Ignition coil DODGE RAM 1999 Service Owner's Manual

drive plate. PCM uses this information to determine fuel injection
sequence, ignition signal and spark timing.
Cruise Control Switch
Cruise control switch provides PCM with 3 separate inputs.
ON/OFF switch input informs PCM that cruise control system has been
activated. SET/COAST switch input informs PCM that set vehicle speed
has been selected, or if depressed will decelerate until switch is
released. RESUME/ACCEL switch input informs PCM that a previously set
speed has been selected or, if depressed, will increase speed until
released. PCM uses these inputs to control cruise control servo.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
ECT sensor monitors engine coolant temperature. PCM uses ECT
sensor information to adjust air/fuel mixture and idle speed and to
control radiator cooling fans as necessary.
Fuel Level Sensor
PCM supplies a 5-volt reference signal to fuel module in gas
tank. Fuel level sensor sends a signal to PCM indicating fuel level.
PCM monitors this signal to prevent a false misfire signal if fuel
level is less than 15 percent. PCM also sends this signal to fuel
gauge.
Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
HO2S produces a small electrical voltage (0-1 volt) when
exposed to heated exhaust gas. HO2S is electrically heated for faster
warm-up. Heating element is powered through Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay.\
HO2S acts like a rich/lean (air/fuel ratio) switch by
monitoring oxygen content in exhaust gas. This information is used by
PCM to adjust air/fuel ratio by adjusting injector pulse width.
HO2S produces low voltage when oxygen content in exhaust gas
is high. When oxygen content in exhaust gas is low, HO2S produces a
higher voltage.
Ignition Switch
Ignition switch sends signal to PCM indicating whether switch
is on, off or cranking (ST). When PCM receives ON signal, it energizes\
ASD relay coil and supplies power to sensors and actuators. When PCM
receives ST signal, it controls fuel injection rate, idle speed,
ignition timing, etc. for optimum cranking conditions.
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
IAT sensor measures temperature of incoming intake air. This
information is used by PCM to adjust air/fuel mixture.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
MAP sensor monitors intake manifold vacuum. Sensor transmits
information on manifold vacuum and barometric pressure to PCM. MAP
sensor information is used with information from other sensors to
adjust air/fuel mixture.
Oil Pressure Sensor
Sensor sends a signal to PCM to indicate oil pressure.
Park/Neutral (P/N) Switch (A/T Models)
This switch may also be referred to as a Park/Neutral
Position (PNP) switch. P/N switch is available on vehicles equipped
with A/T only. Switch prevents engine starter from engaging if vehicle
is in any gear except Park or Neutral.
P/N switch input (varied with gear selection) is used to
determine idle speed, fuel injector pulse and ignition timing.

diagram in appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article. For theory
and operation on each output component, refer to indicated
system.
A/C Clutch Relay
See A/C CLUTCH RELAY under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
See AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
See DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS) under IGNITION
SYSTEM.
Evaporative Canister Purge Control Solenoid (EVAP-CPCS)
See EVAPORATIVE (EVAP) EMISSIONS SYSTEM under EMISSION
SYSTEMS.
Fuel Injectors
See FUEL CONTROL under FUEL SYSTEM.
Fuel Pump Relay
See AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Generator
See GENERATOR under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
See IDLE SPEED under FUEL SYSTEM.
Ignition Coil
See IGNITION SYSTEM.
In-Tank Fuel Pump
See FUEL DELIVERY under FUEL SYSTEM.
Limp-In Mode
See LIMP-IN MODE under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
See MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
Radiator Fan Relay
See RADIATOR FAN RELAY under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Serial Communications Interface (SCI) Transmit
See SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (SCI) under SELF-
DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
Shift Indicator Light
See SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Speed Control Servo
See SPEED CONTROL SERVO under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Tachometer
See TACHOMETER under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid
See TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) SOLENOID under
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.

