3.5L V6 PCM Description

The powertrain used in this vehicle consists of a twin cam V6 engine mated to a 4T65-E electronically controlled transaxle. The powertrain has electronic controls to reduce exhaust emissions while maintaining excellent driveability and fuel economy. The powertrain control module (PCM) is the heart of this control system.

The powertrain control module is designed to maintain exhaust emission levels to Federal or California standards while providing excellent driveability and fuel efficiency. Review the components and the wiring diagrams in order to determine which systems are controlled by the PCM. The PCM monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions. The following are some of the functions that the PCM controls:

• The engine fueling
• The ignition control (IC)
• The knock sensor (KS) system
• The evaporative emissions (EVAP) system
• The secondary air injection (AIR) system, if equipped
• The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
• The automatic transmission functions
• The generator
• The A/C clutch control
• The cooling fan control

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Powertrain Control Module Function:
The PCM constantly looks at the information from various sensors and other inputs, and controls systems that affect the vehicle performance and emissions. The PCM also performs diagnostic tests on various parts of the system. The PCM can recognize operational problems and alert the driver via the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). When the PCM detects a malfunction, the module stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

The problem area is identified by the particular DTC that is set. The module supplies a buffered voltage to various sensors and switches. The input and output devices in the control module include analog to digital converters, signal buffers, counters, and output drivers. The output drivers are electronic switches which complete a ground circuit when turned on. Most PCM controlled components are operated via output drivers. The PCM monitors these driver circuits for proper operation, and in most cases can set a DTC corresponding to the controlled device if a problem is detected.