Ho Chi Minh City

University of Technology and Education

ENGINE MANAGEMENT:
Diagnosis

Le Thanh Phuc
Faculty of Automotive Engineering
Email: thanhphucckd@gmail.com
 On-board diagnosis

• On-board diagnosis of an electronic system

is the capability of an ECU to interpret and
perform self-monitoring using “software
intelligence”, i.e., detect, store, and
diagnostically interpret errors and faults.
• On-board diagnosis runs without the use of
any additional equipment.
 Monitoring of input signals
• Monitoring sensor supply voltage
• Checking the detected value for the permissible value
range (e.g., 0.5…4.5V)
• If additional information is available, a plausibility
check is conducted using the detected value (e.g.,
comparison of crankshaft speed and camshaft speed)
• Critical sensors (e.g., pedal-travel sensor) are fitted
in redundant configuration, which means that their
signals can be directly compared with each other
 Monitoring of output signals

• Monitoring the progress of output signals through

the output driver circuit. The electric circuit is
monitored for short circuits to battery voltage, to
vehicle ground, and for open circuit.
• Impacts on the system by the actuator are
detected directly or indirectly by a function or
plausibility monitor. System actuators are
monitored indirectly via control loops and also
partly by means of position sensors.
Monitoring of internal ECU functions

• Monitoring functions are implemented in ECU

hardware (e.g. “intelligent” output stage
modules) and software to ensure that the ECU
functions correctly at all times.
• The monitoring functions check each of the
ECU components (e.g., microcontroller, Flash-
EPROM, RAM).
 Fault detection

• A signal path is categorized as finally defective if

a fault occurs over a definite period of time.
• When the defect is categorized, a standby function
is triggered (e.g., engine-temperature substitute
value T = 90 °C).
 Fault storage

• Each fault is stored as a fault code in the non-volatile

area of the data memory.
• The fault code also describes the fault type (e.g. short
circuit, line break, plausibility, value range exceeded).
• Each fault-code input is accompanied by additional
information, e.g. the operating and environmental
conditions (freeze frame) at the time of fault
occurrence (e.g. engine speed, engine temperature).
 Limp-home function

If a fault is detected, limp-home strategies

can be triggered in addition to substitute
values (e.g., engine output power or speed
limited). These strategies serve to
• Maintain driving safety
• Avoid consequential damage, or
• Minimize exhaust emissions
Requirements of the OBD system
• Emission limits
• Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
• Communication with scan tool