Computer System Fundamentals

Computer

 Complex electronic device that will produce programmed electrical

output signals after receiving specific electrical input signals
 Computers monitor and control all major systems of a modern
vehicle
Cybernetics
 Study of how electrical-mechanical devices can duplicate the action
of the human body
 Comparing the human body to a computer system is an easy way to
explain this subject

The Nervous System

 Uses chemical-electrical signals to control the body

 If you touch a sharp needle, nerve cells in your finger “fire” and send
a signal through a strand of nerve cells in your hand, up your arm,
and into your brain
 Nerve cells in your finger are comparable to a sensor, or input device,
in a computer system
The Brain
 Uses billions of cells interconnected by linking cells called neurons

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 1

  When the brain “thinks”, minute electrical impulses travel from
neuron to neuron
 Cells in the brain can be either charged (on) or not charged (off)
 By connecting all the brain cells, the brain can decide what to do in
each situation.Computers produce logical outputs in a similar fashion

The Reflex Action

 Specific brain cells are activated by the needle prick (pain) signal, and
a reflex output is produced
 The brain sends a signal to your arm to pull back
 This is similar to the action of an actuator, or output device, in a car’s
computer system
Computer Advantages
 There are several reasons that computers are being used in modern
vehicles
 Computers can provide several advantages
 Fewer moving parts to wear and go out of calibration
 Reduced fuel consumption
 Lower emissions
 Increased engine power
 Reduced vehicle weight
 On-board diagnostics
 Increased driver convenience
 Improved passenger safety
 Compensation for component wear

Digital Electronics

Field of study dealing with the ways a computer uses on-off signals to produce
“artificial intelligence”

Binary Numbering System

 Uses only two numbers, zero and one

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 2

  Key to how computers operate
 Zero (0) and one (1) can be arranged in different sequences to represent
other numbers, letters, words, an input, an output, or a condition
 To use the binary system, a computer turns switches (transistors) on or off
 Off represents zero
 On represents one

Binary numbers can be converted into decimal (base ten) numbers

Binary Language

 A single zero or a one is called a bit

 Four bits make a nibble
 Eight bits make a byte or word

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 3

Gating Circuits

Gate
 electronic circuit that produces a specific output voltage for given input voltages
Common gate types:
 NOT
 AND
 OR
 NAND
 NOR

NOT Gate

AND Gate

AND Gates

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 4

If an AND gate is compared to two switches wired in series, both switches must be on to activate the
starter motor

OR Gate

\Shows what the output of a gate will be with different inputs

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 5

NOR Gate

Using Gates
 Logic gates can be connected together to form super-complex circuits
 Millions of gates can be interconnected to produce thousands of programmed outputs
from numerous inputs
 This is how a computer works, or thinks

Integrated Circuit
 Electronic circuits that have been reduced in size and etched on the surface of tiny
semiconductor chips
 Different semiconductor substances are deposited on a silicon chip and then etched to
produce resistors, diodes, and transistors
 Metal conductors on the top of the chip connect these various electronic components
to form the circuit
 Wire leads allow for input and output connections

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 6

Wire leads connect the chip to the metal pins. The pins plug into or are soldered to other parts
of the circuit.

A digital IC uses logic gates.

Computer system operation

 There are three stages of computer system operation:
 Input
 processing and storage
 output

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 7

Computer Names
Automobile manufacturers have many names for their computers:
 central processing unit (CPU)
 electronic control unit (ECU)
 electronic control module (ECM)
 engine control module (ECM)
 electronic control assembly (ECA)
 power train control module (PCM)
 vehicle control module (VCM)
 microprocessor
 logic module
Computer Types
Several types of computers can be used in a car
The most common types are:
 Vehicle control module
- coordinates engine, transmission, traction control, and anti-lock
brake functions
 Powertrain control module
- monitors and controls the engine and transmission
 Engine control module
- controls engine management functions
 Anti-lock brake module
- controls anti-lock brake operation
 Instrumentation module
- operates the digital dash display
 Ignition module
_controls ignition functions, such as timing
 Suspension system module
_controls ride stiffness or shock absorber
 Climate control module
_controls the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
systems
 Air bag module
_controls the vehicle’s air bag system
 High-power module
_Controls current or processes output signals from a few sensors and
the main computer
 Body module

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 8

 _coordinates body functions, such as lighting, radio, driver’s information
center, electronic compass, etc.

