Modes of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses reference pulses from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor in order to determine the engine speed. The PCM cannot operate the ignition system or the fuel injectors without the engine speed signal from the CKP. The PCM controls the ignition timing by controlling the ignition coils.

Each ignition coil has a built-in ignition module that controls the current flow in the primary coil winding. When the current flow is interrupted, the electrical field around the primary coil collapses and a high voltage is induced in the secondary coil. The secondary coil voltage travels from the coil output terminal, through the spark plug boot, and across the spark plug gap to the engine block. As a fail-safe function the ignition control module sends an ignition confirmation signal back to the PCM whenever the primary field collapses.

The Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor input is used to detect an engine misfire. The PCM also uses the CMP sensor signal as an input for modifying the fuel injection timing and for modifying the ignition timing.

The PCM receives information on the engine status from various engine sensors and then selects the most appropriate ignition timing settings from within the PCM's programming. The following are the most important inputs for determining ignition timing requirements:

Engine speed.
Throttle position.
Intake air volume.
Engine coolant temperature.
Knock Sensor (KS) input.

Ignition coil primary feedback circuit, monitors the primary circuitry of individual ignition coils for the successful completion of an ignition event. The ignition trigger signal and ignition fail-safe input signal provide crucial information in the control of ignition system timing and the activation of the fail-safe function. Based on the initial timing angle, calculated from the crankshaft and the camshaft position signals, the PCM calculates the ignition trigger signal. The ignition trigger signal is then sent to the ignition control circuitry located in each ignition coil. The ignition control circuitry initiates the ignition dwell period by commanding the power transistor ON. When the PCM determines the proper time to provide spark, the PCM turns OFF the ignition trigger signal. In response to the PCM signal, the ignition coil control circuitry turns OFF the power transistor, producing a high voltage discharge from the secondary coil windings. After the spark has occurred, the control circuitry sends an ignition fail-safe input signal back to the PCM, confirming that an ignition event has taken place. If the ignition fail-safe input signal is not received by the PCM, a cylinder specific DTC will set.

Anytime the fail-safe input signal is lost, engine operation will enter the fail-safe function. If engine load exceeds certain parameters during the fail-safe function, Fuel Cut-off mode is activated and fuel injector operation is ceased. The suspension of fuel injection in the Fuel Cut-off mode protects the catalytic converter from damage. Damage can occur when excess unburned fuel reaches the converter and causes the catalyst to overheat.