
Chapter
C
: Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems Diagnosis and Repair
61
lization. Most of the sensors are resistors. Voltage sig-
nals from the sensors to the computer change accord-
ing to resistance changes. Three factors can change re-
sistance:
• Air or fuel pressure
• Air or coolant temperature
• Physical motion
Determine the operation and condition of a sensor or
actuator by measuring resistance through the unit and
the resistance between the sensor and ground with an
ohmmeter. Do not overlook the circuit. Electronic prob-
lems are often caused by poor connections or damaged
wiring. Always test the circuit first.
A high-impedance digital multimeter (DMM) or oscillo-
scope can be used to measure supply and ground volt-
age at a sensor, as well as voltage drop across the
sensor. An oscilloscope measures voltage as a function
of time and thus displays signal interference. The aver-
age voltage over the span of a few milliseconds is dis-
played as a trace on the screen.
Component Testing
Before testing individual components on a fuel injected
engine perform a diagnostic test using a scan tool.
Check the PCM for any active or stored codes. If one or
more diagnostic trouble codes are present refer to the
appropriate Service Manual for the correct diagnostic
procedure. Most Service Manuals include information
on diagnosing fuel system problems when no codes are
present.
Two types of sensors, thermistor and potentiometer, are
commonly used on electronic fuel injection systems.
Actuators are generally either a switch, a relay, or a
solenoid. Both sensors and actuators can be tested
using a DMM or oscilloscope.
A thermistor is a sensor that measures resistance
changes in proportion to temperature, figure 3-13
These sensors have a 2-wire connector: One wire pro-
vides the signal voltage and the other is the return
ground. To check for an internal open or short, connect
the ohmmeter across the 2-wire connector, figure 3-14.
Manufacturers provide specific resistance values for
specific temperatures, as well as voltages, for testing
sensors. Test temperature sensors by immersing them
in water or engine coolant and heating or cooling as re-
quired to determine resistance at specific temperatures.
A potentiometer is a sensor that provides variable resis-
tance across an operational range. It is most often used
as a voltage regulating device. These sensors use a 3-
wire connector to maintain a uniform temperature and
current level across the resistor. One wire supplies the
Fig. 3-13.
Typical thermistor temperature/resistance comparison.
CALIBRATED
SPRINGS
RUBBER
GROMMET
AT PUMP
MODULE
INTERNAL
FUEL FILTER
FUEL FILTER/
FUEL
PRESSURE
REGULATOR
FUEL FLOW TO FUEL
INJECTORS
FUEL INLET
EXCESS FUEL
BACK
TO TANK
Fig. 3-12.
Typical in-tank fuel pressure regulator.
Содержание ASE-A8
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