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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2004 >> Impala SS >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System 3.8L (Introduction) >> Description and Operation >> Fuel System Description >> Run Mode
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Run Mode

The run mode has 2 conditions called Open Loop and Closed Loop. When the engine is first started and the engine speed is above a predetermined RPM, the system begins Open Loop operation. The PCM ignores the signal from the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). The PCM calculates the air/fuel ratio based on inputs from the ECT, MAF, MAP, and TP sensors. The system stays in Open Loop until meeting the following conditions:

Specific values for the above conditions exist for each different engine, and are stored in the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The system begins Closed Loop operation after reaching these values. In Closed Loop, the PCM calculates the air/fuel ratio, injector ON time, based upon the signal from various sensors, but mainly from the HO2S. This allows the air/fuel ratio to stay very close to 14.7:1.