Nissan Pathfinder (2011 year). Instruction - part 249

EC-46

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM

PBIB2646E

2011 Pathfinder

ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM

EC-47

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EC

N

P

O

BBIA0581E

2011 Pathfinder

EC-48

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

System Description

INFOID:0000000006243751

INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNAL CHART

*1: This sensor is not used to control the engine system under normal conditions.
*2: This signal is sent to the ECM via the CAN communication line.
*3: ECM determines the start signal status by the signals of engine speed and battery voltage.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The amount of fuel injected from the fuel injector is determined by the ECM. The ECM controls the length of

time the valve remains open (injection pulse duration). The amount of fuel injected is a program value in the

ECM memory. The program value is preset by engine operating conditions. These conditions are determined

by input signals (for engine speed and intake air) from both the crankshaft position sensor and the mass air

flow sensor.

VARIOUS FUEL INJECTION INCREASE/DECREASE COMPENSATION

In addition, the amount of fuel injected is compensated to improve engine performance under various operat-

ing conditions as listed below.

<Fuel increase>

• During warm-up

• When starting the engine

• During acceleration

• Hot-engine operation

• When selector lever is changed from N to D

• High-load, high-speed operation

<Fuel decrease>

• During deceleration

• During high engine speed operation

Sensor

Input Signal to ECM

ECM function

Actuator

Crankshaft position sensor (POS)

Engine speed*

3

Piston position

Fuel injection 
& mixture ratio 
control

Fuel injector

Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)

Mass air flow sensor

Amount of intake air

Engine coolant temperature sensor

Engine coolant temperature

Air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1

Density of oxygen in exhaust gas

Throttle position sensor

Throttle position

Accelerator pedal position sensor

Accelerator pedal position

TCM

Gear position

Knock sensor

Engine knocking condition

Battery

Battery voltage*

3

Power steering pressure sensor

Power steering operation

Heated oxygen sensor 2*

1

Density of oxygen in exhaust gas

Air conditioner switch

Air conditioner operation*

2

Wheel sensor

Vehicle speed*

2

2011 Pathfinder

MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

EC-49

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EC

N

P

O

MIXTURE RATIO FEEDBACK CONTROL (CLOSED LOOP CONTROL)

The mixture ratio feedback system provides the best air-fuel mixture ratio for driveability and emission control.

The three way catalyst (manifold) can better reduce CO, HC and NOx emissions. This system uses air fuel

ratio (A/F) sensor 1 in the exhaust manifold to monitor whether the engine operation is rich or lean. The ECM

adjusts the injection pulse width according to the sensor voltage signal. For more information about air fuel

ratio (A/F) sensor 1, refer to 

EC-148

. This maintains the mixture ratio within the range of stoichiometric (ideal

air-fuel mixture).

This stage is referred to as the closed loop control condition.

Heated oxygen sensor 2 is located downstream of the three way catalyst (manifold). Even if the switching

characteristics of air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 shift, the air-fuel ratio is controlled to stoichiometric by the signal

from heated oxygen sensor 2.

Open Loop Control

The open loop system condition refers to when the ECM detects any of the following conditions. Feedback

control stops in order to maintain stabilized fuel combustion.

• Deceleration and acceleration

• High-load, high-speed operation

• Malfunction of air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 or its circuit

• Insufficient activation of air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 at low engine coolant temperature

• High engine coolant temperature

• During warm-up

• After shifting from N to D

• When starting the engine

MIXTURE RATIO SELF-LEARNING CONTROL

The mixture ratio feedback control system monitors the mixture ratio signal transmitted from air fuel ratio (A/F)

sensor 1. This feedback signal is then sent to the ECM. The ECM controls the basic mixture ratio as close to

the theoretical mixture ratio as possible. However, the basic mixture ratio is not necessarily controlled as orig-

inally designed. Both manufacturing differences (i.e., mass air flow sensor hot wire) and characteristic

changes during operation (i.e., fuel injector clogging) directly affect mixture ratio.

