Manual

  Onboard Diagnostics 
  COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS 
16 OBD2 
The Basic Engine Computer Control System 
The on-board computer is the heart of the Computer 
Control System. The computer contains several programs 
with preset reference values for air/fuel ratio, spark or 
ignition timing, injector pulse width, engine speed, etc. 
Separate values are provided for various driving conditions, 
such as idle, low speed driving, high-speed driving, low load, 
or high load. The preset reference values represent the ideal 
air/fuel mixture, spark timing, transmission gear selection, 
etc., for any driving condition. These values are programmed 
by the vehicle manufacturer, and are specific to each vehicle model. 
Most on-board computers are located inside the vehicle behind the dashboard, 
under the passenger’s or driver’s seat, or behind the right kick panel. However, 
some manufacturers may still position it in the engine compartment. 
Vehicle sensors, switches, and actuators are located throughout the 
engine, and are connected by electrical wiring to the on-board computer. 
These devices include oxygen sensors, coolant temperature sensors, 
throttle position sensors, fuel injectors, etc. Sensors and switches are 
input devices. They provide signals representing current engine 
operating conditions to the computer. Actuators are output devices. They 
perform actions in response to commands received from the computer. 
The on-board computer receives information inputs from sensors and 
switches located throughout the engine. These devices monitor critical 
engine conditions such as coolant temperature, engine speed, engine 
load, throttle position, air/fuel ratio etc. 
The computer compares the values received from these sensors with its 
preset reference values, and makes corrective actions as needed so 
that the sensor values always match the preset reference values for the 
current driving condition. The computer makes adjustments by 
commanding other devices such as the fuel injectors, idle air control, 
EGR valve or Ignition Module to perform these actions. 
The Computer Control System consists of an on-board 
computer and several related control devices (sensors, 
switches, and actuators). 
OUTPUT DEVICES
 Fuel Injectors
 Idle Air Control
 EGR Valve
 Ignition Module
On-Board
Computer
INPUT DEVICES
 Coolant Temperature Sensor
 Throttle Position Sensor
 Fuel Injectors
INPUT DEVICES
 Oxygen Sensors
TYPICAL COMPUTER
CONTROL SYSTEM










