Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit Description
The Electronic Ignition (EI) module supplies a signal to the PCM whenever it determines that cylinder No. 4 fired on its compression stroke. Because of opposite coil tower polarity, the simultaneous firing of cylinders No. 1 and 4 are of opposite polarity as well. Under most conditions, the waste spark cylinder fires before the compression cylinder in sequence. The EI module can determine this polarity sequence and voltage amplitude by using capacitive pick-up plates located under cylinder No. 1 and 4 coils. If module senses a positive and negative sequence and high negative spike when cylinder No. 4 is on TDC, it pulls the PCM CAM signal to ground, signaling that cylinder No. 4 has just fired on compression. This signal, along with the double pulse received from the CKP sensor, synchronizes spark and fuel timing.
Only one cylinder No. 4 signal should be received every 20 crank pulses. DTC will set if CAM signal received at the PCM is incorrect or has too many pulses per crankshaft revolution when engine has been cranking for 5-10 seconds or when engine is running. Cam signal is continuously checked when crankshaft sensor pulses are received by the PCM, except under deceleration.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.