Powertrain

Electronic Engine Controls

~2min read

The electronic engine controls consist of the following:

  • PCM
  • Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor
  • Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
  • Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor
  • Power Steering Pressure (PSP) switch
  • Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
  • Catalyst Monitor Sensor (CMS)
  • Knock Sensor (KS)
  • Swirl control valve sensor

The PCM:

  • accepts input from various engine sensors to compute the fuel flow rate and spark timing necessary to maintain a prescribed air/fuel ratio throughout the entire engine operating range.
  • outputs a command to the fuel injectors to meter the appropriate quantity of fuel.

The CHT sensor:

  • sends the PCM a signal indicating cylinder head temperature.
  • resistance decreases as coolant temperature increases.

The CMP sensor:

  • provides camshaft position information which is used by the PCM for fuel synchronization.

The CKP sensor:

  • sends the PCM a signal indicating crankshaft position.
  • is essential for calculating spark timing.

The PSP switch:

  • is a normally closed switch that opens as pressure increases.
  • is used to send a signal to the PCM to adjust idle speed. This compensates for additional load on the engine from the power steering pump.

The MAF sensor:

  • uses a hot wire sensing element to measure the amount of air entering the engine.
  • uses a second hot wire to measure intake air temperature.
  • sends signals to the PCM. The PCM will then calculate the required fuel injector pulse width in order to provide the desired air/fuel ratio.

The HO2S :

  • has the ability to create a voltage signal dependent on exhaust oxygen content.
  • provides feedback information to the PCM used to calculate fuel delivery.

The CMS :

  • has the ability to create a voltage signal dependent on exhaust oxygen content.
  • provides feedback information to the PCM used to calculate catalyst efficiency.

The KS :

  • sends a signal to the PCM indicating engine detonation, which retards the ignition timing as necessary.

The swirl control valve sensor:

  • monitors the position of the swirl control lever.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Focus quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.