Accordingly, the difference between the basic and theoretical mixture ratios is monitored in this system. This is

then computed in terms of “injection pulse duration” to automatically compensate for the difference between

the two ratios.

“Fuel trim” refers to the feedback compensation value compared against the basic injection duration. Fuel trim

includes short-term fuel trim and long-term fuel trim.

“Short-term fuel trim” is the short-term fuel compensation used to maintain the mixture ratio at its theoretical

value. The signal from air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 indicates whether the mixture ratio is RICH or LEAN com-

pared to the theoretical value. The signal then triggers a reduction in fuel volume if the mixture ratio is rich, and

an increase in fuel volume if it is lean.

“Long-term fuel trim” is overall fuel compensation carried out overtime to compensate for continual deviation of

the short-term fuel trim from the central value. Continual deviation will occur due to individual engine differ-

ences, wear over time and changes in the usage environment.

PBIB3020E

2011 Pathfinder

EC-50

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION TIMING

Two types of systems are used.

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection System

Fuel is injected into each cylinder during each engine cycle according to the firing order. This system is used

when the engine is running.

Simultaneous Multiport Fuel Injection System

Fuel is injected simultaneously into all six cylinders twice each engine cycle. In other words, pulse signals of

the same width are simultaneously transmitted from the ECM.

The six fuel injectors will then receive the signals two times for each engine cycle.

This system is used when the engine is being started and/or if the fail-safe system (CPU) is operating.

FUEL SHUT-OFF

Fuel to each cylinder is cut off during deceleration, operation of the engine at excessively high speeds or oper-

ation of the vehicle at excessively high speeds.

SEF179U

2011 Pathfinder

ELECTRIC IGNITION SYSTEM

EC-51

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EC

N

P

O

ELECTRIC IGNITION SYSTEM

System Description

INFOID:0000000006243752

INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNAL CHART

*1: This signal is sent to the ECM via the CAN communication line.
*2: ECM determines the start signal status by the signals of engine speed and battery voltage.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6

The ignition timing is controlled by the ECM to maintain the best air-fuel ratio for every running condition of the

engine. The ignition timing data is stored in the ECM.

The ECM receives information such as the injection pulse width and camshaft position sensor (PHASE) sig-

nal. Computing this information, ignition signals are transmitted to the power transistor.

During the following conditions, the ignition timing is revised by the ECM according to the other data stored in

the ECM.

• At starting

• During warm-up

• At  idle

• At low battery voltage

• During acceleration

The knock sensor retard system is designed only for emergencies. The basic ignition timing is programmed

within the anti-knocking zone, if recommended fuel is used under dry conditions. The retard system does not

operate under normal driving conditions. If engine knocking occurs, the knock sensor monitors the condition.

The signal is transmitted to the ECM. The ECM retards the ignition timing to eliminate the knocking condition.

Sensor

Input Signal to ECM

ECM function

Actuator

Crankshaft position sensor (POS)

Engine speed*

2

Piston position

Ignition timing 
control

Power transistor

Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)

Mass air flow sensor

Amount of intake air

Engine coolant temperature sensor

Engine coolant temperature

Throttle position sensor

Throttle position

Accelerator pedal position sensor

Accelerator pedal position

Knock sensor

Engine knocking

TCM

Gear position

Battery

Battery voltage*

2

Wheel sensor

Vehicle speed*

1

2011 Pathfinder

EC-52

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

AIR CONDITIONING CUT CONTROL

AIR CONDITIONING CUT CONTROL

Input/Output Signal Chart

INFOID:0000000006243753

*1: This signal is sent to the ECM via the CAN communication line.
*2: ECM determines the start signal status by the signals of engine speed and battery voltage.

System Description

INFOID:0000000006243754

This system improves engine operation when the air conditioner is used.

