such as the injectors, fan relays,
etc., by controlling the ground or the power feed circuit
through transistors or through either of the following two
devices:

Output Driver Module (ODM)

Quad Driver Module (QDM)

060RY00026

PCM Components

The PCM is designed to maintain exhaust emission levels
to government mandated standards while providing
excellent driveability and fuel efficiency. The PCM
monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions via
electronic sensors such as the throttle position (TP)

sensor, heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), and vehicle
speed sensor (VSS). The PCM also controls certain
engine operations through the following:

Fuel injector control

Ignition control module

ION sensing module

Automatic transmission shift functions

Cruise control

Evaporative emission (EVAP) purge

A/C clutch control

PCM Voltage Description

The PCM supplies a buffered voltage to various switches
and sensors. It can do this because resistance in the
PCM is so high in value that a test light may not illuminate
when connected to the circuit. An ordinary shop
voltmeter may not give an accurate reading because the
voltmeter input impedance is too low. Use a 10-megohm
input impedance digital voltmeter (such as J 39200) to
assure accurate voltage readings.
The input/output devices in the PCM include
analog-to-digital converters, signal buffers, counters,
and special drivers. The PCM controls most components
with electronic switches which complete a ground circuit
when turned “ON.” These switches are arranged in
groups of 4 and 7, called either a surface-mounted quad
driver module (QDM), which can independently control up
to 4 output terminals, or QDMs which can independently
control up to 7 outputs. Not all outputs are always used.

PCM Input/Outputs

Inputs – Operating Conditions Read

Air Conditioning “ON” or “OFF”

Engine Coolant Temperature

Crankshaft Position

Exhaust Oxygen Content

Electronic Ignition

Manifold Absolute Pressure

Battery Voltage

Throttle Position

Vehicle Speed

Fuel Pump Voltage

Power Steering Pressure

Intake Air Temperature

Mass Air Flow

Engine Knock

Acceleration Position

Outputs – Systems Controlled

EVAP Canister Purge

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Ignition Control

Fuel Control

ION Sensing Module

Electric Fuel Pump

Air Conditioning

6E–557

TROOPER 6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

Diagnostics
– Malfunction Indicator Lamp
– Data Link Connector (DLC)
– Data Output

Transmission Control Module

PCM Service Precautions

The PCM is designed to withstand normal current draws
associated with vehicle operation. Avoid overloading any
circuit. When testing for opens and shorts, do not ground
or apply voltage to any of the PCM’s circuits unless
instructed to do so. These circuits should only be tested
using digital voltmeter J 39200. The PCM should remain
connected to the PCM or to a recommended breakout
box.

Reprogramming The PCM

Reprogramming of the PCM is done without removing it
from the vehicle . This provides a flexible and
cost-effective method of making changes in software
calibrations.
Refer to the latest Techline information on
reprogramming or flashing procedures.

Throttle Position (TP) Sensor

The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer
connected to the throttle shaft on the throttle body. The
PCM monitors the voltage on the signal line and
calculates throttle position. As the throttle valve angle is
changed (accelerator pedal moved), the TP sensor signal
also changes. At a closed throttle position, the output of
the TP1 sensor is low. As the throttle valve opens, the
output increases so that at wide open throttle (WOT), the
output voltage should be above 92% (Tech 2 Display).
The PCM calculates fuel delivery based on throttle valve
angle (driver demand). A broken or loose TP sensor may
cause intermittent bursts of fuel from an injector and
unstable idle because the PCM thinks the throttle is
moving.

060RY00027

Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT)
Sensor

The transmission fluid temperature sensor is a thermistor
which changes its resistance based on the temperature of
the transmission fluid. For a complete description of the
TFT sensor, refer to

4L30-E Automatic Transmission

Diagnosis section.
A failure in the TFT sensor or associated wiring will cause
DTC P0712 or DTC P0713 to set. In this case, engine
coolant temperature will be substituted for the TFT
sensor value and the transmission will operate normally.

Transmission Range Switch (Mode Switch)

IMPORTANT:

The vehicle should not be driven with the

transmission range switch disconnected; idle quality will
be affected.
The four inputs from the transmission range switch
indicate to the PCM which position is selected by the
transmission selector lever. This information is used for
ignition timing, EVAP canister purge, EGR operation.
For more information on the transmission on the
transmission range switch, refer to

4L30-E Automatic

Transmission section.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)

The PCM determines the speed of the vehicle by
converting a pulsing voltage signal from the vehicle speed
sensor (VSS) into miles per hour. The PCM uses this
signal to operate the cruise control, speedometer, and the
TCC and shift solenoids in the transmission. For more
information on the TCC and shift solenoids, refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission section.

0008

Use of Circuit Testing Tools

Do not use a test light to diagnose the powertrain
electrical systems unless specifically instructed by the
diagnostic procedures. Use Connector Test Adapter Kit J
35616 whenever diagnostic procedures call for probing
connectors.

6E–558

TROOPER 6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

Aftermarket Electrical and Vacuum
Equipment

Aftermarket (add-on) electrical and vacuum equipment is
defined as any equipment which connects to the vehicle’s
electrical or vacuum systems that is installed on a vehicle
after it leaves the factory. No allowances have been
made in the vehicle design for this type of equipment.

NOTE: No add-on vacuum equipment should be added
to this vehicle.

