Fuel system LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 2002 Repair Manual

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-23
For systems utilising the vacuum method for determining evaporation leaks, the sensor is used to monitor for a drop
in vacuum pressure. The evaporation system is sealed by the CVS valve and purge valve after a vacuum has been
previously set up from the intake manifold while the purge valve is open and the CVS valve is closed. If any holes or
leaks are present at the evaporation system joints, the vacuum pressure will gradually drop and this change in
pressure will be detected by the fuel tank pressure sensor. This system is capable of determining leaks down to 1 mm
(0.04 in.) in diameter.
The fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the NAS OBD system, a component failure will not be noticed by the driver,
but if the ECM detects a fault, it will be stored in the diagnostic memory and the MIL light will be illuminated on the
instrument pack. Possible failures are listed below:
lDamaged or blocked sensor
lHarness / connector faulty
lSensor earthing problem
lOpen circuit
lShort circuit to battery voltage
lShort circuit to ground
lECM fault
Possible failure symptoms of the fuel tank pressure sensor are listed below:
lFuel tank pressure sensor poor performance
lFuel tank pressure sensor low range fault
lFuel tank pressure sensor high range fault
If the fuel tank pressure sensor should malfunction, the following fault codes may be stored in the ECM diagnostic
memory, which can be retrieved using 'Testbook':
P-code Description
P0451Fuel tank pressure signal stuck high within range
P0452Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to battery voltage (out of range - High)
P0453Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to ground or open circuit (out of range - Low)

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-24 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Leak Detection Pump (NAS vehicles with positive pressure EVAP system leakage test only)
1Harness connector
2Leak detection pump motor
3Atmosphere connection to/from EVAP canister
4Atmosphere connection to/from air filter
5Leak detection pump solenoid valve
The fuel evaporation leak detection pump is mounted forward of the EVAP canister on a bracket fitted beneath the
vehicle on the RH side of the vehicle chassis. The leak detection pump is fixed to the bracket by three screws through
the bottom of the bracket.
A short hose connects between the atmosphere vent port of the EVAP canister and a port at the rear of the fuel
evaporation leak detection pump. The hose is secured to the ports at each end by crimped metal band clips.
An elbowed quick fit connector on the top of the fuel evaporation leak detection pump connects to atmosphere via a
large bore pipe. The pipe is routed along the underside of the vehicle chassis and up into the RH side of the engine
compartment where it connects to an air filter canister.
The leak detection pump incorporates a 3–pin electrical connector. Pin-1 is the earth switched supply to the ECM for
control of the pump solenoid valve. Pin-2 is the earth switched supply to the ECM for the operation of the pump motor.
Pin-3 is the power supply to the pump motor and solenoid valve and is switched on at system start up via the main
relay and fuse 2 in the engine compartment fusebox.
Under normal circumstances (i.e. when the leak detection pump is not operating and the solenoid is not energised),
the EVAP canister vent port is connected to atmosphere via the open solenoid valve.
The pump is operated at the end of a drive cycle when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off.
M17 0213
3
4
5
1
2

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-25
The leak detection pump module contains an integral air by-pass circuit with restrictor (reference-leak orifice) which
is used for providing a reference value for the leak detection test. The restrictor corresponds to an air leak equivalent
to 0.5 mm (0.02 in) diameter. With the solenoid valve open and the purge valve closed, the pump forces pressurised
air through the orifice while the current drawn by the leak detection pump motor is monitored to obtain the reference
value. The orifice must be kept free from contamination, otherwise the reference restriction may appear less than for
a 0.5 mm leak and consequently adversely affect the diagnostic results.
During the leakage test, the solenoid valve is energised, closing the atmosphere vent line between the EVAP canister
and atmosphere and opening a path to the pressurised air supplied from the leak detection pump motor. Air is pumped
into the EVAP system, while the current drawn by the pump motor is monitored. The current drawn during the leakage
test is compared against the value obtained during the reference check, to determine if an EVAP system leak is
present.
The fuel leak detection pump is powered from a 12V supply and operates at a working pressure of 3 kPa.
Air filter – (NAS vehicles with positive pressure leak detection system only)
1Air vents through canister lid
2Air filter canister
3To fuel leak detection pump (EVAP canister
atmosphere vent)
A paper element air filter (40
µm) is located in a plastic canister at the RH side of the engine compartment. The air
filter canister is fixed to the cruise control mounting bracket by a single nut and bolt. A large bore plastic pipe is
connected to a port at the base of the air filter canister and is secured to the port by a short nylon hose and two crimped
metal band clips.
The air filter is used to prevent particulate contaminants down to 40
µm from entering the fuel leak detection pump.
A press-fit lid on top of the canister contains slots to allow the passage of air into and out of the EVAP system.
The bottom end of the paper element is sealed to the canister and is non-serviceable (i.e fit for life). If necessary, the
canister and paper filter must be replaced as a single, complete assembly.
M17 0203
2
1
3