various switch input operations to adjust IAC motor to obtain optimum
idle conditions. Deceleration stall is prevented by increasing airflow
when throttle is closed suddenly.
IGNITION SYSTEM
NOTE: Pickup equipped with 8.0L engine uses Distributorless
Ignition system (DIS). All other models use a Hall Effect
ignition system.
The PCM completely controls ignition system. During
crank/start mode, PCM will set a fixed amount of spark advance for an
efficient engine start. Amount of spark advance or retard is
determined by inputs that PCM receives from ECT sensor, engine vacuum
and engine RPM. During engine operation, PCM can supply an infinite
number of advance curves to ensure proper engine operation.
DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS)
DIS eliminates mechanical ignition components that can wear
out. PCM has complete ignition control and uses a coil pack, CMP
sensor and CKP sensor to control ignition timing. CMP sensor reads
slots in cam timing sprocket. PCM uses this information along with
information from CKP sensor to determine if fuel injectors and
ignition coils are properly sequenced for correct cylinders.
Basic timing is determined by CKP sensor position and is not
adjustable. One complete engine revolution may be required for PCM to
determine crankshaft position during cranking.
Molded ignition coils are used. Each coil fires 2 paired
spark plugs at the same time. One cylinder is on compression stroke
and other cylinder is on exhaust stroke.
HALL EFFECT IGNITION SYSTEM
This system is equipped with a Hall Effect distributor. See
Fig. 1 . Shutter(s) attached to distributor shaft rotate through
distributor Hall Effect switch, also referred to as a CMP sensor,
which contains a distributor pick-up (a Hall Effect device and
magnet). As shutter blade(s) pass through pick-up, magnetic field is
interrupted and voltage is toggled between high and low. PCM uses this
cylinder position data from CMP sensor, along with engine speed (RPM)
and CKP sensor data, to control ignition timing and injector pulse
width to maintain optimum driveability.
EMISSION SYSTEMS
Vehicles are equipped with different combinations of emission
system components. Not all components are used on all models. To
determine component usage on a specific model, see EMISSION
APPLICATIONS - TRUCKS article.
AIR INJECTION SYSTEM
This system adds a controlled amount of air to exhaust gases,
through air relief valve and check valves, to assist oxidation of
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in exhaust stream. Air is injected at
catalytic converters.
CRANKCASE VENTILATION (CCV) SYSTEM
CCV system performs same function as a conventional Positive

PCM.
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS
NOTE: Although not strictly considered part of engine performance
system, some controlled devices can adversely affect
driveability if they malfunction.
A/C CLUTCH RELAY
A/C clutch relay is controlled by PCM. When A/C or Defrost
mode is selected and PCM receives A/C request signal from evaporator
switch, PCM will cycle clutch on and off through A/C clutch relay.
When this relay is energized during engine operation, PCM will
determine correct engine idle speed through IAC motor.
When PCM senses low idle speed or wide open throttle through
TP sensor, PCM will de-energize A/C clutch relay, preventing A/C
operation.
AUTO SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY & FUEL PUMP RELAY
ASD relay and electric fuel pump relay are energized when
ignition is on. These relays are controlled through PCM by switching a
common ground circuit on and off. Following components are controlled
by ASD and fuel pump relays:
* Electric Fuel Pump
* Fuel Injectors
* Generator Field Winding
* Ignition Coil(s)
* HO2S Heating Element
When ignition switch is turned to RUN position, PCM energizes
ASD relay and electric fuel pump relay which powers these components.
If PCM does not receive a CMP and CKP sensor signal within one second
of engine cranking (start-up), PCM will turn ground circuit off and
de-energize ASD relay.
GENERATOR
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regulates charging system
voltage.
LIMP-IN MODE
Limp-in mode is the attempt by PCM to compensate for failure
of certain components by substituting information from other sources
so that vehicle can still be operated. If PCM senses incorrect data or
no data at all from MAP sensor, TP sensor, ECT sensor or battery
voltage, system is placed into limp-in mode and Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on instrument panel comes on.
If faulty sensor comes back on line, PCM will resume closed
loop operation. On some vehicles, MIL will remain on until ignition is
shut off and vehicle is restarted. To prevent damage to catalytic
converter, vehicle should NOT be driven for extended periods in limp-
in mode.
RADIATOR FAN RELAY
Electric cooling fan is used only on Dakota. Using
information supplied by A/C signal (if equipped), ECT sensor, and VSS,\

3800 engines were suffering from exactly this. The point is that a
lack of detail could cause misdiagnosis.
As you might have guessed, a lab scope would not miss this.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DWELL & DUTY CYCLE READINGS TABLE (1)









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Dwell Meter (2) Duty Cycle Meter
1
.................................................... 1%
15 .................................................. 25%
30 .................................................. 50%
45 .................................................. 75%
60 ................................................. 100%
( 1) - These are just some examples for your understanding.
It is okay to fill in the gaps.
( 2) - Dwell meter on the six-cylinder scale.









