Engine temperature sensor DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide

5.9L Diesel
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.9L diesel engine is located near the thermostat
housing (Fig. 14).WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
8.0L V-10
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 8.0L V-10 engine is threaded into the thermostat
housing (Fig. 15).
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
(1) Partially drain the cooling system.
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
sensor.
(3) Remove the sensor from the cylinder head.
Fig. 12 ECT LOCATION - 5.7L V-8
1 - TOP OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
2 - ECT SENSOR LOCATION
Fig. 13 ECT REMOVE / INSTALL 5.7L V-8
1 - FRONT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
Fig. 14 ECT LOCATION - 5.9L DIESEL
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - ECT SENSOR
7 - 40 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
3.7L V-6
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
4.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.7L V-8
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
5.9L Diesel
(1) Install sensor to engine.
(2) Tighten sensor to 18 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(4) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
8.0L V-10
(1) Apply thread sealant to sensor threads.
(2) Install sensor to engine.
(3) Tighten sensor to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(5) Replace any lost engine coolant. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT- 5.7L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on the 5.7L gas powered engine is
located behind the thermostat housing at the front of
the intake manifold (Fig. 16).
The thermostat is a wax pellet driven, reverse pop-
pet choke type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
Fig. 15 ECT SENSOR - 8.0L V-10
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
DRENGINE 7 - 41
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

(7) Start the engine and check for coolant leaks.
Run engine to check for proper thermostat operation.
ENGINE COOLANT
THERMOSTAT - 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not operate an engine without a ther-
mostat, except for servicing or testing.
The thermostat on all gas powered engines is
located beneath the thermostat housing at the front
of the intake manifold (Fig. 27).
The thermostat is a moveable sleeve type.
Coolant leakage into the pellet container will cause
the thermostat to fail in the open position. Thermo-
stats very rarely stick. Do not attempt to free a ther-
mostat with a prying device.
The same thermostat is used for winter and sum-
mer seasons. An engine should not be operated with-
out a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
Operating without a thermostat causes longer engine
warmup time, unreliable warmup performance,
increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensa-
tion that can result in sludge formation.
OPERATION
The wax pellet is located in a sealed container at
the spring end of the thermostat. When heated, the
pellet expands, overcoming closing spring tension
and water pump pressure to force the valve to open.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - THERMOSTAT
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
Allgasoline powered modelsare equipped with
On-Board Diagnostics for certain cooling system com-
ponents. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in the
Diagnosis section of this group for additional infor-
mation. If the powertrain control module (PCM)
detects low engine coolant temperature, it will record
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM mem-
ory. Do not change a thermostat for lack of heat as
indicated by the instrument panel gauge or by poor
heater performance unless a DTC is present. Refer to
the Diagnosis section of this group for other probable
causes. For other DTC numbers, (Refer to 25 - EMIS-
SIONS CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).
Fig. 26 Thermostat Removal/Installation
1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - THERMOSTAT
Fig. 27 Thermostat - 8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
7 - 48 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

(9) Install support rod.
(10) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
(12) Start and warm engine. Check for leaks.
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH-
GAS ENGINES
DESCRIPTION
The thermal viscous fan drive (Fig. 31) is a sili-
cone-fluid- filled coupling used to connect the fan
blades to the water pump shaft. The coupling allows
the fan to be driven in a normal manner. This is
done at low engine speeds while limiting the top
speed of the fan to a predetermined maximum level
at higher engine speeds.
OPERATION
A thermostatic bimetallic spring coil is located on
the front face of the viscous fan drive unit (a typical
viscous unit is shown in (Fig. 32). This spring coilreacts to the temperature of the radiator discharge
air. It engages the viscous fan drive for higher fan
speed if the air temperature from the radiator rises
above a certain point. Until additional engine cooling
is necessary, the fan will remain at a reduced rpm
regardless of engine speed.
Only when sufficient heat is present, will the vis-
cous fan drive engage. This is when the air flowing
through the radiator core causes a reaction to the
bimetallic coil. It then increases fan speed to provide
the necessary additional engine cooling.