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-26 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Secondary air injection system
The secondary air injection (SAI) system comprises the following components:
lSecondary air injection pump
lSAI vacuum solenoid valve
lSAI control valves (2 off, 1 for each bank of cylinders)
lSAI pump relay
lVacuum reservoir
lVacuum harness and pipes
The secondary air injection system is used to limit the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs)
that are prevalent in the exhaust during cold starting of a spark ignition engine. The concentration of hydrocarbons
experienced during cold starting at low temperatures are particularly high until the engine and catalytic converter
reach normal operating temperature. The lower the cold start temperature, the greater the prevalence of
hydrocarbons emitted from the engine.
There are several reasons for the increase of HC emissions at low cold start temperatures, including the tendency for
fuel to be deposited on the cylinder walls, which is then displaced during the piston cycle and expunged during the
exhaust stroke. As the engine warms up through operation, the cylinder walls no longer retain a film of fuel and most
of the hydrocarbons will be burnt off during the combustion process.
The SAI pump is used to provide a supply of air into the exhaust ports in the cylinder head, onto the back of the
exhaust valves, during the cold start period. The hot unburnt fuel particles leaving the combustion chamber mix with
the air injected into the exhaust ports and immediately combust. This subsequent combustion of the unburnt and
partially burnt CO and HC particles help to reduce the emission of these pollutants from the exhaust system. The
additional heat generated in the exhaust manifold also provides rapid heating of the exhaust system catalytic
converters. The additional oxygen which is delivered to the catalytic converters also generate an exothermic reaction
which causes the catalytic converters to 'light off' quickly.
The catalytic converters only start to provide effective treatment of emission pollutants when they reach an operating
temperature of approximately 250
°C (482°F) and need to be between temperatures of 400°C (752°F) and 800°C
(1472
°F) for optimum efficiency. Consequently, the heat produced by the secondary air injection “afterburning”,
reduces the time delay before the catalysts reach an efficient operating temperature.
The engine control module (ECM) checks the engine coolant temperature when the engine is started, and if it is below
60º C (131
°F), the SAI pump is started. Secondary air injection will remain operational for a period controlled by the
ECM (76 seconds for NAS vehicles, 64 seconds for EU-3 vehicles). The SAI pump operation can be cut short due to
excessive engine speed or load.
Air from the SAI pump is supplied to the SAI control valves via pipework and an intermediate T-piece which splits the
air flow evenly to each bank.
At the same time the secondary air pump is started, the ECM operates a SAI vacuum solenoid valve, which opens to
allow vacuum from the reservoir to be applied to the vacuum operated SAI control valves on each side of the engine.
When the vacuum is applied to the SAI control valves, they open simultaneously to allow the air from the SAI pump
through to the exhaust ports. Secondary air is injected into the inner most exhaust ports on each bank.
When the ECM breaks the ground circuit to de-energise the SAI vacuum solenoid valve, the vacuum supply to the
SAI control valves is cut off and the valves close to prevent further air being injected into the exhaust manifold. At the
same time as the SAI vacuum solenoid valve is closed, the ECM opens the ground circuit to the SAI pump relay, to
stop the SAI pump.
A vacuum reservoir is included in the vacuum line between the intake manifold and the SAI vacuum solenoid valve.
This prevents changes in vacuum pressure from the intake manifold being passed on to cause fluctuations of the
secondary air injection solenoid valve. The vacuum reservoir contains a one way valve and ensures a constant
vacuum is available for the SAI vacuum solenoid valve operation. This is particularly important when the vehicle is at
high altitude.