Under the following conditions, the air conditioner is turned off.

• When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed.

• When cranking the engine.

• At high engine speeds.

• When the engine coolant temperature becomes excessively high.

• When operating power steering during low engine speed or low vehicle speed.

• When engine speed is excessively low.

• When refrigerant pressure is excessively low or high.

Sensor

Input Signal to ECM

ECM function

Actuator

Air conditioner switch

Air conditioner ON signal*

1

Air conditioner 
cut control

Air conditioner relay

Accelerator pedal position sensor

Accelerator pedal position

Crankshaft position sensor (POS)
Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)

Engine speed*

2

Engine coolant temperature sensor

Engine coolant temperature

Battery

Battery voltage*

2

Refrigerant pressure sensor

Refrigerant pressure

Power steering pressure sensor

Power steering operation

Wheel sensor

Vehicle speed*

1

2011 Pathfinder

AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE (ASCD)

EC-53

< SYSTEM DESCRIPTION >

[VQ40DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EC

N

P

O

AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL DEVICE (ASCD)

System Description

INFOID:0000000006243755

INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNAL CHART

*: This signal is sent to the ECM via the CAN communication line.

BASIC ASCD SYSTEM

Refer to Owner's Instruction for ASCD operating instructions.

Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) allows a driver to keep vehicle at predetermined constant speed

without depressing accelerator pedal. Driver can set vehicle speed in advance between approximately 40 km/

h (25 MPH) and 144 km/h (89 MPH).

ECM controls throttle angle of electric throttle control actuator to regulate engine speed.

Operation status of ASCD is indicated by CRUISE indicator and SET indicator in combination meter. If any

malfunction occurs in the ASCD system, it automatically deactivates control.

NOTE:

Always drive vehicle in a safe manner according to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.

SET OPERATION

Press MAIN switch. (The CRUISE indicator in combination meter illuminates.)

When vehicle speed reaches a desired speed between approximately 40 km/h (25 MPH) and 144 km/h (89

MPH), press SET/COAST switch. (Then SET indicator in combination meter illuminates.)

ACCELERATE OPERATION

If the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch is pressed during cruise control driving, increase the vehicle speed until

the switch is released or vehicle speed reaches maximum speed controlled by the system.

And then ASCD will maintain the new set speed.

CANCEL OPERATION

When any of following conditions exist, cruise operation will be canceled.

• CANCEL switch is pressed

• More than 2 switches on ASCD steering switch are pressed at the same time (Set speed will be cleared)

• Brake pedal is depressed

• Selector lever position is changed to N, P or R

• Vehicle speed decreased to 13 km/h (8 MPH) lower than the set speed

• VDC system is operated

When the ECM detects any of the following conditions, the ECM will cancel the cruise operation and inform

the driver by blinking indicator lamp.

• Engine coolant temperature is slightly higher than the normal operating temperature, CRUISE lamp may

blink slowly.

When the engine coolant temperature decreases to the normal operating temperature, CRUISE lamp will

stop blinking and the cruise operation will be able to work by depressing SET/COAST switch or RESUME/

ACCELERATE switch.

• Malfunction for some self-diagnoses regarding ASCD control: SET lamp will blink quickly.

If MAIN switch is turned to OFF while ASCD is activated, all of ASCD operations will be canceled and vehicle

speed memory will be erased.

COAST OPERATION

When the SET/COAST switch is pressed during cruise control driving, decrease vehicle set speed until the

switch is released. And then ASCD will maintain the new set speed.

RESUME OPERATION

Sensor

Input signal to ECM

ECM function

Actuator

ASCD brake switch

Brake pedal operation

ASCD vehicle speed control

Electric throttle control 
actuator

Stop lamp switch

Brake pedal operation

ASCD steering switch

ASCD steering switch operation

TCM

Gear position

Wheel sensor

Vehicle speed*

TCM

Powertrain revolution*

2011 Pathfinder