ISUZU AXIOM 2002 Service Repair Manual

6E±574
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
resistance of 100,000 ohms at ±40
C (±40
F). High
temperature causes low resistance of 70 ohms at 130
C
(266
F) . The PCM supplies a 5-volt signal to the sensor
through a resistor in the PCM and monitors the signal
voltage. The voltage will be high when the incoming air is
cold. The voltage will be low when the incoming air is hot.
By measuring the voltage, the PCM calculates the
incoming air temperature. The IAT sensor signal is used
to adjust spark timing according to the incoming air
density.
The Tech 2 displays the temperature of the air entering
the engine. The temperature should read close to the
ambient air temperature when the engine is cold and rise
as underhood temperature increases. If the engine has
not been run for several hours (overnight), the IAT sensor
temperature and engine coolant temperature should read
close to each other. A fault in the IAT sensor circuit will set
DTC P0112 or DTC P0113.
Linear Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Control
The PCM monitors the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
actual position and adjusts the pintle position accordingly.
The PCM uses information from the following sensors to
control the pintle position:

Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Throttle position (TP) sensor.

Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the difference
between the volume and the quantity of air that enters the
engine. ªVolumeº means the size of the space to be filled.
ªQuantityº means the number of air molecules that will fit
into the space. This information is important to the PCM
because heavier, denser air will hold more fuel than
lighter, thinner air. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio as
needed depending on the MAF value. The Tech 2 reads
the MAF value and displays it in terms of grams per
second (gm/s). At idle, the Tech 2 should read between
4-7 gm/s on a fully warmed up engine. Values should
change quickly on acceleration. Values should remain
stable at any given RPM. A failure in the MAF sensor or
circuit will set DTC P0101, DTC P0102, or DTC P0103.
0007
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor responds
to changes in intake manifold pressure (vacuum). The
MAP sensor signal voltage to the PCM varies from below
2 volts at idle (high vacuum) to above 4 volts with the
ignition ON, engine not running or at wide-open throttle
(low vacuum).
The MAP sensor is used to determine the following:

Manifold pressure changes while the linear EGR flow
test diagnostic is being run. Refer to
DTC P0401.

Barometric pressure (BARO).
If the PCM detects a voltage that is lower than the
possible range of the MAP sensor, DTC P0107 will be set.
A signal voltage higher than the possible range of the
sensor will set DTC P0108. An intermittent low or high
voltage will set DTC P1107, respectively. The PCM can
detect a shifted MAP sensor. The PCM compares the
MAP sensor signal to a calculated MAP based on throttle
position and various engine load factors. If the PCM
detects a MAP signal that varies excessively above or
below the calculated value, DTC P0106 will set.
055RW004

6E±575
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)
060RY00068
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 ªON.º 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 ªONº or ªOFFº

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±576
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±577
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: A d d - o n e l e c t r i c a l 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.
TS23793There 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 p r e ve n t p ossible 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±578
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 ªONº and ªOFF,º 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 ªOFF.º 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 ªON.º 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 ªclosed loopº system.

6E±579
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
The PCM monitors signals from several sensors in order
to determine the fuel needs of the engine. Fuel is
delivered under one of several conditions called ªmodes.º
All modes are controlled by the PCM.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm-operated
relief valve mounted on the fuel rail with fuel pump
pressure on one side and manifold pressure on the other
side. The fuel pressure regulator maintains the fuel
pressure available to the injector at three times
barometric pressure adjusted for engine load. It may be
serviced separtely.
If the pressure is too low, poor performance and a DTC
P0131, DTC P0151,DTC P0171 or DTC P1171 will be the
result. If the pressure is too high, excessive odor and/or a
DTC P0132, DTC P0152,DTC P0172 will be the result.
Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis for information on
diagnosing fuel pressure conditions.
014RY00010
Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit
When the key is first turned ªON,º the PCM energizes the
fuel pump relay for two seconds to build up the fuel
pressure quickly. If the engine is not started within two
seconds, the PCM shuts the fuel pump off and waits until
the engine is cranked. When the engine is cranked and
the 58 X crankshaft position signal has been detected by
the PCM, the PCM supplies 12 volts to the fuel pump relay
to energize the electric in-tank fuel pump.
An inoperative fuel pump will cause a ªno-startº condition.
A fuel pump which does not provide enough pressure will
result in poor performance.
Fuel Rail
The fuel rail is mounted to the top of the engine and
distributes fuel to the individual injectors. Fuel is
delivered to the fuel inlet tube of the fuel rail by the fuel
lines. The fuel goes through the fuel rail to the fuel
pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator maintains
a constant fuel pressure at the injectors. Remaining fuel
is then returned to the fuel tank.
055RW009
Run Mode
The run mode has the following two conditions:

