System Operation
Adaptive Airflow
Some vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control (ETC) have an adaptive airflow strategy that allows the PCM to correct for changes in the airflow. During idle, the PCM monitors the throttle angle and airflow. If the airflow is determined to be less than expected, the PCM adjusts the throttle angle to compensate.
The PCM only learns the adaptive airflow when the vehicle is at idle and normal operating temperature and the airflow is less than a calibrated limit. Whenever the battery is disconnected or the KAM is reset, it is necessary for the PCM to learn the new value and not use the default value.
Intake Air Systems
The intake air system provides clean air to the engine, optimizes airflow, and reduces unwanted induction noise. The intake air system consists of an air cleaner assembly, resonator assemblies, and hoses. Some vehicles use a hydrocarbon filter trap to help reduce emissions by preventing fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere from the intake when the engine is OFF. It is typically located inside the intake air system. The hydrocarbon trap is part of the EVAP system. The MAF sensor, is attached to the intake air system and measures the volume of air delivered to the engine. The MAF sensor can be replaced as an individual component. The intake air system also contains a sensor that measures the intake air temperature, which is integrated with the MAF sensor. Intake air components can be separate components or part of the intake air housing. The function of a resonator is to reduce induction noise. The intake air components are connected to each other and to the throttle body assembly with hoses.
Throttle Body System Overview
The throttle body system meters air to the engine during idle, part throttle, and WOT conditions. The throttle body system consists of single or dual bores with butterfly valve throttle plates and a TP sensor.
The major components of the throttle body assembly include the TP sensor and the throttle body housing assembly.
Features Of The Throttle Body Assembly Include:
Component Description
Barometric Pressure (BARO) Sensor
The BARO sensor measures barometric pressure to estimate the exhaust back pressure.
For vehicles with a TCIPT sensor, and without a BARO sensor, the BARO value is calculated from the TCIPT sensor value at key ON, engine OFF (KOEO). While driving, the BARO value is calculated from the TCIPT sensor value, with the difference calculated by the pressure drop across the air filter.
For direct injection vehicles, a BARO sensor is mounted internally to the PCM . The BARO sensor measures the barometric pressure to estimate the exhaust back pressure.
For vehicles without a BARO sensor and with a MAP sensor, the BARO value is inferred by the PCM based on the MAP value under certain operating conditions. At, or near wide open throttle the BARO value is calculated to be slightly higher than the MAP value, with the difference calculated by the pressure drop across the throttle plate.
Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor uses a hot wire sensing element to measure the amount of air entering the engine. Air passing over the hot wire causes it to cool. This hot wire is maintained at 200°C (392°F) above the ambient temperature as measured by a constant cold wire. The current required to maintain the temperature of the hot wire is proportional to the mass airflow. The MAF sensor then outputs a signal to the PCM proportional to the intake air mass. The PCM calculates the required fuel injector pulse width in order to provide the desired air to fuel ratio. This input is also used in determining transmission electronic pressure control (EPC), shift, and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.
The MAF sensor is located near the air cleaner assembly. Most MAF sensors have an integrated IAT sensor.