6E–103
6VD1 3.2L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Circuit Description
When the ignition switch is turned “ON”, the powertrain
control module (PCM) will turn “ON” the in-tank fuel
pump. The in-tank fuel pump will remain “ON” as long as
the engine is cranking or running and the PCM is receiving
58X crankshaft position pulses. If there are no 58X
crankshaft position pulses, the PCM will turn the in-tank
fuel pump “OFF” 2 seconds after the ignition switch is
turned “ON” or 2 seconds after the engine stops running.
The in-tank fuel pump is an electric pump within an
integral reservoir. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel
through an in-line fuel filter to the fuel rail assembly. The
fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above
the pressure needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel pressure
regulator, attached to the fuel rail, keeps the fuel available
to the fuel injectors at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel
is returned to the fuel tank by a separate fuel return line.
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the
Diagnostic Chart.
2. Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the fuel feed line
as shown in the fuel system illustration. Wrap a
shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in
order to absorb any fuel leakage that may occur
when installing the fuel pressure gauge. With the
ignition switch “ON” and the fuel pump running, the
fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge
should be 333-376 kPa (48-55 psi). This pressure
is controlled by the amount of pressure the spring
inside the fuel pressure regulator can provide.
3. A fuel system that cannot maintain a constant fuel
pressure has a leak in one or more of the following
areas:
D
The fuel pump check valve.
D
The fuel pump flex line.
D
The valve or valve seat within the fuel pressure
regulator.
D
The fuel injector(s).
4. Fuel pressure that drops off during accelerator,
cruise, or hard cornering may case a lean condition.
A lean condition can cause a loss of power, surging,
or misfire. A lean condition can be diagnosed using
a Tech 2. If an extremely lean condition occurs, the
oxygen sensor(s) will stop toggling. The oxygen
sensor output voltage(s) will drop below 500 mV.
Also, the fuel injector pulse width will increase.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure the fuel system is not
operating in the “Fuel Cut-Off Mode”.
When the engine is at idle, the manifold pressure is
low (high vacuum). This low pressure (high vacuum)
is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm.
The low pressure (high vacuum) will offset the
pressure being applied to the fuel pressure regulator
diaphragm by the spring inside the fuel pressure
regulator. When this happens, the result is lower fuel
pressure. The fuel pressure at idle will vary slightly as
the barometric pressure changes, but the fuel
pressure at idle should always be less than the fuel
pressure noted in step 2 with the engine “OFF”.
16.Check the spark plug associated with a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation in order to
determine if that particular fuel injector is leaking. If
checking the spark plug associated with a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation does not
determine that a particular fuel injector is leaking,
use the following procedure:
D
Remove the fuel rail, but leave the fuel lines and
injectors connected to the fuel rail. Refer to
Fuel Rail
Assembly in On-Vehicle Service.
D
Lift the fuel rail just enough to leave the fuel injector
nozzles in the fuel injector ports.
CAUTION: In order to reduce the risk of fire and
personal injury that may result from fuel spraying on
the engine, verify that the fuel rail is positioned over
the fuel injector ports and verify that the fuel injector
retaining clips are intact.
D
Pressurize the fuel system by connecting a 10 amp
fused jumper between B+ and the fuel pump relay
connector.
D
Visually and physically inspect the fuel injector
nozzles for leaks.
17.A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure
being above 376 kPa (55 psi). A rich condition may
cause a DTC P0132 or a DTC P0172 to set.
Derivability conditions associated with rich
conditions can include hard starting (followed by
black smoke) and a strong sulfur smell in the
exhaust.
20.This test determines if the high fuel pressure is due
to a restricted fuel return line or if the high fuel
pressure is due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
21.A lean condition may result from fuel pressure
below 333 kPa (48 psi). A lean condition may
cause a DTC P0131 or a DTC P0171 to set.
Derivability conditions associated with lean
conditions can include hard starting (when the
engine is cold ), hesitation, poor derivability, lack of
power, surging , and misfiring.
22.Restricting the fuel return line causes the fuel
pressure to rise above the regulated fuel pressure.
Command the fuel pump “ON” with the Tech 2. The
fuel pressure should rise above 376 kPa (55 psi) as
the fuel return line becomes partially closed.
NOTE: Do not allow the fuel pressure to exceed 414 kPa
(60 psi). Fuel pressure in excess of 414 kPa (60 psi) may
damage the fuel pressure regulator.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire and personal
injury:
D
It is necessary to relieve fuel system pressure
before connecting a fuel pressure gauge. Refer to
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure, below.
D
A small amount of fuel may be released when
disconnecting the fuel lines. Cover fuel line
fittings with a shop towel before disconnecting, to
catch any fuel that may leak out. Place the towel in
an approved container when the procedure is
completed.
SECTION