Open loop

Closed loop
When the engine is first started the system is in ªopen
loopº operation. In ªopen loop,º the PCM ignores the
signal from the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). It
calculates the air/fuel ratio based on inputs from the TP,
ECT, and MAF sensors.
The system remains in ªopen loopº until the following
conditions are met:

The HO2S has a varying voltage output showing that
it is hot enough to operate properly (this depends on
temperature).

The ECT has reached a specified temperature.

A specific amount of time has elapsed since starting
the engine.

Engine speed has been greater than a specified RPM
since start-up.
The specific values for the above conditions vary with
different engines and are stored in the programmable
read only memory (PROM). When these conditions are
met, the system enters ªclosed loopº operation. In
ªclosed loop,º the PCM calculates the air/fuel ratio
(injector on-time) based on the signal from the HO2S.
This allows the air/fuel ratio to stay very close to 14.7:1.
Starting Mode
When the ignition is first turned ªON,º the PCM energizes
the fuel pump relay for two seconds to allow the fuel pump
to build up pressure. The PCM then checks the engine
coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the throttle
position (TP) sensor to determine the proper air/fuel ratio
for starting.
The PCM controls the amount of fuel delivered in the
starting mode by adjusting how long the fuel injectors are
energized by pulsing the injectors for very short times.

6E±580
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Throttle Body Unit
The throttle body has a throttle plate to control the amount
of air delivered to the engine. The TP sensor are also
mounted on the throttle body. Vacuum ports located
behind the throttle plate provide the vacuum signals
needed by various components.
Engine coolant is directed through a coolant cavity in the
throttle body to warm the throttle valve and to prevent
icing.
025RY00005
General Description (Electronic
Ignition System)
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor provides a signal
used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to calculate
the ignition sequence. The sensor initiates the 58X
reference pulses which the PCM uses to calculate RPM
and crankshaft position. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
section for additional information.
Electronic Ignition
The electronic ignition system controls fuel combustion
by providing a spark to ignite the compressed air/fuel
mixture at the correct time. To provide optimum engine
performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust
emissions, the PCM controls the spark advance of the
ignition system. Electronic ignition has the following
advantages over a mechanical distributor system:

No moving parts.

Less maintenance.

Remote mounting capability.

No mechanical load on the engine.

More coil cooldown time between firing events.

Elimination of mechanical timing adjustments.

Increased available ignition coil saturation time.
0013
Ignition Coils
A separate coil-at-plug module is located at each spark
plug. The coil-at-plug module is attached to the engine
with two screws. It is installed directly to the spark plug by
an electrical contact inside a rubber boot. A three-way
connector provides 12-volt primary supply from the
15-amp ignition fuse, a ground-switching trigger line from
the PCM, and a ground.
060RY00022
Ignition Control
The ignition control (IC) spark timing is the PCM's method
of controlling the spark advance and the ignition dwell.
The IC spark advance and the ignition dwell are
calculated by the PCM using the following inputs:

Engine speed.

Crankshaft position (58X reference).

Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Throttle position (TP) sensor.

ION sensing module.

Park/Neutral position (PRNDL input).

6E±581
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

Vehicle speed (vehicle speed sensor).

PCM and ignition system supply voltage.