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-34 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Exhaust emission control operation
The oxygen content of the exhaust gas is monitored by heated oxygen sensors using either a four sensor (NAS only)
or two sensor setup, dependent on market destination and legislative requirements. Signals from the heated oxygen
sensors are input to the engine management ECM which correspond to the level of oxygen detected in the exhaust
gas. From ECM analysis of the data, necessary changes to the air:fuel mixture and ignition timing can be made to
bring the emission levels back within acceptable limits under all operating conditions.
Changes to the air:fuel ratio are needed when the engine is operating under particular conditions such as cold starting,
idle, cruise, full throttle or altitude. In order to maintain an optimum air:fuel ratio for differing conditions, the engine
management control system uses sensors to determine data which enable it to select the ideal ratio by increasing or
decreasing the air to fuel ratio. Improved fuel economy can be arranged by increasing the quantity of air to fuel to
create a lean mixture during part-throttle conditions, however lean running conditions are not employed on closed loop
systems where the maximum is
λ = 1. Improved performance can be established by supplying a higher proportion of
fuel to create a rich mixture during idle and full-throttle operation. Rich running at wide open throttle (WOT) for
performance and at high load conditions helps to keep the exhaust temperature down to protect the catalyst and
exhaust valves.
The voltage of the heated oxygen sensors at
λ = 1 is between 450 and 500 mV. The voltage decreases to 100 to 500
mV if there is an increase in oxygen content (
λ > 1) indicating a lean mixture. The voltage increases to 500 to 1000
mV if there is a decrease in oxygen content (
λ < 1), signifying a rich mixture.
The heated oxygen sensor needs to operate at high temperatures in order to function correctly (
≥ 350° C). To achieve
this the sensors are fitted with heater elements which are controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from
the engine management ECM. The heater element warms the sensor's ceramic layer from the inside so that the
sensor is hot enough for operation. The heater elements are supplied with current immediately following engine start
and are ready for closed loop control within about 20 to 30 seconds (longer at cold ambient temperatures less than
0
°C (32°F)). Heating is also necessary during low load conditions when the temperature of the exhaust gases is
insufficient to maintain the required sensor temperatures. The maximum tip temperature is 930
° C.
A non-functioning heater element will delay the sensor's readiness for closed loop control and influences emissions.
A diagnostic routine is utilised to measure both sensor heater current and the heater supply voltage so its resistance
can be calculated. The function is active once per drive cycle, as long as the heater has been switched on for a pre-
defined period and the current has stabilised. The PWM duty cycle is carefully controlled to prevent thermal shock to
cold sensors.
The heated oxygen sensors age with mileage, causing an increase in the response time to switch from rich to lean
and lean to rich. This increase in response time influences the closed loop control and leads to progressively
increased emissions. The response time of the pre-catalytic converter sensors are monitored by measuring the period
of rich to lean and lean to rich switching. The ECM monitors the switching time, and if the threshold period is exceeded
(200 milliseconds), the fault will be detected and stored in the ECM as a fault code (the MIL light will be illuminated
on NAS vehicles). NAS vehicle engine calibration uses downstream sensors to compensate for aged upstream
sensors, thereby maintaining low emissions.
Diagnosis of electrical faults is continuously monitored for both the pre-catalytic converter sensors and the post-
catalytic converter sensors (NAS only). This is achieved by checking the signal against maximum and minimum
threshold for open and short circuit conditions. For NAS vehicles, should the pre- and post-catalytic converters be
inadvertently transposed, the lambda signals will go to maximum but opposite extremes and the system will
automatically revert to open loop fuelling. The additional sensors for NAS vehicles provide mandatory monitoring of
the catalyst conversion efficiency and long term fuelling adaptations.
Note that some markets do not legislate for closed loop fuelling control and in this instance no heated oxygen
sensors will be fitted to the exhaust system.