Once the engine has cooled, the radiator discharge
temperature will drop. The bimetallic coil again
reacts and the fan speed is reduced to the previous
disengaged speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE
NOISE
NOTE: It is normal for fan noise to be louder (roar-
ing) when:
²The underhood temperature is above the engage-
ment point for the viscous drive coupling. This may
occur when ambient (outside air temperature) is very
high.
Fig. 30 Thermostat - 8.0L V-10 Engine
1 - COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR (FOR PCM)
2 - HEATER SUPPLY FITTING
3 - BOLTS (6)
4 - HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL SEAL
5 - THERMOSTAT
6 - RUBBER LIP SEAL
7 - TEMP. GAUGE SENDING UNIT
Fig. 31 Viscous Fan
1 - WATER PUMP BYPASS HOSE
2 - FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY
3 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
4 - WATER PUMP AND PULLEY
5 - Bolts (4)
7 - 50 ENGINEDR
ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT - 8.0L (Continued)

LEAKS
Viscous fan drive operation is not affected by small
oil stains near the drive bearing. If leakage appears
excessive, replace the fan drive unit.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), do not replace the fan drive. This
spin test must be performed when the engine is cool.
If the fan assembly does not free-wheel and a
metallic grinding sound exists, replace the electroni-
cally controlled fan drive (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
NOTE: The following test may take up to 15 minutes
to perform.
The engine should be at normal operating temper-
ature.
(1) Set the parking brake and verify the transmis-
sion is in park or neutral.
(2) Set air conditioner (if equipped) and blower fan
to OFF.
(3) Start and allow engine to reach normal operat-
ing temperatures.
(4) Stop engine, connect the DRB III and select
appropriate model year and engine option.
(5) Check for and correct existing DTC's
(6) Using Tool 6801, connect pin 1 of the electron-
ically controlled viscous fan drive connector, located
at the lower fan shroud to battery ground (Fig. 35).
(7) Using the DRB III, verify that DTC 0480 set.
(8) Start the engine.
(9) Go to the SENSOR screen and observe the fan
speed.
(10) Run the engine at 2500 rpm.
NOTE: It maybe take 15 minutes before fan speed
increases.
(11) The fan speed should increase according to
the table below.
(12) If fan speed does not increase, replace the
electronically control viscous fan drive.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE SPEEDS
ENGINE RPM FAN RPM(Min)
500 490
1000 950
1500 1420
2000 1850
2500 2230
3000 2440
(13) If the fan speed does increase and there is
still a concern, refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnosis Manual to diagnosis the electronically con-
trolled viscous fan drive control circuit.
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced
because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan
blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks or chips that could result in excessive vibra-
tion. Replace fan blade assembly if any of these
conditions are found.
Fig. 35 Electronically Controlled Viscous Fan Drive
Connector
1 - ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
CONNECTOR
2 - TOOL 6801
3 - PIN 1
DRENGINE 7 - 53
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

NOTE: ECM Inputs:
²Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Volts
²APPS1 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS2 Signal Ð For off engine APPS
²APPS idle validation switches #1 and #2
²Battery Temperature
²Battery voltage
²Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
²Fuel pressure sensor
²Fan speed (engine cooling fan)
²Ground circuits
²Inlet air temperature sensor/pressure sensor
²Intake air temperature sensor/MAP sensor
²Oil Pressure switch
²Power ground
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor
NOTE: ECM Outputs:
After inputs are received by the ECM, certain sen-
sors, switches and components are controlled or reg-
ulated by the ECM. These are consideredECM
Outputs.These outputs are for:
²CCD bus (+) circuits
²CCD bus (-) circuits
²CKP and APPS outputs to the PCM
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²Fan Clutch PWM
²Five volt sensor supply
²Fuel Control Actuator
²Fuel transfer (lift) pump
²Intake manifold air heater relays #1 and #2 con-
trol circuits
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp)
(databus)
²Oil Pressure Swith/warning lamp (databus)
²Wait-to-start warning lamp (databus)
²Water-In-Fuel (WIF) warning lamp (databus)
REMOVAL
The engine control module (ECM) is bolted to a
support bracket near the fuel filter. The support
bracket mounts to the block with four capscrews and
vibration isolators. A ground wire is fastened to the
bracket. The other end of the wire is fastened to the
engine block.
