Theory Of Operation
GENERAL OPERATION: The Turbocharged engine requires the ability to draw fuel vapors from the Charcoal Canister during both Naturally Aspirated operation and during boost conditions. Typically engine vacuum is used to draw the fuel vapors from the canister. This is easily accomplished on a naturally aspirated engine that has sufficient vacuum in the Intake Manifold during most engine operating conditions. It is more difficult when a Turbocharged engine is in boost mode creating positive pressure in the Intake Manifold. This is accomplished using a different Purge Solenoid than is used on non-Turbo engines along with some additional hardware. The function of the purge system in each mode of operation is as follows:
- Naturally Aspirated: When the Purge Solenoid is energized the vacuum from the Intake Manifold pulls check valve 1 open. The vacuum created inside the Purge Solenoid pulls check valve 2 closed, sealing it off to the Ejector Tee. Fuel vapors are drawn from the canister, through the Purge Solenoid, and into the Intake Manifold.
- Boost: When the Purge Solenoid is energized the pressure in the Intake Manifold closes check valve 1 and opens check valve 3 allowing airflow to the Ejector Tee. The airflow through the Ejector Tee creates a venturi effect creating vacuum in the line between the Purge Solenoid and Ejector Tee, pulling check valve 2 open. Fuel vapors are drawn from the canister, through the Purge Solenoid, and into the Air Cleaner box where they travel with the intake air to the Intake Manifold.
Fuel vapors are only pulled from the Charcoal Canister on PHEV vehicles. When purging is operational the Fuel Tank Isolation Valve (FTIV) is closed preventing vapors being drawn from the Fuel Tank.
PURGE FLOW DIAGNOSTIC: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects leaks in the Evaporative system when the Purge Solenoid is closed. Therefore it cannot determine if hardware between the Purge Solenoid and Intake Manifold is damaged or leaking during leak testing. The Purge Flow Monitor Diagnostic is needed to determine if the engine side of the system is connected and functioning properly. This is done by monitoring the Evaporative Leak Check Module (ELCM) signal for a delta (change) of more than a calibrated threshold in the signal when the Purge Solenoid is energized.
- The PCM runs the Purge Flow Monitor Diagnostic for both modes of engine operation once per drive cycle.
- Both diagnostics will run during the drive cycle if the parameters allow regardless if the first diagnostic fails.
- The Monitor will only run when there is a sustained stable boost condition and not when the vehicle is at wide open throttle.
- When the Purge Flow Monitor begins, the normally open Change-Over Valve inside the ELCM is energized and closed. After the Purge Solenoid is energized the PCM monitors the ELCM Pressure Sensor pressure delta to determine a pass/fail.
- If the diagnostic fails when the engine is running in naturally aspirated mode, the PCM will set the (P0441) DTC.
- If the diagnostic fails when the engine is running in boost mode, the PCM will set the (P1CEA) DTC.