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THE TWO TYPES OF INJECTOR DRIVERS
OVERVIEW
There are two types of transistor driver circuits used to
operate electric fuel injectors: voltage controlled and current
controlled. The voltage controlled type is sometimes called a
"saturated switch" driver, while the current controlled type is
sometimes known as a "peak and hold" driver.
The basic difference between the two is the total resistance
of the injector circuit. Roughly speaking, if a particular leg in an
injector circuit has total resistance of 12 or more ohms, a voltage
control driver is used. If less than 12 ohms, a current control driver
is used.
It is a question of what is going to do the job of limiting
the current flow in the injector circuit; the inherent "high"
resistance in the injector circuit, or the transistor driver. Without
some form of control, the current flow through the injector would
cause the solenoid coil to overheat and result in a damaged injector.
VOLTAGE CONTROLLED CIRCUIT ("SATURATED SWITCH")
The voltage controlled driver inside the computer operates
much like a simple switch because it does not need to worry about
limiting current flow. Recall, this driver typically requires injector
circuits with a total leg resistance of 12 or more ohms.
The driver is either ON, closing/completing the circuit
(eliminating the voltage-drop), or OFF, opening the circuit (causing \
a
total voltage drop).
Some manufacturers call it a "saturated switch" driver. This
is because when switched ON, the driver allows the magnetic field in
the injector to build to saturation. This is the same "saturation"
property that you are familiar with for an ignition coil.
There are two ways "high" resistance can be built into an
injector circuit to limit current flow. One method uses an external
solenoid resistor and a low resistance injector, while the other uses
a high resistance injector without the solenoid resistor. See the left
side of Fig. 1.
In terms of injection opening time, the external resistor
voltage controlled circuit is somewhat faster than the voltage
controlled high resistance injector circuit. The trend, however, seems
to be moving toward use of this latter type of circuit due to its
lower cost and reliability. The ECU can compensate for slower opening

will need to shift your Lab Scope to five volts per division.
You will find that some systems have slight voltage
fluctuations here. This can occur if the injector feed wire is also
used to power up other cycling components, like the ignition coil(s).
Slight voltage fluctuations are normal and are no reason for concern.
Major voltage fluctuations are a different story, however. Major
voltage shifts on the injector feed line will create injector
performance problems. Look for excessive resistance problems in the
feed circuit if you see big shifts and repair as necessary.
Note that circuits with external injector resistors will not
be any different because the resistor does not affect open circuit
voltage.
Point "B" is where the driver completes the circuit to
ground. This point of the waveform should be a clean square point
straight down with no rounded edges. It is during this period that
current saturation of the injector windings is taking place and the
driver is heavily stressed. Weak drivers will distort this vertical
line.
Point "C" represents the voltage drop across the injector
windings. Point "C" should come very close to the ground reference
point, but not quite touch. This is because the driver has a small
amount of inherent resistance. Any significant offset from ground is
an indication of a resistance problem on the ground circuit that needs
repaired. You might miss this fault if you do not use the negative
battery post for your Lab Scope hook-up, so it is HIGHLY recommended
that you use the battery as your hook-up.
The points between "B" and "D" represent the time in
milliseconds that the injector is being energized or held open. This
line at Point "C" should remain flat. Any distortion or upward bend
indicates a ground problem, short problem, or a weak driver. Alert
readers will catch that this is exactly opposite of the current
controlled type drivers (explained in the next section), because they
bend upwards at this point.
How come the difference? Because of the total circuit
resistance. Voltage controlled driver circuits have a high resistance
of 12+ ohms that slows the building of the magnetic field in the
injector. Hence, no counter voltage is built up and the line remains
flat.
On the other hand, the current controlled driver circuit has
low resistance which allows for a rapid magnetic field build-up. This
causes a slight inductive rise (created by the effects of counter
voltage) and hence, the upward bend. You should not see that here with
voltage controlled circuits.
Point "D" represents the electrical condition of the injector
windings. The height of this voltage spike (inductive kick) is
proportional to the number of windings and the current flow through
them. The more current flow and greater number of windings, the more
potential for a greater inductive kick. The opposite is also true. The
less current flow or fewer windings means less inductive kick.
Typically you should see a minimum 35 volts at the top of Point "D".
If you do see approximately 35 volts, it is because a zener
diode is used with the driver to clamp the voltage. Make sure the
beginning top of the spike is squared off, indicating the zener dumped
the remainder of the spike. If it is not squared, that indicates the
spike is not strong enough to make the zener fully dump, meaning the
injector has a weak winding.
If a zener diode is not used in the computer, the spike from
a good injector will be 60 or more volts.
Point "E" brings us to a very interesting section. As you
can see, the voltage dissipates back to supply value after the peak of
the inductive kick. Notice the slight hump? This is actually the
mechanical injector pintle closing. Recall that moving an iron core
through a magnetic field will create a voltage surge. The pintle is