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-35
Failure of the closed loop control of the exhaust emission system may be attributable to one of the failure modes
indicated below:
lMechanical fitting & integrity of the sensor.
lSensor open circuit / disconnected.
lShort circuit to vehicle supply or ground.
lLambda ratio outside operating band.
lCrossed sensors.
lContamination from leaded fuel or other sources.
lChange in sensor characteristic.
lHarness damage.
lAir leak into exhaust system (cracked pipe / weld or loose fixings).
System failure will be indicated by the following symptoms:
lMIL light on (NAS and EU-3 only).
lDefault to open-loop fuelling for the defective cylinder bank.
lIf sensors are crossed, engine will run normally after initial start and then become progressively unstable with
one bank going to its maximum rich clamp and the other bank going to its maximum lean clamp – the system will
then revert to open-loop fuelling.
lHigh CO reading
lStrong smell of H
2S (rotten eggs)
lExcessive emissions
Fuel metering
When the engine is cold, additional fuel has to be provided to the air:fuel mixture to assist starting. This supplementary
fuel enrichment continues until the combustion chamber has heated up sufficiently during the warm-up phase.
Under normal part-throttle operating conditions the fuel mixture is adjusted to provide minimum fuel emissions and
the air:fuel mixture is held close to the optimum ratio (
λ = 1). The engine management system monitors the changing
engine and environmental conditions and uses the data to determine the exact fuelling requirements necessary to
maintain the air:fuel ratio close to the optimum value that is needed to ensure effective exhaust emission treatment
through the three-way catalytic converters.
During full-throttle operation the air:fuel mixture needs to be made rich to provide maximum torque. During
acceleration, the mixture is enriched by an amount according to engine temperature, engine speed, change in throttle
position and change in manifold pressure, to provide good acceleration response.
When the vehicle is braking or travelling downhill the fuel supply can be interrupted to reduce fuel consumption and
eliminate exhaust emissions during this period of operation.
If the vehicle is being used at altitude, a decrease in the air density will be encountered which needs to be
compensated for to prevent a rich mixture being experienced. Without compensation for altitude, there would be an
increase in exhaust emissions and problems starting, poor driveability and black smoke from the exhaust pipe. For
open loop systems, higher fuel consumption may also occur.

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-36 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Exhaust Emission System Diagnostics
The engine management ECM contains an on-board diagnostics (OBD) system which performs a number of
diagnostic routines for detecting problems associated with the closed loop emission control system. The diagnostic
unit monitors ECM commands and system responses and also checks the individual sensor signals for plausibility,
these include:
lLambda ratio outside of operating band
lLambda heater diagnostic
lLambda period diagnostic
lPost-catalytic converter lambda adaptation diagnostic (NAS only)
lCatalyst monitoring diagnostic
Lambda ratio outside operating band
The system checks to ensure that the system is operating in a defined range around the stoichiometric point. If the
system determines that the upper or lower limits for the air:fuel ratio are being exceeded, the error is stored as a fault
code in the ECM diagnostic memory (the MIL light is illuminated on NAS vehicles).
Lambda heater diagnostic
The system determines the heater current and supply voltage so that the heater's resistance can be calculated. After
the engine has been started, the system waits for the heated oxygen sensors to warm up, then calculates the
resistance from the voltage and current measurements. If the value is found to be outside of the upper or lower
threshold values, then the fault is processed (the MIL light is illuminated on NAS vehicles).
Lambda period diagnostic
The pre-catalytic converter sensors are monitored. As the sensors age, the rich to lean and the lean to rich switching
delays increase, leading to increased emissions if the lambda control becomes inaccurate. If the switching period
exceeds a defined limit, the sensor fault is stored in the ECM diagnostic memory (the MIL light is illuminated on NAS
vehicles).
Post-catalytic converter lambda adaptation diagnostic (NAS only)
On NAS vehicles the ageing effects of the pre-catalytic converter sensors are compensated for by an adaptive value
derived from the post-catalytic converter sensors. This is a long term adaption which only changes slowly. For a rich
compensation the additive value is added to the rich delay time. For a lean compensation, the adaptive value is added
to the lean delay time. The adaptive time is monitored against a defined limit, and if the limit is exceeded, the fault is
stored in the ECM's diagnostic memory and the MIL light is illuminated on the instrument pack.
Catalyst monitoring diagnostic
On NAS specification vehicles the catalysts are monitored both individually and simultaneously for emission pollutant
conversion efficiency. The conversion efficiency of a catalyst is monitored by measuring the oxygen storage, since
there is a direct relationship between these two factors. The closed loop lambda control fuelling oscillations produce
pulses of oxygen upstream of the catalyst, as the catalyst efficiency deteriorates its ability to store oxygen is
decreased. The amplitudes of the signals from the pre-catalytic and post-catalytic converter heated oxygen sensors
are compared. As the oxygen storage decreases, the post-catalytic converter sensor begins to follow the oscillations
of the pre-catalytic converter heated oxygen sensors. Under steady state conditions the amplitude ratio is monitored
in different speed / load sites. There are three monitoring areas, and if the amplitude ratio exceeds a threshold in all
three areas the catalyst conversion limit is exceeded; the catalyst fault is stored in the diagnostic memory and the MIL
light is illuminated on the instrument pack. There is a reduced threshold value for both catalysts monitored as a pair.
In either case, a defective catalyst requires replacement of the downpipe assembly.

