A/C clutch relay. To compensate for increased engine
load, the PCM also adjusts idle speed to a scheduled
RPM.
BATTERY VOLTAGE—PCM INPUT
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the
battery voltage input to determine fuel injector pulse
width and generator field control. If battery voltage
is low, the PCM increases injector pulse width to
compensate.
BRAKE SWITCH—PCM INPUT
When the brake switch activates, the powertrain
control module (PCM) receives an input indicating
that the brakes are being applied. After receiving the
input, the PCM vents the speed control servo. Vent-
ing the servo turns the speed control system off.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR—PCM
INPUT
The coolant temperature sensor is installed behind
the thermostat housing and ignition coil in the ther-
mostat housing (hot box). The PCM supplies 5 volts
to the coolant temperature sensor. The sensor pro-
vides an input voltage to the PCM (Fig. 3). As cool-
ant temperature varies, the coolant temperature
sensor resistance changes resulting in a different in-
put voltage to the PCM.
The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches nor-
mal operating temperature.
This sensor is also used for cooling fan control.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR—PCM INPUT
The camshaft position sensor (distributor pick-up)
supplies engine speed and the injector sync signal to
the powertrain control module (PCM). The sensor is
a Hall Effect device (Fig. 4).
A shutter (sometimes referred to as an interrupter)
is attached to the distributor shaft. The shutter con-
tains four blades, one per engine cylinder. A switch
plate is mounted to the distributor housing above the
shutter. The switch plate contains the camshaft posi-
tion sensor (distributor pick-up) through which the
shutter blades rotate. As the shutter blades pass
through the pick-up, they interrupt the magnetic
field. The Hall effect device in the pick-up senses the
change in the magnetic field and switches on and off
(which creates pulses), generating the input signal to
the PCM. The PCM calculates engine speed through
the number of pulses generated.
One of the shutter blades has a window cut into it.
The window tells the PCM which injector to energize.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSOR—PCM INPUT
The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5
volts to the MAP sensor. The MAP sensor converts
intake manifold pressure into voltage. The PCM
monitors the MAP sensor output voltage. As vacuum
increases, MAP sensor voltage decreases proportion-
ately. Also, as vacuum decreases, MAP sensor volt-
age increases proportionately.
During cranking, before the engine starts running,
the PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from
the MAP sensor voltage. While the engine operates,
the PCM determines intake manifold pressure from
the MAP sensor voltage. Based on MAP sensor volt-
age and inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts
spark advance and the air/fuel mixture.
The MAP sensor mounts on the dash panel inside
the engine compartment (Fig. 5). A vacuum hose con-
nects the sensor to the throttle body.
Fig. 3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 4 Camshaft Position Sensor (Distributor
Pick-Up)
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FUEL SYSTEMS
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