drivers. They typically require injector circuits
with a total leg resistance with less than 12 ohm.
NOTE: This example is based on a constant power/switched ground
circuit.
* See Fig. 3 for pattern that the following text describes.
Point "A" is where system voltage is supplied to the
injector. A good hot run voltage is usually 13.5 or more volts. This
point, commonly known as open circuit voltage, is critical because the
injector will not get sufficient current saturation if there is a
voltage shortfall. To obtain a good look at this precise point, you
will need to shift your Lab Scope to five volts per division.
You will find that some systems have slight voltage
fluctuations here. This could occur if the injector feed wire is also
used to power up other cycling components, like the ignition coil(s).
Slight voltage fluctuations are normal and are no reason for concern.
Major voltage fluctuations are a different story, however. Major
voltage shifts on the injector feed line will create injector
performance problems. Look for excessive resistance problems in the
feed circuit if you see big shifts and repair as necessary.
Point "B" is where the driver completes the circuit to
ground. This point of the waveform should be a clean square point
straight down with no rounded edges. It is during this period that
current saturation of the injector windings is taking place and the
driver is heavily stressed. Weak drivers will distort this vertical
line.
Point "C" represents the voltage drop across the injector
windings. Point "C" should come very close to the ground reference
point, but not quite touch. This is because the driver has a small
amount of inherent resistance. Any significant offset from ground is
an indication of a resistance problem on the ground circuit that needs
repaired. You might miss this fault if you do not use the negative
battery post for your Lab Scope hook-up, so it is HIGHLY recommended
that you use the battery as your hook-up.
Right after Point "C", something interesting happens. Notice
the trace starts a normal upward bend. This slight inductive rise is
created by the effects of counter voltage and is normal. This is
because the low circuit resistance allowed a fast build-up of the
magnetic field, which in turn created the counter voltage.
Point "D" is the start of the current limiting, also known as
the "Hold" time. Before this point, the driver had allowed the current
to free-flow ("Peak") just to get the injector pintle open. By the
time point "D" occurs, the injector pintle has already opened and the
computer has just significantly throttled the current back. It does
this by only allowing a few volts through to maintain the minimum
current required to keep the pintle open.
The height of the voltage spike seen at the top of Point "D"
represents the electrical condition of the injector windings. The
height of this voltage spike (inductive kick) is proportional to the
number of windings and the current flow through them. The more current
flow and greater number of windings, the more potential for a greater
inductive kick. The opposite is also true. The less current flow or
fewer windings means less inductive kick. Typically you should see a
minimum 35 volts.
If you see approximately 35 volts, it is because a zener
diode is used with the driver to clamp the voltage. Make sure the
beginning top of the spike is squared off, indicating the zener dumped
the remainder of the spike. If it is not squared, that indicates the
spike is not strong enough to make the zener fully dump, meaning there
is a problem with a weak injector winding.
If a zener diode is not used in the computer, the spike from