Chapter 15

OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 15, the reader should be able to:

1. Prepare for ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems
(A6) certification test content area (General
Electrical/Electronic Systems Diagnosis).
2. Explain the purpose and function of onboard
computers.
3. List the various parts of an automotive computer.
4. List five input sensors.
5. List four devices controlled by the computer
(output devices).
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

Electronic, and Computer Systems, Fifth Edition
By James D. Halderman
2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
COMPUTER CONTROL
Modern automotive control systems consist of a
network of electronic sensors, actuators, and
computer modules designed to regulate the power
train and vehicle support systems.
A computer processes the input voltage signals it
receives by computing what they represent, and
then delivering the data in computed or processed
form.


THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS
FIGURE 15-1 All computer systems perform four basic functions:

input, processing, storage, and output.



Input
A signal from a device
that can be as simple as
a button or a switch on
an instrument panel, or a
sensor on an automotive
engine.
FIGURE 15-2 A potentiometer uses a movable

contact to vary resistance and send an analog
signal.



Processing
The term used to describe how input voltage signals
received by a computer are handled through a series of
electronic logic circuits maintained in its programmed
instructions.



Storage
The place where the program instructions for a computer
are stored in electronic memory.



Output
After the computer has processed the input signals, it
sends voltage signals or commands to other devices in
the system,


DIGITAL COMPUTERS
The digital computer can
process thousands of digital
signals per second because
its circuits are able to
switch voltage signals on
and off in billionths of a
second.
The voltage signal or
processing function is a
simple high-low, yes-no, onoff signal.

FIGURE 15-3 Many electronic components

are used to construct a typical vehicle
computer. Notice all of the chips, resistors,
and capacitors that are used in this General
Motors computer.
DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Parts of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU can be considered the heart of a computer because it
performs the essential mathematical operations and logic decisions
that make up its processing function.
Computer Memory
Other IC devices store the computer operating program, system
sensor input data, and system actuator output data information that is
necessary for CPU operation.


DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Computer Programs
FIGURE 15-4 This typical ignition timing map

was developed from testing and used by the
vehicle computer to provide the optimum
ignition timing for all engine speeds and load
combinations.

FIGURE 15-5 A replaceable PROM

used in a General Motors computer.
Notice that the sealed access panel
has been removed to gain access.

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Clock Rates and Timing
The microprocessor
communicates by
transmitting long strings of
0s and 1s in a language
called binary code
FIGURE 15-6 The clock generator produces a

series of pulses that are used by the
microprocessor and other components to stay
in step with each other at a steady rate.

DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Computer Speeds
The speed at which a computer operates is specified by the
cycle time, or clock speed, required to perform certain
measurements.


DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Baud Rate
The computer transmits bits of a serial data stream
at precise intervals.
The computer speed is called the baud rate, or bits
per second.


DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Control Module Locations
The onboard automotive computer maybe called an
electronic control unit (ECU), electronic control
module (ECM), electronic control assembly(ECA),
or a controller, depending on the manufacturer and
the computer application.


DIGITAL COMPUTERS
Control Module Locations
FIGURE 15-7 This powertrain control

module (PCM) is located under the hood on
this Chevrolet pickup truck.

FIGURE 15-8 This PCM on a

DaimlerChrysler vehicle can only be
seen by hoisting the vehicle. It is
located next to the radiator and in the
airflow to help keep it cool.
COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Engine speed (RPM) sensor.
Thissignalcomesfromtheprimarysignalinthe
ignitionmodule.



MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor.
This sensor detects engine load.
The computer uses this information for fuel delivery and for
onboard diagnosis of other sensors and systems such as the
exhaust gas recirculation(EGR) system.



MAF (mass airflow) sensor.
This sensor measures the mass (weight and density) of the
air entering the engine.
The computer uses this information to determine the amount
of fuel needed by the engine.



ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor.
This sensor measures the temperature of the engine coolant
needed by the computer to determine the amount of fuel and
spark advance.
This is a major sensor, especially when the engine is cold
and when the engine is first started.



O2S (oxygen sensor)
This sensor measures the oxygen in the exhaust stream.
These sensors are used for fuel control and to check other
sensors and systems.



TP (throttle position) sensor.
This sensor measures the throttle opening and is used by
the computer to control fuel delivery as well as spark
advance and the shift points of the automotive
transmission/transaxle.



