Heating/ventilation system management

When the car is accelerating, a higher threshold is used in order to take into account the increased engine noise under these conditions. The knock control strategy is also equipped with a self-adaptive facility which memorises advance reductions which are repeated regularly. In this way, the maps are adapted to the different conditions the engine encounters.

HEATING/VENTILATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

When the air conditioner comes on, the compressor takes up power from the engine which tends to stall when idling. To avoid this problem, the ECU adjusts air flow to the new power requirements by driving the relevant actuator (adjustment also takes place when the car is running in order to maintain optimum driveability). Another system function is to cut off the power supply to the compressor temporarily in the case of high power demands on the engine (powerful acceleration).

SYSTEM SELF-ADAPTION

The ECU comprises a self-adaptive function which recognises changes occurring in the engine due to settling and wear (this applies to the components and the engine itself).

Such changes are memorised in the form of changes to the baseline maps and serve the purpose of adapting system function to gradual changes in the engine and its components as the engine grows older.

This function also compensates for inevitable differences between original parts and new parts (due to production tolerances. Maximum performance is therefore achieved for all vehicles without the need for specific adjustment and test operations.

Self-adaptive parameters are lost if the ECU is disconnected.

FIAT CODE IGNITION LOCK FUNCTION MANAGEMENT

The system features an ignition lock function. This is implemented through a special FIAT CODE control unit able to dialogue with the engine control unit, and an electronic key with a specific sender unit designed for sending an identification code.

Once the key has been turned to STOP, the FIAT CODE system de-activates the engine control unit completely.

When the key is turned to MAR, the following operations take place in sequence:

1. the engine control unit (whose memory contains a secret code) sends the FIAT CODE a request demanding that a secret code be sent to de-activate the function lock:
2. the FIAT CODE control unit responds by sending the secret code only after receiving a recognition code sent by the ignition key;
3. recognition of the secret code allows the engine control unit lock to be de-activated and normal operation to proceed.

NOTE When the FIAT CODE anti-theft system is present, it is extremely inadvisable to test the vehicle using another engine control unit. In this case, the FIAT CODE control unit would transfer the recognition code (unknown) to the test control unit, which would thus be rendered completely unserviceable on other vehicles.

TEST MANAGEMENT

Full injection-ignition system electronic testing can be achieved by connecting a FIAT/LANCIA TESTER to the test socket.

The system is also equipped with a self-diagnostic function which recognises, memorises and indicates any faults.

If sensors or actuators are found to be faulty, signal reconstruction strategies are immediately activated (recovery) so that the engine is able to operate at an acceptable level without affecting function. The car can then be driven to a service point for the necessary repairs.