(1) Record any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
found in the ECM.To avoid possible voltage spike damage to the
ECM, ignition key must be off, and both negative
battery cables must be disconnected before unplug-
ging ECM connectors.
(2) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries.
(3) Remove the 50±way and 60±way connector
bolts at the ECM. Note: The connector bolt is a
female allen head. As bolt is being removed, very
carefully remove connectors from the ECM.
(4) Remove five ECM mounting bolts and remove
ECM from the vehicle (Fig. 2).
INSTALLATION
Do not apply paint to ECM or a poor ground will
result.
(1) Position the ECM to the ECM support bracket
and install the five mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts
to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(2) Check pin connectors in ECM, 50±way and
60±way connectors for corrosion or damage. Repair
as necessary.
(3) Clean pins in the 50±way and 60±way electri-
cal connectors with a electrical contact cleaner.
(4) Install the 50±way and 60±way connectors to
ECM. Tighten connector bolts to 3 N´m (27 in. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect both negative battery cables.
(6) Use DRBIIItscan tool to erase any stored com-
panion DTC's from ECM.
Fig. 2 Diesel ECM
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - ECM MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
8E - 4 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

During Closed Loop modes, the PCM will monitor
the oxygen (O2S) sensors input. This input indicates
to the PCM whether or not the calculated injector
pulse width results in the ideal air-fuel ratio. This
ratio is 14.7 parts air-to-1 part fuel. By monitoring
the exhaust oxygen content through the O2S sensor,
the PCM can fine tune the injector pulse width. This
is done to achieve optimum fuel economy combined
with low emission engine performance.
The fuel injection system has the following modes
of operation:
²Ignition switch ON
²Engine start-up (crank)
²Engine warm-up
²Idle
²Cruise
²Acceleration
²Deceleration
²Wide open throttle (WOT)
²Ignition switch OFF
The ignition switch On, engine start-up (crank),
engine warm-up, acceleration, deceleration and wide
open throttle modes are Open Loop modes. The idle
and cruise modes, (with the engine at operating tem-
perature) are Closed Loop modes.
IGNITION SWITCH (KEY-ON) MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. When the fuel system
is activated by the ignition switch, the following
actions occur:
²The PCM pre-positions the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
²The PCM determines atmospheric air pressure
from the MAP sensor input to determine basic fuel
strategy.
²The PCM monitors the engine coolant tempera-
ture sensor input. The PCM modifies fuel strategy
based on this input.
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor input is
monitored.
²Throttle position sensor (TPS) is monitored.
²The auto shutdown (ASD) relay is energized by
the PCM for approximately three seconds.
²The fuel pump is energized through the fuel
pump relay by the PCM. The fuel pump will operate
for approximately three seconds unless the engine is
operating or the starter motor is engaged.
²The O2S sensor heater element is energized via
the ASD or O2S heater relay. The O2S sensor input
is not used by the PCM to calibrate air-fuel ratio dur-
ing this mode of operation.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The following actions
occur when the starter motor is engaged.
The PCM receives inputs from:²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
The PCM monitors the crankshaft position sensor.
If the PCM does not receive a crankshaft position
sensor signal within 3 seconds of cranking the
engine, it will shut down the fuel injection system.
The fuel pump is activated by the PCM through
the fuel pump relay.
Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
The PCM determines the proper ignition timing
according to input received from the crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During engine warm-
up, the PCM receives inputs from:
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
Based on these inputs the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off.
²The PCM adjusts engine idle speed through the
idle air control (IAC) motor and adjusts ignition tim-
ing.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
²When engine has reached operating tempera-
ture, the PCM will begin monitoring O2S sensor
input. The system will then leave the warm-up mode
and go into closed loop operation.
