The fuel metering system consists of the following parts:

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

The fuel tank stores the fuel supply. An electric fuel pump, located in the fuel tank with the fuel level sensor assembly, pumps fuel through an in-line fuel filter to the fuel rail assembly. The pump provides fuel at a pressure greater than is needed by the injectors. The fuel pressure regulator, part of the fuel rail assembly, keeps fuel available to the injectors at a regulated pressure. A separate pipe returns unused fuel to the fuel tank.

When the ignition switch is in the ON position (before engaging the starter), the PCM energizes the fuel pump relay for two seconds, causing the fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system. If the PCM does not receive ignition reference pulses (engine cranking or running) within two seconds, it shuts OFF the fuel pump relay, causing the fuel pump to stop.

The fuel rail assembly attaches to the engine intake manifold. The fuel rail assembly performs the following functions:

The top-feed fuel injector assembly is a solenoid operated device, controlled by the PCM, that meters pressurized fuel to a single engine cylinder. The PCM energizes the injector solenoid (3), which opens a ball valve (1), allowing fuel to flow past the ball valve, and through a recessed flow director plate (2). The director plate has six machined holes that control the fuel flow, generating a conical spray pattern of finely atomized fuel at the injector tip. Fuel is directed at the intake valve, causing it to become further atomized and vaporized before entering the combustion chamber. An injector stuck partly open can cause a loss of pressure after engine shutdown. Consequently, long cranking times would be noticed on some engines.

The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm operated relief valve with fuel pump pressure on one side, and regulator spring pressure and intake manifold vacuum on the other side. The fuel pressure regulator maintains a constant pressure differential across the injectors at all times. The pressure regulator compensates for engine load by increasing fuel pressure as engine vacuum drops. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF (zero vacuum), system fuel pressure at the pressure test connection should be 284-325 kPa (41-47 psi). If the pressure is too low, poor performance could result. If the pressure is too high, excessive odor and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0132, P0152, P0172 or P0175 may result. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis for information on diagnosing fuel pressure conditions.

The accelerator control system is cable operated. There are no linkage adjustments, therefore use the specific cable for each application.

The throttle body assembly attaches to the intake manifold. The throttle body controls air flow into the engine, thereby controlling engine output. The vehicle operator opens the throttle valves within the throttle body through the accelerator controls. During engine idle, the throttle valves are almost closed. A fixed air bypass orifice and the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve (1) handle the air flow control. Engine coolant flows through the coolant cavity on the bottom of the throttle body in order to prevent throttle valve icing during cool weather operation. The throttle body also provides the location for mounting the Throttle Position (TP) sensor (2) and for sensing changes in engine vacuum due to throttle valve position. Vacuum ports are located at, above, or below the throttle valve to generate vacuum signals needed by various components.

The purpose of the IAC valve is to control engine idle speed, while preventing stalls due to changes in engine load. The IAC valve, mounted in the throttle body, controls a portion of the bypass air. An orifice located between the throttle valves also supplies a constant amount of bypass air. By moving a conical valve known as a pintle, in, towards the seat (to decrease air flow); or out, away from the seat (to increase air flow), a controlled amount of air can be bypassed. If engine speed is too low, more air is bypassed to increase RPM. If engine speed is too high, less air is bypassed to decrease RPM. The PCM moves the IAC valve in small steps, called counts. These can be measured and displayed by a scan tool, which plugs into the Data Link Connector (DLC). The PCM calculates the proper position of the IAC valve during idle based on battery voltage, coolant temperature, engine load, and engine RPM. If the RPM drops below specification and the throttle valve is closed, the PCM senses a near stall condition and calculates a new valve position in order to prevent stalling.

The TP sensor attaches to the side of the throttle body opposite the throttle lever. It senses the throttle valve angle and relays that information to the PCM. The PCM requires knowledge of throttle angle to generate the required injector control signals (pulses).