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor sends the PCM
a 58X signal related to the exact position of the
crankshaft.
TS22909Based on these sensor signals and engine load
information, the PCM sends 5V to each ignition coil.
060RY00116This module has the function to energize and de-energize
the primary ignition coil in response to signals from the
PCM. The Throttle PCM controls ignition timing and dwell
time.
Continuity and out-or-range value check:
This diagnosis detects open circuit or short-circuiting in
the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) line by monitoring EST
signals. A failure determination is made when the signal
voltage remains higher or lower than the threshold for
corresponding fault code beyond a predetermined time
period.
Diagnosis enabling conditions are as follows:

RPM is higher than the specified threshold.
EST line is enabled.
060RY00029
Ignition Control PCM Output
The PCM provides a zero volt (actually about 100 mV to
200 mV) or a 5-volt output signal to the ignition control (IC)
module. Each spark plug has its own primary and
secondary ignition coil assembly (ºcoil-at-plugº) located
at the spark plug itself. When the ignition coil receives the
5-volt signal from the PCM, it provides a ground path for
the B+ supply to the primary side of the coil-at -plug
module. When the PCM shuts off the 5-volt signal to the
ION sensing module, the ground path for the primary coil
is broken. The magnetic field collapses and induces a
high voltage secondary impulse which fires the spark plug
and ignites the air/fuel mixture.
The circuit between the PCM and the ignition coil is
monitored for open circuits, shorts to voltage, and shorts
to ground. If the PCM detects one of these events, it will
set one of the following DTCs:

P0351: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #1

P0352: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #2

P0353: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #3

P0354: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #4

P0355: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #5

P0356: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #6
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM is responsible for maintaining proper spark and
fuel injection timing for all driving conditions. To provide
optimum driveability and emissions, the PCM monitors
the input signals from the following components in order
to calculate spark timing:

Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.

Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.

PRNDL input from transmission range switch.

Throttle position (TP) sensor.

Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) .

6E±582
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS

Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequency fail at higher
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication section.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion of
the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow, and
white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These deposits
are normal combustion by-products of fuels and
lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wear will
also occur. Engines which are not running properly are
often referred to as ªmisfiring.º This means the ignition
spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the proper time.
While other ignition and fuel system causes must also be
considered, possible causes include ignition system
conditions which allow the spark voltage to reach ground
in some other manner than by jumping across the air gap
at the tip of the spark plug, leaving the air/fuel mixture
unburned. Refer to
DTC P0300. Misfiring may also occur
when the tip of the spark plug becomes overheated and
ignites the mixture before the spark jumps. This is
referred to as ªpre-ignition.º
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, excessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring occurs
before the recommended replacement interval, locate
and correct the cause.
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry, black
carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark plug in
the cylinder. Excessive idling and slow speeds under
light engine loads can keep the spark plug temperatures
so low that these deposits are not burned off. Very rich
fuel mixtures or poor ignition system output may also be
the cause. Refer to DTC P0172.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the normal
red-brown, yellow or white deposits of combustion by
products become sufficient to cause misfiring. In some
cases, these deposits may melt and form a shiny glaze on
the insulator around the center electrode. If the fouling is
found in only one or two cylinders, valve stem clearances
or intake valve seals may be allowing excess lubricating
oil to enter the cylinder, particularly if the deposits are
heavier on the side of the spark plug facing the intake
valve.
TS23995Excessive gap means that the air space between the
center and the side electrodes at the bottom of the spark
plug is too wide for consistent firing. This may be due to
improper gap adjustment or to excessive wear of the
electrode during use. A spark plug gap that is too small
may cause an unstable idle condition. Excessive gap
wear can be an indication of continuous operation at high
speeds or with engine loads, causing the spark to run too
hot. Another possible cause is an excessively lean fuel
mixture.
TS23992Low or high spark plug installation torque or improper
seating can result in the spark plug running too hot and
can cause excessive center electrode wear. The plug
and the cylinder head seats must be in good contact for
proper heat transfer and spark plug cooling. Dirty or
damaged threads in the head or on the spark plug can
keep it from seating even though the proper torque is
applied. Once spark plugs are properly seated, tighten
them to the torque shown in the Specifications Table. Low
torque may result in poor contact of the seats due to a
loose spark plug. Overtightening may cause the spark
plug shell to be stretched and will result in poor contact