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At idle speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Battery voltage
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Oxygen sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
injection sequence and injector pulse width by turn-
ing the ground circuit to each individual injector on
and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio by varying injector pulse width.
It also adjusts engine idle speed through the idle air
control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by increasing
and decreasing spark advance.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the A/C compressor clutch relay. This is done
if A/C has been selected by the vehicle operator and
specified pressures are met at the high and low±pres-
sure A/C switches. Refer to Heating and Air Condi-
tioning for additional information.
CRUISE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a Closed Loop mode. At cruising speed, the PCM
receives inputs from:
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)²Oxygen (O2S) sensors
Based on these inputs, the following occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then adjust
the injector pulse width by turning the ground circuit
to each individual injector on and off.
²The PCM monitors the O2S sensor input and
adjusts air-fuel ratio. It also adjusts engine idle
speed through the idle air control (IAC) motor.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
²The PCM operates the A/C compressor clutch
through the clutch relay. This happens if A/C has
been selected by the vehicle operator and requested
by the A/C thermostat.
ACCELERATION MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. The PCM recognizes
an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP pres-
sure as a demand for increased engine output and
vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased throttle opening.
DECELERATION MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is an Open Loop mode. During hard deceleration, the
PCM receives the following inputs.
²Air conditioning select signal (if equipped)
²Air conditioning request signal (if equipped)
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Park/neutral switch (gear indicator signalÐauto.
trans. only)
²Vehicle speed
If the vehicle is under hard deceleration with the
proper rpm and closed throttle conditions, the PCM
will ignore the oxygen sensor input signal. The PCM
will enter a fuel cut-off strategy in which it will not
supply a ground to the injectors. If a hard decelera-
tion does not exist, the PCM will determine the
proper injector pulse width and continue injection.
Based on the above inputs, the PCM will adjust
engine idle speed through the idle air control (IAC)
motor.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil on and off.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 9
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an Open Loop mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the PCM receives the following
inputs.
²Battery voltage
²Crankshaft position sensor
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Throttle position sensor (TPS)
²Camshaft position sensor signal
During wide open throttle conditions, the following
occurs:
²Voltage is applied to the fuel injectors with the
ASD relay via the PCM. The PCM will then control
the injection sequence and injector pulse width by
turning the ground circuit to each individual injector
on and off. The PCM ignores the oxygen sensor input
signal and provides a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel. This is done by adjusting injector pulse
width.
²The PCM adjusts ignition timing by turning the
ground path to the coil(s) on and off.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When ignition switch is turned to OFF position,
the PCM stops operating the injectors, ignition coil,
ASD relay and fuel pump relay.
DESCRIPTION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Two different Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
five volt supply circuits are used; primary and sec-
ondary.
DESCRIPTION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
This circuit ties the ignition switch to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM).
DESCRIPTION - POWER GROUNDS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has 2 main
grounds. Both of these grounds are referred to as
power grounds. All of the high-current, noisy, electri-
cal devices are connected to these grounds as well as
all of the sensor returns. The sensor return comes
into the sensor return circuit, passes through noise
suppression, and is then connected to the power
ground.
The power ground is used to control ground cir-
cuits for the following PCM loads:
²Generator field winding
²Fuel injectors
²Ignition coil(s)
²Certain relays/solenoids
²Certain sensors
DESCRIPTION - SENSOR RETURN
The Sensor Return circuits are internal to the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM).
Sensor Return provides a low±noise ground refer-
ence for all engine control system sensors. Refer to
Power Grounds for more information.
