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Vader, GMTECH, Glenn? Question about the ALDL....

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Old 02-17-2001, 03:12 PM
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 383
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4 2400 ACT Stall
Axle/Gears: 2.77 Borg Warner 9-Bolt
Vader, GMTECH, Glenn? Question about the ALDL....

I remember in a post from a while ago, which i am not able to find, that if you jump A & B on the ALDL with the car off and then start it up that it would be in diagnostic mode...(i think that's what it was called). My question is, would this show if i was rich/lean? or am i just off my rocker...? I was just wanting to get an idea of which side i was leaning towards...it doesn't have to be pin point accuracy or anything, just a way to tell if i am rich or lean...

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89 IROC-Z 350 TPI

-Flowmaster Catback
-Performance Resource Chip
-700R4 (Rebuilt) Too much done to actually list
-K&N Airfilters
-Ported Plenum
-2.77 Gears (not much to brag about but eh, its there)
-MSD 8.5 mm plug wires
-Problems every other day with the car (probably not a mod, but to me it sure makes a difference)
Old 02-17-2001, 03:19 PM
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Branz,

DON'T attempt to start the engine or even crank it with a jumper in the ALDL diagnostic terminal. You can possibly cause ECM damage. Instead, start the engine, allow it to run for a moment, then install the jumper.

Field Service Mode

On the OBDI ECMs, you can jump 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL while the engine is running.

WARNING! This must be done after the engine is running. This is called "Field Service Mode" and will not harm the ECM.

If the ECM is in Open-Loop mode, the SES light will flash rapidly, about 2½ times per second. If it's in Closed-Loop mode, it will flash about once per second. When in Closed Loop mode, flashing less than once per second indicates the ECM is enriching the mixture above the 128 count base line. Flashing more than once per second indicates the ECM is leaning the mixture below the 128 base line.

A 3.9K resistor installed in ALDL terminals 'A' and 'B' forces the ECM into Backup Fuel Mode. This mode forces the ECM to use predetermined fuel calculations in the ECM PROM instead of the learned inputs in active RAM. This is commonly referred to as the "Limp Home" mode of operation.

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Later,
Vader
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"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now..."
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Old 02-17-2001, 03:22 PM
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Branz,

If that isn't enough information, clip and save this:

GM OBD I System Operation

This generation of engine control systems is a refinement of the first engine control computers and systems. First generation engine controls have some control over spark timing, a few output devices like the EFE system and EGR, and a minor role in fuel mixture adjustment. The OBD I system is designed to control and sense a wider range of functions than the earlier systems, including complete control of fuel delivery, and has proven to be much more reliable and effective.

The system has two basic modes of operation when the engine is running - Open Loop Mode and Closed Loop Mode. In a nutshell, Open Loop mode means the ECM is controlling the engine with essentially no feedback from the engine sensors - the control loop is said to be "open". Closed Loop mode means that the ECM sends control signals to the engine, scans the sensors for feedback to determine further corrections, then adjusts accordingly. The process is continuous, and the control loop is said to be "closed" since the sensors effectively communicate back to the ECM regarding the effectiveness of any adjustments made.

Open Loop Mode

When the starter is engaged, if the coolant temperature indicates less than 100°F and the intake air temperature is within 20°F of the coolant temperature, the cold start injector provides a spray of fuel or the cold enrichment subroutine allows longer fuel injector pulses on the service injectors. The cold start or cold enrichment subroutine is of eight seconds duration at a maximum. On a cold-start injector system the extra fuel is distributed to each cylinder via a air distribution system built into the bottom of the intake manifold. If the engine temperature is greater than 100°F, the cold start injector/subroutine is disabled by the cold start switch or ECM. Upon startup the ECM utilizes information in the PROM to establish the initial pulse rate for the injectors and the engine starts. At this time the engine is operating in Open Loop mode and will continue to do so until the engine warms up sufficiently to enable the oxygen sensor.

Closed Loop Mode

After a warm up period the ECM scans the sensors. If all sensors are operating and within their proper ranges, the ECM will enter Closed Loop operation. This means that the sensors are dynamically controlling the engine fuel and spark. The ECM receives information on intake air flow, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, exhaust gas oxygen content, barometric pressure, manifold pressure or vacuum, air conditioner status, power steering pump load, EGR operation, evaporative canister valve operation, engine RPM, vehicle speed, transmission gear selection, fuel pump status, combustion detonation, and throttle position. This information is used to calculate the proper ignition timing advance and pulse width for the injectors, and fires the injectors for the calculated period. This procedure is repeated continuously in very rapid sequence to maintain the optimum fuel air ratio. The electronic spark control components provide maximum advance, if engine knock is detected the spark is automatically retarded. This too, is a continuous process. It should be noted that the following components are matched for optimum performance - distributor EST module, ESC module, knock sensor and ECM PROM. These components are not interchangeable between 5.0L - 5.7L engines. In the event the information received is higher or lower than the normal range, a code will set in the ECM, and the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon lamp will light.


