Gas OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Workshop Manual

6E–325 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Spark Plug Gap Check
Check the gap of all spark plugs before installation.
Use a round wire feeler gauge to ensure an accurate
check.
Plugs installed with the wrong gap can cause poor
engine performance and excessive emissions.
Installation Procedure
NOTE: The plug must thread smoothly into the cylinder
head and be fully seated. Use a thread chaser if
necessary to clean the threads in the cylinder head.
Cross-threading or failure to fully seat the spark plug can
cause plug overheating, exhaust blow-by gas, or thread
damage. Do not overtighten the spark plugs. Over
tightening can cause aluminum threads to strip.
1. Install the spark plug in the engine. Use the
appropriate spark plug socket.
Tighten
Tighten the spark plug to 18 Nꞏm (13 lb ft.).
2. Install the ignition coil and spark plug boot over the
spark plug.
014RW108
3. Secure the ignition coil to the rocker cover with two
screws.
014RW091
4. Connect the electrical connector at the ignition coil.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
Catalytic Converter
Removal and Installation Procedure
Refer to Engine Exhaust in Engine.
Air Conditioning Relay
Removal Procedure
1. Remove the fuse and relay box cover from under the
hood.
2. Consult the diagram on the cover to determine which
is the correct relay.
3. Insert a small screwdriver into the catch slot on the
forward side of the fuel pump relay.
The screwdriver blade will release the catch inside.
T321092

6E–328
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
3. Connect the vacuum hoses to the EVAP canister
purge solenoid.
014RW137
4. Connect the electrical connector to the EVAP canister
purge solenoid.
014RW138
Fuel Tank Vent Valve
Removal and Installation Procedure
Refer to Fuel Pump
Linear Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) Valve
Removal Procedure
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.2. Disconnect the electrical connector at the EGR valve.
014RW139
3. Remove the bolt and the nut from the upper intake
manifold.
014RW098
4. Remove the EGR valve from the upper intake
manifold.
5. Remove the gasket from the upper intake manifold.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the gasket on the upper intake manifold.
2. Install the EGR valve on the upper intake manifold.
3. Secure the EGR valve and the gasket with the bolt
and the nut.

6E–336
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0016
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory (EEPROM)
The electrically erasable programmable read only
memory (EEPROM) is a permanent memory chip that is
physically soldered within the PCM. The EEPROM
contains the program and the calibration information that
the PCM needs to control powertrain operation.
Unlike the PROM used in past applications, the EEPROM
is not replaceable. If the PCM is replaced, the new PCM
will need to be programmed. Equipment containing the
correct program and calibration for the vehicle is required
to program the PCM.
Fuel Control Heated Oxygen Sensors
The fuel control heated oxygen sensors (Bank 1 HO2S 1
and Bank 2 HO2S 1) are mounted in the exhaust stream
where they can monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust
gas. The oxygen present in the exhaust gas reacts with
the sensor to produce a voltage output. This voltage
should constantly fluctuate from approximately 100 mV to
900 mV. The heated oxygen sensor voltage can be
monitored with Tech 2. By monitoring the voltage output
of the oxygen sensor, the PCM calculates the pulse width
command for the injectors to produce the proper
combustion chamber mixture.
Low HO2S voltage is a lean mixture which will result in
a rich command to compensate.
High HO2S voltage is a rich mixture which will result in
a lean command to compensate.
An open Bank 1 HO2S 1 signal circuit will set a DTC
P0134 and Tech 2 will display a constant voltage between
400-500 mV. A constant voltage below 300 mV in the
sensor circuit (circuit grounded) will set DTC P0131. A
constant voltage above 800 mV in the circuit will set DTC
P0132. Faults in the Bank 2 HO2S 1 signal circuit will
cause DTC 0154 (open circuit), DTC P0151 (grounded
circuit), or DTC P0152 (signal voltage high) to set.
0012
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor
which changes its resistance based on the temperature of
air entering the engine. Low temperature produces a high
resistance of 100,000 ohms at –40
C (–40F). 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.
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.