Computer Locations
Computers may be located almost anywhere on the vehicle

Computer Construction

Computers are composed of printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, capacitors,

resistors, transistors, and other electronic components
Parts of a Computer
A computer can be divided into 11 basic parts:

- voltage regulator
- amplifiers
- clock
- output drivers
A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 9
 - conditioners
- buffer
- microprocessor
- memory
- circuit board
- harness connector
- computer housing

Parts of a Computer

Voltage Regulator
 Provides a reduced voltage for the components in the computer and
sensors
 Provides a smooth dc voltage that does not vary and is free of any spikes
(abrupt changes in voltage)

Computer Amplifier
 Strengthens various signals when inside the computer
 amplifier might increase the voltage signal from the oxygen sensor, which is less than
one volt
 Allows a low voltage signal to be used by the circuits in the computer
Input Conditioner
 Also called a converter or interface
 Alters the input signals from some
sensors
 Modifies incoming data so that it can be utilized by the computer

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 10

  Converts analog signals to digital signals

Output Conditioner
 Also called a converter or interface
 Changes output signals from digital to
analog
 Allows the operation of actuators
 Protects the computer processor from
high current
Buffer
 Serves as a temporary storage area for data
 Protects internal components from improper data
 controls the rate of data flow
 Built into the input conditioner
Microprocessor
 Integrated circuit capable of analyzing data and calculating appropriate
outputs
 Uses the binary number system to make decisions, comparisons, or
calculations
 Compares input signals to memory data to decide what the outputs should
be for maximum efficiency
Computer Data Flow

Computer Memory
 Uses gates that are capable of storing data as voltage charges
 IC’s inside the memory chips will hold the data until needed by the
Microprocessor

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 11

 RAM
 Random access memory
 Stores information or data temporarily
 Data is erased if battery power is removed
 Volatile RAM; powered with ignition
ROM
 Read only memory
 Stores permanent data that cannot be
 removed from memory
 Contains calibration tables and lookup tables for the general vehicle make and
Model
PROM
 Programmable read only memory
 Contains permanent data that is more specific than the data stored in ROM
 engine and transaxle specifications, vehicle weight, and tire size are specifics found in the
PROM
 May be replaced or reprogrammed to upgrade vehicle operation
EPROM
 Erasable programmable read only memory
 Can be changed, usually by the manufacturer using special equipment
 Used for storing odometer readings on an electronic dash display
EEPROM
 Electrically erasable programmable read only memory
 Can be altered by the technician in the field
 Allows the manufacturer to change operating parameters if a performance
 or drivability problem is discovered
 All vehicles with OBD II uses this memory
Other Memories
 Flash erasable programmable read only memory (FEPROM)
 similar to EEPROMs in all respects
 Keep alive memory (KAM)
 memory chip that allows the computern to have an adaptive strategy
 stores calibration information that enhances vehicle operation as parts wear
 NVRAM is a combination of RAM and EEPROM in same chip
Output Drivers
 Control current flow through the actuators
 When energized by the computer, drivers ground the actuator circuits,
providing actuator operation

Processor-Memory Bus
 Pathway by which sections of a computer communicate
 Microprocessor controls this flow of

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 12

  writes data about vehicle operation into memory and reads data about how the
vehicle should operate from memory
Computer Network
 Series of computers that control different systems but work together to improve overall
vehicle efficiency
 Shares wires, input signals, and output signals
 Computers exchange data from sensors to prevent duplication of parts
and to reduce wiring

Actuators

 Devices that allow the computer to do work and alter the operation of other
components
 Actuators may be found anywhere on the modern automobile
Actuator Classifications
Actuators can be grouped into the following categories:
solenoid
relay
servo motor
display device
control module

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 13

 Actuator Operation
 When the computer turns on an actuator, it normally provides the
device with a ground circuit.
 Current can then operate the actuator.
Solenoid Operation
 Computer grounds the solenoid circuit .Current flows through the
solenoid winding
 A magnetic field moves the plunger mounted in the solenoid
windings
 Plunger movement is used to operate a device such as fuel injectors,
vacuum valves,Idle speed control valve, door locks, etc.

Relay Operation
 Computer grounds the relay coil windings
 Low current flows through the relay windings
 Relay coil field will then pull the mechanical contacts closed, allowing
high current to flow to the load

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 14

 Servo Motor Operation
 Computer can ground the motor circuit, turning the motor on and off
or reversing motor rotation as needed
 Some servo motors are simply reversible dc motors .
these motors turn a threaded mechanism to produce controlled
movement of a part

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 15

 Specific Actuators
Common actuators used on modern vehicles include:
1.Fuel injector
solenoid valve that controls fuel flow

2.Fuel pump
electric motor-driven pump

3.Idle air solenoid

controls airflow into the engine to control idle speed

4.Idle speed motor
reversible dc motor that opens and closes the throttle valve to
control idle speed
5. EGR solenoids
open and close small ports to control exhaust gas flow back into the
engine
6.Canister purge solenoids
control vacuum flow to draw fuel vapors from the fuel tank into the
engine for burning
7.Door lock motors
solenoids that move latch mechanisms to lock or unlock the doors
8.Electric seat motors
reversible dc motors that move the seat into the desired position
9.Ignition coil
changes low voltage into high voltage that operates the spark plugs
10.Ignition module
uses computer signals to control the operation of the ignition coils
Sensor and Actuator Problems

Sensors, actuators, and their circuits can develop opens, shorts, or abnormal
resistance or voltage values.