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-37
In the case of a catalytic converter failure the following failure symptoms may be apparent:
lMIL light on after 2 driving cycles (NAS market only).
lHigh exhaust back pressure if catalyst partly melted.
lExcessive emissions
lStrong smell of H
2S (rotten eggs).
Oxygen sensor voltages can be monitored using 'Testbook', the approximate output voltage from the heated oxygen
sensors with a warm engine at idle and with closed loop fuelling active are shown in the table below:
Mass air flow sensor and air temperature sensor
The engine management ECM uses the mass air flow sensor to measure the mass of air entering the intake and
interprets the data to determine the precise fuel quantity which needs to be injected to maintain the stoichiometric
air:fuel ratio for the exhaust catalysts. If the mass air flow sensor fails, lambda control and idle speed control will be
affected and the emission levels will not be maintained at the optimum level. If the device should fail and the ECM
detects a fault, it invokes a software backup strategy.

+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
The air temperature sensor is used by the engine management ECM to monitor the temperature of the inlet air. If the
device fails, catalyst monitoring will be affected. The air temperature sensor in integral to the mass air flow sensor.

+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
Throttle position sensor
If the engine management ECM detects a throttle position sensor failure, it may indicate a blocked or restricted air
intake filter. Failure symptoms may include:
lPoor engine running and throttle response
lEmission control failure
lNo closed loop idle speed control
lAltitude adaption is incorrect
If a signal failure should occur, a default value is derived using data from the engine load and speed.

+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
Atmospheric pressure will vary with altitude and have a resulting influence on the calculations performed by the ECM
in determining the optimum engine operating conditions to minimise emissions. The following are approximate
atmospheric pressures for the corresponding altitudes:
l0.96 bar at sea level
l0.70 bar at 2,750 m (9,000 ft.)
Measurement Normal catalyst Defective catalyst
Pre-catalytic heated oxygen sensors ~ 100 to 900 mV switching @ ~ 0.5
Hz~ 100 to 900 mV switching @ ~ 0.5 Hz
Post-catalytic heated oxygen sensors ~ 200 to 650 mV, static or slowly
changing~ 200 to 850 mV, changing up to same
frequency as pre-catalytic heated oxygen
sensors
Amplitude ratio (LH HO
2 sensors & RH
HO
2 sensors)<0.3 seconds >0.6 seconds (needs to be approximately
0.75 seconds for single catalyst fault)
Number of speed/load monitoring areas
exceeded (LH & RH)0 >1 (needs to be 3 for fault storage)

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
17-2-38 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Evaporative emission control operation
Fuel vapour is stored in the activated charcoal (EVAP) canister for retention when the vehicle is not operating. When
the vehicle is operating, fuel vapour is drawn from the canister into the engine via a purge control valve. The vapour
is then delivered to the intake plenum chamber to be supplied to the engine cylinders where it is burned in the
combustion process.
During fuel filling the fuel vapour displaced from the fuel tank is allowed to escape to atmosphere, valves within the
fuel filler prevent any vapour escaping through to the EVAP canister as this can adversely affect the fuel cut-off height.
Only fuel vapour generated whilst driving is prevented from escaping to atmosphere by absorption into the charcoal
canister. The fuel filler shuts off to leave the tank approximately 10% empty to ensure the ROVs are always above
the fuel level and so vapour can escape to the EVAP canister and the tank can breathe. The back pressures normally
generated during fuel filling are too low to open the pressure relief valve, but vapour pressures accumulated during
driving are higher and can open the pressure relief valve. Should the vehicle be overturned, the ROVs shut off to
prevent any fuel spillage.
Fuel vapour generated from within the fuel tank as the fuel heats up is stored in the tank until the pressure exceeds
the operating pressure of the two-way valve. When the two-way valve opens, the fuel vapour passes along the vent
line from the fuel tank (via the fuel tank vapour separator) to the evaporation inlet port of the EVAP canister. The fuel
tank vents between 5.17 and 6.9 kPa.
Fuel vapour evaporating from the fuel tank is routed to the EVAP canister through the fuel vapour separator and vent
line. Liquid fuel must not be allowed to contaminate the charcoal in the EVAP canister. To prevent this, the fuel vapour
separator fitted to the fuel neck allows fuel to drain back into the tank. As the fuel vapour cools, it condenses and is
allowed to flow back into the fuel tank from the vent line by way of the two-way valve.
The EVAP canister contains charcoal which absorbs and stores fuel vapour from the fuel tank while the engine is not
running. When the canister is not being purged, the fuel vapour remains in the canister and clean air exits the canister
via the air inlet port.
The engine management ECM controls the electrical output signal to the purge valve. The system will not work
properly if there is leakage or clogging within the system or if the purge valve cannot be controlled.

+ ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - V8, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - engine
management.
When the engine is running, the ECM decides when conditions are correct for vapour to be purged from the EVAP
canister and opens the canister purge valve. This connects a manifold vacuum line to the canister and fuel vapour
containing the hydrocarbons is drawn from the canister's charcoal element to be burned in the engine. Clean air is
drawn into the canister through the atmosphere vent port to fill the displaced volume of vapour.
The purge valve remains closed below preset coolant and engine speed values to protect the engine tune and
catalytic converter performance. If the EVAP canister was purged during cold running or at idling speed, the additional
enrichment in the fuel mixture would delay the catalytic converter light off time and cause erratic idle. When the purge
valve is opened, fuel vapour from the EVAP canister is drawn into the plenum chamber downside of the throttle
housing, to be delivered to the combustion chambers for burning.
The purge valve is opened and closed in accordance with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal supplied from the
engine management ECM. The system will not work properly if the purge valve cannot be controlled. Possible failure
modes associated with the purge valve are listed below:
lValve drive open circuit.
lShort circuit to vehicle supply or ground.
lPurge valve or pipework blocked or restricted.
lPurge valve stuck open.
lPipework joints leaking or disconnected.

EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-39
Possible symptoms associated with a purge valve or associated pipework failure is listed below:
lEngine may stall on return to idle if purge valve is stuck open.
lPoor idling quality if the purge valve is stuck open
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively lean if the EVAP canister is clear and the purge valve is stuck open.
lFuelling adaptions forced excessively rich if the EVAP canister is saturated and the purge valve is stuck open.
lSaturation of the EVAP canister if the purge valve is stuck closed.
To maintain driveability and effective emission control, EVAP canister purging must be closely controlled by the
engine management ECM, as a 1% concentration of fuel vapour from the EVAP canister in the air intake may shift
the air:fuel ratio by as much as 20%. The ECM must purge the fuel vapour from the EVAP canister at regular intervals
as its storage capacity is limited and an excessive build up of evaporated fuel pressure in the system could increase
the likelihood of vapour leaks. Canister purging is cycled with the fuelling adaptation as both cannot be active at the
same time. The ECM alters the PWM signal to the purge valve to control the rate of purging of the canister to maintain
the correct stoichiometric air:fuel mixture for the engine.
Fuel leak detection system (vacuum type) – NAS only
The advanced evaporative loss control system used on NAS vehicles is similar to the standard system, but also
includes a CVS valve and fuel tank pressure sensor and is capable of detecting holes in the fuel evaporative system
down to 1 mm (0.04 in.). The test is carried out in three parts. First the purge valve and the canister vent solenoid
valve closes off the storage system and the vent pressure increases due to the fuel vapour pressure level in the tank.
If the pressure level is greater than the acceptable limit, the test will abort because a false leak test response will
result. In part two of the test, the purge valve is opened and the fuel tank pressure will decrease due to the depression
from the intake manifold, evident at the purge port of the EVAP canister during purge operation. In part three of the
test, the leak measurement test is performed. The pressure response of the tests determines the level of leak, and if
this is greater than the acceptable limit on two consecutive tests, the ECM stores the fault in diagnostic memory and
the MIL light on the instrument pack is illuminated. The test is only carried out at engine idle with the vehicle stationary,
and a delay of 15 minutes after engine start is imposed before diagnosis is allowed to commence.