Powertrain Management: Description and Operation

System Outline

The engine control system utilizes a microcomputer and maintains overall control of the engine, transmission etc. An outline of the engine control is given here.

1. Input Signals

1. Engine coolant temperature signal circuit
The engine coolant temperature sensor detects the engine coolant temperature and has a built-in thermistor with a resistance which varies according to the engine coolant temperature The engine coolant temperature is input into TERMINAL THW of the engine control module as a control signal.

2. Intake air temperature signal circuit
The intake air temperature sensor is installed in the mass air flow meter and detects the intake air temperature, which is input to TERMINAL THA of the engine control module as a control signal.

3. Oxygen sensor signal circuit
The oxygen density in the exhaust emission is detected and is input from the heated oxygen sensors to TERMINAL 0X1B of the engine control module as a control signal.

4. RPM signal circuit
The camshaft position is detected by the camshaft position sensor, and is input into TERMINAL G2 of the engine control module as a control signal. Also, the engine RPM is detected by the crankshaft position sensor and the signal is input into TERMINAL NE+ of the engine control module.

5. Throttle position sensor signal circuit
The throttle position sensor detects the throttle valve opening angle as a control signal, which is input into TERMINALS VTA and VTA2 of the engine control module.

6. Vehicle speed signal circuit
ABS speed sensor detects vehicle speed and the speed signal is input from skid control ECU to engine control module.

7. Battery signal circuit
Voltage is constantly applied to TERMINAL BATT of the engine control module. When the power SW is pushed on, the voltage for engine control module starts up power supply which is applied through the EFI M relay, to TERMINAL +B of the engine control module. The current from the IGN fuse flows to TERMINAL IGSW of the engine control module, and voltage is constantly applied to TERMINAL +BM.

8. Intake air volume signal circuit
The intake air volume is detected by the mass air flow meter, and is input to TERMINAL VG of the engine control module as a control signal.

9. Water temperature (CHS) signal circuit
The water temperature (CHS) sensor detects the water temperature (CHS) and has a built-in thermistor with a resistance which varies according to the water temperature (CHS). The water temperature (CHS) is input into TERMINAL THW2 of the engine control module as a control signal.

10. Engine knock signal circuit
Engine knocking is detected by the knock sensor, and is input into TERMINAL KNK1 of the engine control module as a control signal.

11. Air fuel ratio signal circuit
The air fuel ratio is detected and input into TERMINAL A1A+ of the engine control module as a control signal.

2. Control System

- SFI system
The SFI system monitors the engine condition through the signals input from each sensors to the engine control module. The control signal is sent to the engine control module TERMINALS #10, #20, #30 and #40 to operate the injector (Fuel injection). The SFI system controls the fuel injection with the engine control module according to the driving conditions.

- ESA system
The ESA system monitors the engine condition through the signals input from each sensors to the engine control module. The best ignition timing is decided according to this data and the data stored in the engine control module. The control signal is output to TERMINALS IGT1, IGT2, IGT3 and IGT4, and these signals control the igniter to provide the best ignition timing.

- Heater control system of heated oxygen sensor
The heater control system of heated oxygen sensor turns the heater on when the intake air volume is low (Temperature of exhaust emission is low), and warms up the heated oxygen sensors to improve their detecting performance. The engine control module evaluates the signals from each sensors, and outputs current to TERMINAL HT1B to control the heater.

- Heater control system of air fuel ratio sensor
The heater control system of air fuel ratio sensor turns the heater on when the intake air volume is low (Temperature of exhaust emission is low), and warms up the air fuel ratio sensor to improve detecting performance of the sensor. The engine control module evaluates the signals from each sensor, current is output to TERMINAL HA1A, controlling the heater.

- Fuel pump control system
The engine control module supplies current to TERMINAL FC, and controls the operation of the fuel pump with the C/OPN relay.

- VVT-i
VVT-i controls the intake camshaft to optimal valve timing in accordance with the engine condition.

- CHS system
Engine control module controls CHS W/P relay to run electric pump to supply heated water stored in CHS tank to engine head. The electric pump stops when the water reaches certain temperature or certain time goes by. Warming engine head optimizes combustion conditions at engine start to reduce emission of incomplete combustion gas.

3. Diagnosis System
When there is malfunction in the engine control module signal system, the malfunctioning system is recorded in the memory. The system can be found by reading the code displayed on the malfunction indicator lamp.

4. Fail-Safe System
When malfunction has occurred in any system, there is possibility of engine trouble due to continuous control based on that system. In such a case, the fail-safe system either controls the system using the data (Standard values) recorded in the engine control module memory, or stops the engine.