6E±583
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
between the seats. In extreme cases, exhaust blow-by
and damage beyond simple gap wear may occur.
Cracked or broken insulators may be the result of
improper installation, damage during spark plug
re-gapping, or heat shock to the insulator material. Upper
insulators can be broken when a poorly fitting tool is used
during installation or removal, when the spark plug is hit
from the outside, or is dropped on a hard surface. Cracks
in the upper insulator may be inside the shell and not
visible. Also, the breakage may not cause problems until
oil or moisture penetrates the crack later.
TS23994
A/C Clutch Diagnosis
A/C Clutch Circuit Operation
A 12-volt signal is supplied to the A/C request input of the
PCM when the A/C is selected through the A/C control
switch.
The A/C compressor clutch relay is controlled through the
PCM. This allows the PCM to modify the idle air control
position prior to the A/C clutch engagement for better idle
quality. If the engine operating conditions are within their
specified calibrated acceptable ranges, the PCM will
enable the A/C compressor relay. This is done by
providing a ground path for the A/C relay coil within the
PCM. When the A/C compressor relay is enabled,
battery voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil.
The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch
whenever the engine is running and the A/C has been
requested. The PCM will not enable the A/C compressor
clutch if any of the following conditions are met:

The throttle is greater than 90%.

The engine speed is greater than 6315 RPM.

The ECT is greater than 119
C (246
F).

The IAT is less than 5
C (41
F).

The throttle is more than 80% open.
A/C Clutch Circuit Purpose
The A/C compressor operation is controlled by the
powertrain control module (PCM) for the following
reasons:

It improvises idle quality during compressor clutch
engagement.

It improvises wide open throttle (WOT) performance.

It provides A/C compressor protection from operation
with incorrect refrigerant pressures.
The A/C electrical system consists of the following
components:

The A/C control head.

The A/C refrigerant pressure switches.

The A/C compressor clutch.

The A/C compressor clutch relay.

The PCM.
A/C Request Signal
This signal tells the PCM when the A/C mode is selected
at the A/C control head. The PCM uses this to adjust the
idle speed before turning on the A/C clutch. The A/C
compressor will be inoperative if this signal is not
available to the PCM.
Refer to
A/C Clutch Circuit Diagnosis section for A/C
wiring diagrams and diagnosis for A/C electrical system.
General Description (Evaporative
(EVAP) Emission System)
EVAP Emission Control System Purpose
The basic evaporative emission (EVAP) control system
used on all vehicles is the charcoal canister storage
method. Gasoline vapors from the fuel tank flow into the
canister through the inlet labeled ªTANK.º These vapors
are absorbed into the activated carbon (charcoal) storage
device (canister) in order to hold the vapors when the
vehicle is not operating. The canister is purged by PCM
control when the engine coolant temperature is over 60
C
(140
F), the IAT reading is over 10
C (50
F), and the
engine has been running. Air is drawn into the canister
through the air inlet grid. The air mixes with the vapor and
the mixture is drawn into the intake manifold.
EVAP Emission Control System Operation
The EVAP canister purge is controlled by a solenoid valve
that allows the manifold vacuum to purge the canister.
The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a ground
to energize the solenoid valve (purge on). The EVAP
purge solenoid control is pulse-width modulated (PWM)
(turned on and off several times a second). The duty
cycle (pulse width) is determined by engine operating
conditions including load, throttle positron, coolant
temperature and ambient temperature. The duty cycle is
calculated by the PCM. The output is commanded when
the appropriate conditions have been met. These
conditions are:

The engine is fully warmed up.

The engine has been running for a specified time.

The IAT reading is above 10
C (50
F).