6E–337 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0018
Knock Sensor
Insufficient gasoline octane levels may cause detonation
in some engines. Detonation is an uncontrolled explosion
(burn) in the combustion chamber. This uncontrolled
explosion results from a flame front opposite that of the
normal flame front produced by the spark plug. The
rattling sound normally associated with detonation is the
result of two or more opposing pressures (flame fronts)
colliding within the combustion chamber. Light
detonation is sometimes considered normal, but heavy
detonation could result in engine damage.
A knock sensor system is used to control detonation. This
system is designed to retard spark timing up to 20
degrees to reduce detonation in the engine. This allows
the engine to use maximum spark advance to improve
driveability and fuel economy.
The knock sensor system has two major components:
The knock sensor (KS) module.
The knock sensor.
The knock sensor, mounted in the engine block near the
cylinders, detects abnormal vibration in the engine. The
sensor produces an AC output signal of about 10
millivolts. The signal amplitude and frequency are
dependent on the amount of knock being experienced.
The signal voltage increases with the severity of the
knock. This signal voltage is input to the PCM. The PCM
then retards the ignition control (IC) spark timing based
on the KS signal being received.
The PCM determines whether knock is occurring by
comparing the signal level on the KS circuit with the
voltage level on the noise channel. The noise channel
allows the PCM to reject any false knock signal by
indicating the amount of normal engine mechanical noise
present. Normal engine noise varies depending on the
engine speed and load. If the voltage level on the KS
noise channel circuit is below the range considered
normal, DTC P0327 will set, indicating a fault in the KScircuit or the knock sensor. If the PCM determines that an
abnormal minimum or maximum noise level is being
experienced, DTC P0325 will set.
The PCM contains a knock sensor (KS) module. The KS
module contains the circuitry which allows the PCM to
utilize the KS signal and diagnose the KS sensor and the
KS circuitry. If the KS module is missing or faulty, a
continuous knock condition will be indicated, and the
PCM will set DTC P0325.
Although it is a plug-in device, the KS module is not
replaceable. If the KS module is faulty, the entire PCM
must be replaced.
0009
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. “Volume” means the size of the space to be filled.
“Quantity” 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. Tech 2 reads the
MAF value and displays it in terms of grams per second
(gm/s). At idle, 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

6E–339 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
0005
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
Knock sensor
Automatic transmission shift functions
Cruise control
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 “ON.” 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 “ON” or “OFF”
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
Camshaft Position
Outputs – Systems Controlled
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Ignition Control
Fuel Control
Idle Air Control
Electric Fuel Pump
Air Conditioning
Diagnostics
– Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon
lamp)
– Data Link Connector (DLC)
– Data Output
Transmission Control Module
Alternator Gain Control
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
Tech-2. The PCM should remain connected to the PCM
or to a recommended breakout box.
Reprogramming The PCM
The Trooper allow reprogramming of the PCM without
removing it from the vehicle . This provides a flexible and
cost-effective method of making changes in software
calibrations.
The service programming system (SPS) will not allow
incorrect software programming or incorrect calibration
changes.
Refer to the UBS 98model year Immobilizer Workshop
Manual.
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

6E–342
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
PCM to calculate true sequential multiport fuel injection
(SFI). Loss of this signal will set a DTC P0341. If the CMP
signal is lost while the engine is running, the fuel injection
system will shift to a calculated sequential fuel injection
based on the last fuel injection pulse, and the engine will
continue to run. The engine can be restarted and will run
in the calculated sequential mode as long as the fault is
present, with a 1-in-6 chance of being correct.
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 “ON” and “OFF,” 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 increase 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 “OFF.” 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.
0003
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 camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
The idle air control (IAC) valve.
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 f o r
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 “ON.” 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

6E–349 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Damage during re-gapping can happen if the gapping
tool is pushed against the center electrode or the
insulator around it, causing the insulator to crack.
When re-gapping a spark plug, make the adjustment
by bending only the ground side terminal, keeping the
tool clear of other parts.
”Heat shock” breakage in the lower insulator tip
generally occurs during several engine operating
conditions (high speeds or heavy loading) and may be
caused by over-advanced timing or low grade fuels.
Heat shock refers to a rapid increase in the tip
temperature that causes the insulator material to
crack.
Spark plugs with less than the recommended amount of
service can sometimes be cleaned and re-gapped , then
returned to service. However, if there is any doubt about
the serviceability of a spark plug, replace it. Spark plugs
with cracked or broken insulators should always be
replaced.
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 119C (246F).
The IAT is less than 5C (41F).
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 for A/C wiring
diagrams and diagnosis for A/C electrical system.
General Description (Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) System)
EGR Purpose
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is use to
reduce emission levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). NOx
emission levels are caused by a high combustion
temperature. The EGR system lowers the NOx emission
levels by decreasing the combustion temperature.
057RW002
Linear EGR Valve
The main element of the system is the linear EGR valve.
The EGR valve feeds small amounts of exhaust gas back
into the combustion chamber. The fuel/air mixture will be
diluted and combustion temperatures reduced.
Linear EGR Control
The PCM monitors the EGR actual positron and adjusts
the pintle position accordingly. The 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.
Linear EGR Valve Operation and Results
of Incorrect Operation
The linear EGR valve is designed to accurately supply
EGR to the engine independent of intake manifold
vacuum. The valve controls EGR flow from the exhaust