NOTE: Add-on electrical equipment must only be
connected to the vehicle’s electrical system at the battery
(power and ground).
Add-on electrical equipment, even when installed to
these guidelines, may still cause the powertrain system to
malfunction. This may also include equipment not
connected to the vehicle electrical system such as
portable telephones and radios. Therefore, the first step
in diagnosing any powertrain problem is to eliminate all
aftermarket electrical equipment from the vehicle. After
this is done, if the problem still exists, it may be diagnosed
in the normal manner.

Electrostatic Discharge Damage

Electronic components used in the PCM are often
designed to carry very low voltage. Electronic
components are susceptible to damage caused by
electrostatic discharge. Less than 100 volts of static
electricity can cause damage to some electronic
components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4000
volts for a person to feel even the zap of a static
discharge.

TS23793

There are several ways for a person to become statically
charged. The most common methods of charging are by
friction and induction.

An example of charging by friction is a person sliding
across a vehicle seat.

Charge by induction occurs when a person with well
insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object
and momentary touches ground. Charges of the
same polarity are drained off leaving the person
highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static
charges can cause damage, therefore it is important
to use care when handling and testing electronic
components.

NOTE: To prevent possible electrostatic discharge
damage, follow these guidelines:

Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered
components on the PCM circuit board.

Do not open the replacement part package until the
part is ready to be installed.

Before removing the part from the package, ground
the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.

If the part has been handled while sliding across the
seat, while sitting down from a standing position, or
while walking a distance, touch a known good ground
before installing the part.

General Description (Air Induction)

Air Induction System

The air induction system filters contaminants from the
outside air, and directs the progress of the air as it is
drawn into the engine. A remote-mounted air cleaner
prevents dirt and debris in the air from entering the
engine. The air duct assembly routes filtered air to the
throttle body. Air enters the engine by to following steps:

1. Through the throttle body.
2. Into the common chamber.
3. Through the cylinder head intake ports.
4. Into the cylinders.

055RV010

6E–559

TROOPER 6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

General Description (Fuel Metering)

Acceleration Mode

The PCM provides extra fuel when it detects a rapid
increase in the throttle position and the air flow.

Battery Voltage Correction Mode

When battery voltage is low, the PCM will compensate for
the weak spark by increasing the following:

The amount of fuel delivered.

The idle RPM.

Ignition dwell time.

Clear Flood Mode

Clear a flooded engine by pushing the accelerator pedal
down all the way. The PCM then de-energizes the fuel
injectors. The PCM holds the fuel injectors de-energized
as long as the throttle remains above 80% and the engine
speed is below 800 RPM. If the throttle position becomes
less than 80%, the PCM again begins to pulse the
injectors “ON” and “OFF,” allowing fuel into the cylinders.

Deceleration Mode

The PCM reduces the amount of fuel injected when it
detects a decrease in the throttle position and the air flow.
When deceleration is very fast, the PCM may cut off fuel
completely for short periods.

Engine Speed/Vehicle Speed/Fuel Disable
Mode

The PCM monitors engine speed. It turns off the fuel
injectors when the engine speed increases above 6400
RPM. The fuel injectors are turned back on when engine
speed decreases below 6150 RPM.

Fuel Cutoff Mode

No fuel is delivered by the fuel injectors when the ignition
is “OFF.” This prevents engine run-on. In addition, the
PCM suspends fuel delivery if no reference pulses are
detected (engine not running) to prevent engine flooding.

Fuel Injector

The sequential multiport fuel injection (SFI) fuel injector is
a solenoid-operated device controlled by the PCM. The
PCM energizes the solenoid, which opens a valve to allow
fuel delivery.
The fuel is injected under pressure in a conical spray
pattern at the opening of the intake valve. Excess fuel not
used by the injectors passes through the fuel pressure
regulator before being returned to the fuel tank.
A fuel injector which is stuck partly open will cause a loss
of fuel pressure after engine shut down, causing long
crank times.

014RY00009

Fuel Metering System Components

The fuel metering system is made up of the following
parts:

The fuel injectors.

The throttle body.

The fuel rail.

The fuel pressure regulator.

The PCM.

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.

The ION sensing module.

The fuel pump.

The fuel pump relay.

Basic System Operation
The fuel metering system starts with the fuel in the fuel
tank. An electric fuel pump, located in the fuel tank,
pumps fuel to the fuel rail through an in-line fuel filter. The
pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the
pressure needed by the injectors. A fuel pressure
regulator in the fuel rail keeps fuel available to the fuel
injectors at a constant pressure. A return line delivers
unused fuel back to the fuel tank. Refer to

Section 6C for

further information on the fuel tank, line filter, and fuel
pipes.

Fuel Metering System Purpose

The basic function of the air/fuel metering system is to
control the air/fuel delivery to the engine. Fuel is delivered
to the engine by individual fuel injectors mounted in the
intake manifold near each intake valve.
The main control sensor is the heated oxygen sensor
(HO2S) located in the exhaust system. The HO2S tells
the PCM how much oxygen is in the exhaust gas. The
PCM changes the air/fuel ratio to the engine by controlling
the amount of time that fuel injector is “ON.” The best
mixture to minimize exhaust emissions is 14.7 parts of air
to 1 part of gasoline by weight, which allows the catalytic
converter to operate most efficiently. Because of the
constant measuring and adjusting of the air/fuel ratio, the
fuel injection system is called a “closed loop” system.

Content .. 881 882 883 884 ..