300Tdi Discovery
19
FUEL SYSTEM
6
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REV: 09/95
Idle air control (IAC)
Idle speed is controlled by a stepper motor which
consists of two coils. When energised in the correct
sequence the coils move a plunger which opens and
closes the throttle bypass controlling the quantity of
idle air. The stepper motor controls idle speed by
moving the plunger a set distance called a step. Fully
open is zero steps and fully closed 180 steps. Failure
of the stepper motor will result in low or high idle
speed, poor idle, engine stall or non start. The fault is
indicated by illumination of the malfunction indicator
light (MIL) on North American specification vehicles.
Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S)
The oxygen sensors consist of a titanium metal
sensor surrounded by a gas permeable ceramic
coating. Oxygen in the exhaust gas diffuses through
the ceramic coating on the sensor, and reacts with the
titanium wire altering the resistance of the wire. From
this resistance change the ECM calculates the
amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. The injected
fuel quantity is then adjusted to achieve the correct
air/fuel ratio, thus reducing the emissions of carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC),and oxides of
nitrogen (NO
2
). Two HO2 sensors are fitted, one in
each exhaust downpipe just ahead of the catalyst.
Note that if the wiring to these sensors is crossed, the
vehicle will start and idle correctly until the sensors
reach operating temperature. Then the ECM will read
the signals from them and send one bank of cylinders
very rich and the other very weak. The engine will
misfire, have a rough idle and emit black smoke, with
possible catalyst damage.
In the event of sensor failure, the system will default to
’open loop’. Operation and fuelling will be calculated
using signals from the remaining ECM inputs.
The fault is indicated by illumination of the malfunction
indicator light (MIL). ECM diagnostics also uses HO2
sensors to detect catalyst damage, misfire and fuel
system faults.
North American vehicles have two extra HO2 sensors
mounted one after each catalyst. These are used to
determine whether the catalysts are operating
efficently.
CAUTION: Although robust within the
vehicle environment, HO2 sensors are
easily damaged by dropping, excessive
heat and contamination. Care must be exercised
when working on the exhaust system not to
damage the sensor housing or tip.