6E–350
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
to the intake manifold through an orifice with a PCM
controlled pintle. During operation, the PCM controls
pintle position by monitoring the pintle position feedback
signal. The feedback signal can be monitored with Tech 2
as “Actual EGR Pos.” “Actual EGR Pos.” should always
be near the commanded EGR position (”Desired EGR
Pos.”). If a problem with the EGR system will not allow the
PCM to control the pintle position properly, DTC P1406
will set. The PCM also tests for EGR flow. If incorrect flow
is detected, DTC P0401 will set. If DTCs P0401 and/or
P1406 are set, refer to the DTC charts.
The linear EGR valve is usually activated under the
following conditions:
Warm engine operation.
Above-idle speed.
Too much EGR flow at idle, cruise or cold operation may
cause any of the following conditions to occur:
Engine stalls after a cold start.
Engine stalls at idle after deceleration.
Vehicle surges during cruise.
Rough idle.
Too little or no EGR flow may allow combustion
temperatures to get too high. This could cause:
Spark knock (detonation).
Engine overheating.
Emission test failure.
DTC P0401 (EGR flow test).
Poor fuel economy.
0017
EGR Pintle Position Sensor
The PCM monitors the EGR valve pintle position input to
endure that the valve responds properly to commands
from the PCM and to detect a fault if the pintle position
sensor and control circuits are open or shorted. If the
PCM detects a pintle position signal voltage outside the
normal range of the pintle position sensor, or a signal
voltage that is not within a tolerance considered
acceptable for proper EGR system operation, the PCM
will set DTC P1406.
General Description (Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System)
Crankcase Ventilation System Purpose
The crankcase ventilation system is use to consume
crankcase vapors in the combustion process instead of
venting them to the atmosphere. Fresh air from the
throttle body is supplied to the crankcase and mixed with
blow-by gases. This mixture is then passed through the
positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve into the
common chamber.
Crankcase Ventilation System Operation
The primary control is through the positive crankcase
v e n t i l a t i o n ( P C V ) v a l v e . T h e PCV valve meters the flow at
a rate that depends on the intake vacuum. The PCV valve
restricts the flow when the inlet vacuum is highest. In
addition, the PCV valve can seal the common chamber
off in case of sudden high pressure in the crankcase.
028RV002
While the engine is running, exhaust fuses and small
amounts of the fuel/air mixture escape past the piston

6E–351 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
rings and enter the crankcase. These gases are mixed
with clean air entering through a tube from the air intake
duct.
028RW002
During normal, part-throttle operation, the system is
designed to allow crankcase gases to flow through the
PCV valve into the throttle body to be consumed by
normal combustion.
A plugged valve or PCV hose may cause the following
conditions:
Rough idle.
Stalling of slow idle speed.
Oil leaks.
Sludge in the engine.
A leaking PCV hose would cause:
Rough idle.
Stalling.
High idle speed.

6E–354
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
ILLUSTRATIONTOOL NO.
TOOL NAME
5-8840-2607-0
(J 41413)
EVAP Pressure/Purge
Diagnostic Station
5-8840-2608-0
(J 41416)
Ultrasonic Leak Detector
1. 5-8840-2607-0 (J-41413)EVAP Pressure/Purge
Diagnostic Station is a multipurpose tool which is
used to perform several diagnostic procedures for
enhanced emission testing. The station will
accommodate a nitrogen gas filled cylinder which is
used to pressurize the vehicle EVAP system for a
leakdown test and leak location test when a vehicle is
repaired for leakage in the enhanced evaporative
emission control system. It also has two additional
gauges (inches of mercury and inches of water) which
are used to measure both source vacuum and EVAP
canister purge vacuum to verify correct operation and
vapor flow within the canister purge circuit.
2. 5-8840-2608-0 (J-41416) Ultrasonic Leak Detector is
a microprocessor-based device used to detect leaks
in the enhanced evaporative emission control
system. The evaporative system is pressurized to 30
inches of water using the 5-8840-2607-0 (J-41413)
EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic System. Small
leaks in the EVAP system will emit sound at a high
frequency undetectable by a human ear but
detectable with the 5-8840-2608-0 (J-41416). The
technician traces along the evaporative system and
can pinpoint leaks due to corroded lines, cracked
hoses, or a damaged EVAP component. The
detector includes a high quality set of headphones to
block out surrounding shop noise and the LED
sensitivity meter allows a visual reference for locating
leaks in conjunction with the audio output heard
through the headphones. Powered by (1) nine volt
battery.