Fuel & Engine System
The function of the fuel and engine management system is to supply the proper mixture of air and fuel to the engine while reducing harmful fuel vapors and exhaust pollutants.
Service and Maintenance
Make a service appointment if your vehicle shows any of the following symptoms:
- Illumination of the "Service Engine Soon” light
- Improper engine idling, hesitation or stalling
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Abnormal engine noises
- Noticeable fuel odors
The fuel filter should be replaced according to the maintenance schedule shown in your owner’s manual.
Also, have your engine tuned up regularly. A plugged/restricted fuel injector (if equipped) can reduce fuel efficiently by as much as 30%.
According to the Car Care Council a little preventative maintenance can save you from unnecessary fuel costs. For example:
- If your engine needs a tune-up, it could be wasting about 15% or more of its fuel.
- If the tires are just 8 PSI under-inflated, the rolling resistance can run you several dollars per month.
- A stuck thermostat reduces engine efficiency by another 7% leading to several dollars a month in unnecessary expenditures
- Wheels that are just one-quarter inch out of alignment will waste fuel as well.
Together, these unnecessary fuel costs can total hundreds of dollars a year.
Clearly, a little preventative maintenance not only saves you money in the long run, but helps extend vehicle life and increases vehicle safety.
Points of Interest
Mechanical Fuel Pump
The mechanical fuel pump is mounted to the engine. The mechanical fuel pump uses a diagram system to transfer fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor.
Common signs of wear are reduced engine performance, poor engine starting and accelerating, and intermittent power loss while driving.
Carburetor
The function of the carburetor is to deliver fuel into the engine’s cylinders.
Common signs of wear include sluggish starting or inability to start engine, rough-running engine, stalling, and reduced fuel economy.
Fuel Sending Unit
The function of the fuel sending unit is to monitor the fuel levels and to transmit the information to the fuel gauge.
A common sign of wear is an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
Fuel Injector
The fuel injector sprays into the engine’s intake manifold or cylinders.
Common signs of wear are sluggish engine performance, poor acceleration, and emission noncompliance.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
The function of the mass air flow sensor is to measure the amount of air entering the engine to determine the most efficient air/fuel mixture for achieving clean burns.
Common signs of wear include engine hesitation, stalling, decline in engine performance, and an illuminating “Service Engine Soon” light.
Idle Air Control/Linear Flow Valve
The function of the idle air control/linear flow valve is to control the amount of the air that bypasses the throttle plate in order to regulate idle engine speed.
Common signs of wear include irregular idle and stalling.
Modular Fuel Pump (Includes Sender)
The modular fuel pump is located inside the tank. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the fuel injectors to the carburetor while the sender monitors fuel levels and transmits the information to the fuel gauge.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
The function of the throttle position sensor is to electronically inform the PCM of the throttle’s angle. The PCM uses this input to regulate the fuel and ignition system.
Signs of wear include the “Service Engine Soon” light illuminating and poor engine performance.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
The function of the fuel pressure regulator is to control the fuel pressure going to the fuel injectors.
Common signs of wear include engine knock, lack of power, engine smoke, increased exhaust emissions, and poor fuel economy.
Strainer
The function of the strainer is to prevent larger contaminants inside the fuel tank from entering the fuel line.
In-line Fuel Pump
The in-line fuel pump is located in the fuel line and transfers fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors or carburetor.
Poor engine starting characteristics, slow response when accelerating, intermittent power loss, excessive noise, and vibration while driving are all common signs of wear.
