Powertrain Management: Description and Operation

1997 Oldsmobile LSS V6-3.8L VIN KSECTION Description and Operation

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the control center of the vehicle. It controls the following items:
^ Fuel control.
^ Ignition Control (IC).
^ Knock Sensor (KS) system.
^ Automatic transmission shift functions.
^ Cruise Control Enable (if so equipped).
^ Generator (if so equipped).
^ Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge.
^ A/C Clutch Control.
^ Cooling Fan Control.
^ On-board diagnostics for powertrain functions.

The fuel metering system is made up of the following parts:
^ The fuel injectors.
^ The throttle body.
^ The fuel rail.
^ The fuel pressure regulator.
^ The PCM.
^ The crankshaft position sensor.
^ The camshaft position sensor.
^ The Idle Air Control (IAC) valve.
^ The fuel pump.
^ The fuel pump relay.

The electronic ignition system does not use the conventional distributor and coil. The ignition system consists of three ignition coils, an ignition control module, a dual Hall-effect crankshaft position sensor, an engine crankshaft balancer with interrupter rings attached to the rear, related connecting wires, and the Ignition Control (IC) and fuel metering portion of the PCM.

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.