OPERATION
OPERATION - PCM
The PCM operates the fuel system. The PCM is a
pre-programmed, triple microprocessor digital com-
puter. It regulates ignition timing, air-fuel ratio,
emission control devices, charging system, certain
transmission features, speed control, air conditioning
compressor clutch engagement and idle speed. The
PCM can adapt its programming to meet changing
operating conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from various
switches and sensors. Based on these inputs, the
PCM regulates various engine and vehicle operations
through different system components. These compo-
nents are referred to as Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Outputs. The sensors and switches that pro-
vide inputs to the PCM are considered Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) Inputs.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based upon
inputs it receives from sensors that react to: engine
rpm, manifold absolute pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature, throttle position, transmission gear selec-
tion (automatic transmission), vehicle speed, power
steering pump pressure, and the brake switch.
The PCM adjusts idle speed based on inputs it
receives from sensors that react to: throttle position,
vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, engine
coolant temperature and from inputs it receives from
the air conditioning clutch switch and brake switch.
Based on inputs that it receives, the PCM adjusts
ignition coil dwell. The PCM also adjusts the gener-
ator charge rate through control of the generator
field and provides speed control operation.
NOTE: PCM Inputs:
²ABS module (if equipped)
²A/C request (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C select (if equipped with factory A/C)
²A/C pressure transducer
²Auto shutdown (ASD) sense
²Battery temperature sensor
²Battery voltage
²Brake switch
²J1850 bus (+) circuits
²J1850 bus (-) circuits
²Camshaft position sensor signal
²Crankshaft position sensor
8E - 10 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EATX module (if equipped)
²Engine coolant temperature sensor
²Fuel level (through J1850 circuitry)
²Generator (battery voltage) output
²Ignition circuit sense (ignition switch in on/off/
crank/run position)
²Intake manifold air temperature sensor
²Knock sensors (2 on 3.7L engine)
²Leak detection pump (switch) sense (if equipped)
²Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
²Oil pressure
²Oxygen sensors
²Park/neutral switch (auto. trans. only)
²Power ground
²Power steering pressure switch (if equipped)
²Sensor return
²Signal ground
²Speed control multiplexed single wire input
²Throttle position sensor
²Transfer case switch (4WD range position)
²Vehicle speed signal
NOTE: PCM Outputs:
²A/C clutch relay
²Auto shutdown (ASD) relay
²J1850 bus (+/-) circuits for: speedometer, voltme-
ter, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge/lamp, engine temp.
gauge and speed control warn. lamp
²Data link connection for DRB scan tool
²EGR valve control solenoid (if equipped)
²EVAP canister purge solenoid
²Five volt sensor supply (primary)
²Five volt sensor supply (secondary)
²Fuel injectors
²Fuel pump relay
²Generator field driver (-)
²Generator field driver (+)
²Idle air control (IAC) motor
²Ignition coil(s)
²Leak detection pump (if equipped)
²Malfunction indicator lamp (Check engine lamp).
Driven through J1850 circuits.²Oxygen sensor heater relays
²Oxygen sensors (pulse width modulated)
²Radiator cooling fan relay (pulse width modu-
lated)
²Speed control vacuum solenoid
²Speed control vent solenoid
²Tachometer (if equipped). Driven through J1850
circuits.
²Transmission convertor clutch circuit. Driven
through J1850 circuits.
OPERATION - 5 VOLT SUPPLIES
Primary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor.
²supplies a reference voltage for the Throttle
Position Sensor (TPS) sensor.
Secondary 5±volt supply:
²supplies the required 5 volt power source to the
oil pressure sensor.
²supplies the required 5 volt power source for the
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) (if equipped).
²supplies the 5 volt power source to the transmis-
sion pressure sensor (certain automatic transmis-
sions).
OPERATION - IGNITION CIRCUIT SENSE
The ignition circuit sense input tells the PCM the
ignition switch has energized the ignition circuit.
Battery voltage is also supplied to the PCM
through the ignition switch when the ignition is in
the RUN or START position. This is referred to as
the9ignition sense9circuit and is used to9wake up9
the PCM. Voltage on the ignition input can be as low
as 6 volts and the PCM will still function. Voltage is
supplied to this circuit to power the PCM's 8-volt reg-
ulator and to allow the PCM to perform fuel, ignition
and emissions control functions.
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 11
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)