Block Learn / Integrator

The factory ECM/PCM has a learning capability which allows it to make corrections for minor variations in the fuel system to improve performance and driveability. There are two learning features. The Integrator and Block Learn (INT and BLM) and Block Learn Memory (BLM) cell. The INT and BLM feature is normal with a value of around 128 (the possible range is 0-255). If this value is higher than 128, it indicates that the ECM is adding fuel to the base fuel calculations because the system is running lean. A value lower than 128 indicates that the ECM is taking out fuel because the system is running rich. The integrator is a short term corrective action while the BLM is along term correction. The BLM value will change if the integrator has seen a condition which lasts for a longer period of time. There are from two to sixteen different cells which the ECM modifies, depending on RPM, airflow or manifold air pressure and other conditions such as AC on or off, etc. The ECM learns how much adjustment is required in each cell, retains it in memory, and applies these adjustments when the engine operates in that cell or RPM/Load Range. These features of the ECM allows the system to adjust itself constantly to your engine and assure peak performance for stock and other than stock engines.

NOTE: When the vehicle power is disconnected for repair or to clear diagnostic codes, the learning process has to begin all over again. To reinitialize the ECM, drive the vehicle at operating temperature with moderate acceleration and idle conditions for at least twenty minutes.

Performance PROMs typically change the parameters for fuel flow, fuel cut-off and spark advance-timing and will allow increased fuel flow and modify the spark advance curves during rapid acceleration. They can be programmed to tolerate differences in idle quality and manifold vacuum due to altered cam profiles and fuel systems.

Field Service Mode

On the OBDI ECMs, you can jump 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL while the engine is running.
WARNING! This must be done after the engine is running. This is called "Field Service Mode" and will not harm the ECM.

If the ECM is in Open-Loop mode, the SES light will flash rapidly, about 2½ times per second. If it's in Closed-Loop mode, it will flash about once per second. When in Closed Loop mode, flashing less than once per second indicates the ECM is enriching the mixture above the 128 count base line. Flashing more than once per second indicates the ECM is leaning the mixture below the 128 base line.

Backup Fuel Mode

A 3.9K resistor installed between ALDL terminals 'A' and 'B' forces the ECM into Backup Fuel mode. This mode forces the ECM to use predetermined fuel calculations in the ECM PROM instead of the learned inputs in active RAM. This is more commonly referred to as the "Limp Home" mode of operation. Backup fuel is usually around 12:1 or richer from the factory.

Miscellaneous

An easy way to tell whether the PROM has been installed correctly in the PCM, and contains valid code set, is to watch the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light as you key on. Make sure the ignition is off for at least twenty seconds. Turn the key to the run position without starting the engine and watch the SES light. It should illuminate, then go out, then illuminate again and stay illuminated. This is called a SES light bounce. If you do not get a bounce then something is wrong and damage could result. If you try to start/run the engine when a proper SES light bounce is not present, then the computer will default to backup fuel and spark mode because it cannot execute a valid computer program. This can happen if the PROM is in backwards, or not seated, or contains a faulty program, or if the PCM has been damaged electrically.

(By the way, yes, I AM writing a book...)

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

[This message has been edited by Vader (edited February 17, 2001).]
Old 02-17-2001, 11:28 PM
  #4  
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 383
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4 2400 ACT Stall
Axle/Gears: 2.77 Borg Warner 9-Bolt
lol, thanks a great deal vader..., wow a book heh...as much as you know and how you explain things, it'd sure as heck be a book i'd buy

------------------
89 IROC-Z 350 TPI

-Flowmaster Catback
-Performance Resource Chip
-700R4 (Rebuilt) Too much done to actually list
-K&N Airfilters
-Ported Plenum
-2.77 Gears (not much to brag about but eh, its there)
-MSD 8.5 mm plug wires
-Problems every other day with the car (probably not a mod, but to me it sure makes a difference)
Old 02-20-2001, 07:30 PM
  #5  
Skip Howard
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Posts: n/a
Vader,
I tried jumpering A and B with the engine running on mine to see the closed/open loop thing and I got no flashing SES at all. RPM's went down by 150 or soo also. It does show codes properly. Is this just for a fuel injected car?

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85T/A 305/QJ work in progress.
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