Engine Control Module: Description and Operation

The V8 engine is controlled by an ECM (engine control module) manufactured by DENSO. The Engine Management System (EMS) controls the following:

^ Engine fueling
^ Ignition timing
^ Closed loop fueling
^ Knock control
^ Idle speed control
^ Emission control
^ On Board Diagnostic
^ Interface with the immobilization system
^ Speed control

The ECM (engine control module) controls the engine fueling by providing sequential fuel injection to all cylinders. Ignition is controlled by a direct ignition system, provided by eight plug top coils. The ECM (engine control module) is able to detect and correct for ignition knock on each cylinder and adjust the ignition timing for each cylinder to achieve optimum performance.

The ECM (engine control module) uses a torque-based strategy to generate the torque required by the driver and other vehicle control modules. The EMS uses various sensors to determine the torque required from the engine. The EMS also interfaces with other vehicle electronic control modules's, via the CAN (controller area network) bus, to obtain additional information (e.g. road speed from the ABS (anti-lock brake system) control module). The EMS processes these signals and decides how much torque to generate. Torque is then generated by using various actuators to supply air, fuel and spark to the engine (electronic throttle, injectors, coils, etc.).