Problem Diagnosis

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 16

  In most cases, you can use a scan tool to find the problem circuit Use a
digital multimeter to measure the resistance in the circuit and the sensor
output voltage or actuator input voltage.
 compare these readings to factory specifications
 Wiring diagrams show the color codes of the wires and the number of
connectors that are used in the circuit
 These diagrams or schematics are helpful when servicing any computer
system

Poor Electrical Connections

 Common cause of electrical-related problems in a computer system

• Caused by corroded or burned terminals, loose terminal ends, and
chafed wires
• Always check connections when diagnosing sensors and other
components
 Testing for wiring problems inside a harness:
• disconnect the wiring at both ends of the harness
• ground the suspect wire on one end
• use an ohmmeter to check the wire’s resistance
• if the resistance is high, repair or replace the wire

Testing for wiring problems inside a harness

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 17

Vacuum Leaks

 Inspect for deteriorated, broken, or loose vacuum hoses

• Can upset the operation of the computer system and cause a
wide range of symptoms
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor hoses and intake manifold
gaskets are common locations of leaks
• Air leaks after the mass airflow sensor can result in lean mixtures
and stalling

Sensor Service

 Involves testing and replacing computer system sensors

 For testing purposes, sensors may be classified into one of two categories:
• passive sensors
• active sensors
 Some common passive sensors include:
• intake air temperature sensors
• coolant temperature sensors
• throttle position sensors
• transmission linkage position sensors
• EGR pintle position sensors

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 18

 • manifold absolute pressure sensors
Testing Passive Sensors
 Passive sensors do not generate their own voltage
 Sensors are supplied with a reference voltage from the computer
 The sensor changes its resistance with a change in condition or operation
 The resistance change modifies the reference voltage
 Some common active sensors include
• oxygen sensors
• crankshaft position sensors
• camshaft position sensors
• vehicle speed sensors
• knock sensors
• solar sensors

 Passive sensors may be tested in one of two ways:

• measure sensor resistance with an ohmmeter
• measure sensor voltage drop with its reference voltage applied

Testing Variable Resistance Sensors

 Sensor testing using an ohmmeter

• disconnect the sensor wires
• connect the ohmmeter test leads to the sensor terminals
• compare the ohmmeter reading to the manufacturer’s specifications
• If necessary, sensor temperature can be verified by using a digital
thermometer

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 19

 Testing Variable Resistance Sensors

Sensor testing using a voltmeter

• connect the voltmeter in parallel with the sensor
• measure the voltage drop across the passive sensor with
the computer reference voltage applied
• compare the voltmeter reading to the manufacturer’s
specifications

Testing Switching Sensors

 Use an ohmmeter to check that the switch is opening and closing
 Connect the ohmmeter and move the switch opened and closed
 The ohmmeter should indicate infinite ohms and then zero ohms

Testing Reference Voltage

 Use a voltmeter to measure reference voltage to a passive sensor
• Disconnect the sensor connector
• Connect a digital voltmeter to the connector terminals
• Turn the ignition on and note the voltage
• Compare the readings to specifications

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 20

 Typical reference voltage is 5 volts
• If reference voltage is not correct, test voltage at the computer
• If voltage at the computer is correct, a problem with the wiring harness is
indicated

Testing Active Sensors

 Active sensors produce their own voltage
 Harness continuity is very important, since operating voltage may be low,
often under 1 volt
 Sensors may be tested with an ohmmeter or a voltmeter
 See the service manual for procedures
Testing a Magnetic Sensor
 Coil resistance can be measured with an ohmmeter
• Disconnect the sensor connector
• Connect the ohmmeter leads to the sensor terminals
• Compare the resistance to specifications

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 21

  Test sensor operation with an ac voltmeter
• Disconnect the sensor connector
• Connect the voltmeter leads to the sensor terminals
• Rotate the sensor by cranking the engine, turning the wheel, etc.
• Compare the voltage to specifications

 Measuring the frequency signal from a manifold absolute pressure sensor

3
Replacing Sensors
 When replacing sensors, there are several rules you should remember:
• Always use an exact sensor replacement
• even though two sensors might look alike, their internal resistance
may be different

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 22

 These two temperature sensors look the same but have different
temperature and resistance values.
 Release the sensor connector properly
• most connectors have positive locks that must be released
• Use special tools as needed, such as sensor sockets
• Use thread sealant sparingly
• Use sealants that are safe for oxygen sensors
• Tighten sensors to specifications
 Adjust the sensor, if needed
• some throttle position sensors require adjustment after installation
 Scan for trouble codes and sensor value after sensor replacement

A/M/P/T/C Department of Automotive Technology Compiled BY H/Z Page 23