VS (vehicle speed) sensor
This sensor measures the vehicle speed using a
sensor located at the output of the
transmission/transaxle or by monitoring sensors at
the wheel speed sensors.


COMPUTER OUTPUTS
A vehicle computer can do only two things.
Turn a device on.
Turn a device off.


COMPUTER OUTPUTS
Fuel injectors.
Ignition timing.
Transmission shifting.
Idle speed control.
Evaporative emission control solenoids.


FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATING

MODES
A computer-controlled fuel metering system can be selective.

Control logic programmed into the computer determines the
choice of operating mode according to engine operating
conditions.


SUMMARY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standardJ1930 specifies that the term power train control
module(PCM) be used for the computer that controls the
engine and transmission in a vehicle.
The four basic computer functions are input,
processing,storage, and output.
Read-only memory (ROM) can be programmable
(PROM),erasable (EPROM), or electrically erasable
(EEPROM).
Computer input sensors include engine speed (RPM),MAP,
MAF, ECT, O2S, TP, and VS.
A computer can only turn a device on or turn a device
off,but it can do either operation rapidly.


REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What part of the vehicle computer is considered to
be the brain?
2. What is the difference between volatile and
nonvolatile RAM?
3. List four input sensors.
4. List four output devices.


CHAPTER QUIZ
1. What unit of electricity is used as a signal for a
computer?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Volt
Ohm
Ampere
Watt


CHAPTER QUIZ
1. What unit of electricity is used as a signal for a
computer?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Volt
Ohm
Ampere
Watt


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The four basic computer functions include _____.
a) Writing, processing, printing, and remembering
b) Input, processing, storage, and output
c) Data gathering, processing, output, and
evaluation
d) Sensing, calculating, actuating, and processing


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The four basic computer functions include _____.
a) Writing, processing, printing, and remembering
b) Input, processing, storage, and output
c) Data gathering, processing, output, and
evaluation
d) Sensing, calculating, actuating, and processing


CHAPTER QUIZ
3. All OBD-II vehicles use what type of read-only
memory?
a)
b)
c)
d)
ROM
PROM
EPROM
EEPROM


CHAPTER QUIZ
3. All OBD-II vehicles use what type of read-only
memory?
a)
b)
c)
d)
ROM
PROM
EPROM
EEPROM


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. The brain of the computer is the _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
PROM
RAM
CPU
AD converter


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. The brain of the computer is the _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
PROM
RAM
CPU
AD converter


CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Computer speed is measured in _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Baud rate
Clock speed (Hz)
Voltage
Bytes


CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Computer speed is measured in _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Baud rate
Clock speed (Hz)
Voltage
Bytes


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Which item is a computer input sensor?
a)
b)
c)
d)
RPM
Throttle position angle
Engine coolant temperature
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Which item is a computer input sensor?
a)
b)
c)
d)
RPM
Throttle position angle
Engine coolant temperature
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Which item is a computer output device?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Fuel injector
Transmission shift solenoid
Evaporative emission control solenoid
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Which item is a computer output device?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Fuel injector
Transmission shift solenoid
Evaporative emission control solenoid
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The SAE term for the vehicle computer is _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
PCM
ECM
ECA
Controller


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. The SAE term for the vehicle computer is _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
PCM
ECM
ECA
Controller


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. What two things can a vehicle computer actually
perform (output)?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Store and process information

Turn something on or turn something off
Calculate and vary temperature
Control fuel and timing only


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. What two things can a vehicle computer actually
perform (output)?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Store and process information

Turn something on or turn something off
Calculate and vary temperature
Control fuel and timing only


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Analog signals from sensors are changed to
digital signals for processing by the computer

through which type of circuit?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Digital
Analog
AD converter
PROM


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Analog signals from sensors are changed to
digital signals for processing by the computer

through which type of circuit?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Digital
Analog
AD converter
PROM


END



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OBJECTIVES

After studying Chapter 15, the reader should be able to:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

FIGURE 15-1 All computer systems perform four basic functions:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

FIGURE 15-2 A potentiometer uses a movable

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

THE FOUR BASIC COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

FIGURE 15-3 Many electronic components

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 15-4 This typical ignition timing map

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

FIGURE 15-5 A replaceable PROM

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 15-6 The clock generator produces a

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 15-7 This powertrain control

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

FIGURE 15-8 This PCM on a

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

COMPUTER INPUT SENSORS

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,