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Home >> Saab >> 2004 >> 9-3 Linear, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> TRIONIC T8 Fuel Control System >> Technical Description >> Ionization current measurement >> Combustion signals, synchronization
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Combustion signals, synchronization

Trionic T8 does not have a camshaft position sensor, which is normally needed for sequential knock control and fuel injection.

When starting, ECM is not aware of whether it is cylinder 1 or 4 that is in compression stroke, i.e. the cylinder containing the air/fuel mixture.

Fig 1: Identifying Combustion Signals (Synchronization) (1 Of 2)
G03708802Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

Consequently, ignition will take place in both cylinders and in the same way, ignition will take place in cylinders 2 and 3 at the same time.

In order to synchronize the firing order, ECM must detect the result (combustion or not) after the simultaneous spark in cylinders 1/4 and 2/3 respectively.

This is achieved in the following way: 

Suppose a spark has been generated in cylinder 1 and 4. CDM will detect this because it is connected to the ignition trigger line of the respective ignition coils. CDM analyses the ionization signal from ignition coil pin 4 for cylinder 1 pin 16 and cylinder 4 pin 15 on CDM.

Fig 2: Identifying Combustion Signals (Synchronization) (2 Of 2)
G03708803Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.

The cylinder in which combustion has taken place will produce a powerful ionization signal.

If combustion takes place in cylinder 1 then CDM will send a pulse from pin 4 to ECM pin 20(B) and from CDM pin 11 to ECM pin 21(B) if in cylinder 4. With regard to cylinders 2 and 3, if combustion takes place in cylinder 2, a pulse will be sent from CDM pin 11 to ECM pin 21(B) and cylinder 3 a pulse from CDM pin 4 to pin 20(B) on ECM.

When combustion signals arrive on ECM pins 20(B) and 21(B), the firing order and fuel injection will be synchronized.

Fig 3: Identifying Firing Order
G03708804Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.