Engine adaptation values can be broken down into two categories:
Additive mixture adaptation corrects for variations in idle mixture. The ECM monitors the oxygen sensor signals to evaluate the exhaust mixture. When a lean (or rich) mixture is detected, the ECM increases (or decreases) the injector "on-time" to correct accordingly.
As long as the fuel trim correction is not excessive, the ECM will not register a fault code. The ECM will correct in increments of +/-.1 ms. When the fuel trim correction exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the check engine light (MIL) will illuminate and store appropriate fault codes for additive mixture adaptation.
Additive values which are excessively positive, would indicate a lean condition. This can be caused by:
Additive values which are excessively negative, would indicate a rich condition. This can be caused by:
(this may also be indicated by negative multiplication values)
NOTE: Some newer engine management systems use the term mg/stroke or milligrams per stroke. Treat these values as you would millisecond values.
Multiplicative mixture adaptation corrects for variations in fuel mixture under part load conditions. The ECM monitors the oxygen sensor signals to evaluate the exhaust gas mixture. When a lean (or rich) mixture is detected the ECM adjusts the injector "on-time" accordingly over a "short term" period to adapt for the existing situation.
Multiplicative values are expressed in percent and can be negative or positive. Negative values indicate a rich mixture and positive values indicate a lean mixture. When the Multiplicative values exceed a predetermined threshold value, the check engine light (MIL) will illuminate and store relevant fault codes for Multiplicative adaptation.
When multiplicative values are excessively positive, a lean condition exists. The ECM is attempting to add fuel to maintain the proper fuel mixture (close to lambda value 1). This situation can be caused by a faulty HFM, low fuel volume, restricted fuel filter or faulty fuel pressure regulator.
When the values are negative, the ECM is attempting to lean out (remove fuel) the fuel mixture to compensate for a rich condition. This can be caused by:
Engine Misfire Diagnosis
Engines which have been produced since 1996 are OBDII complaint. The CARB/OBD regulations require the ECM to be capable of detecting misfires. Also, the ECM must be able to determine if the misfires increase engine emissions and/or are catalyst damaging.
The ECM detects engine misfires by monitoring crankshaft speed. The ECM receives the input from the crankshaft sensor and determines if there is a misfire present by comparing crankshaft speed variations between combustion events on each cylinder.
The crankshaft must rotate 720 degrees (2 rotations) to fire all of the cylinders in an engine regardless of the number of cylinders. Therefore each firing event is spaced apart and occurs at a specific time. By monitoring the crankshaft signal the ECM can determine which cylinder is misfiring and also the severity of the misfire.
Misfires are classified in 2 levels of severity:
If more than one cylinder is misfiring, all misfiring cylinders will be specified and the individual fault codes will be stored. The "MIL will be illuminated".
The ECM will take the following measures - the oxygen sensor control will be switched to "open loop", a cylinder selective fault code will be stored for one or more cylinders and the relevant fuel injector(s) will be deactivated.
Fig. 20: Identifying Crankshaft Positioning Sensor
Fig. 21: Displaying Smooth Running Engine Waves
The causes of engine misfires include:
The crankcase ventilation system should also be considered. This includes the crankcase ventilation valve and if applicable, the hose connections as well.
Fig. 22: Displaying Engine Misfire Waves