Time waits for no man, nor does technology. That’s particularly true when talking about advances in automotive emission control technology. In order to keep up with these changes, ASE is launching an updated version of the L1 – Advanced Engine Performance Test this spring.
The generic composite vehicle, upon which some of the test questions are referenced and which every L1 test taker receives at the test center, has been revised. This non-OEM specific vehicle (often referred to as a “Camel”) has been officially dubbed, “Composite Vehicle Type 3.”
This generic four-cycle, V6 engine has four overhead chain-driven camshafts, 24 valves, distributorless ignition, and a mass airflow-type closed-loop sequential multiport fuel injection system. The engine control module (ECM) receives input from sensors, calculates ignition and fuel requirements, and controls engine actuators to provide the desired driveability, fuel economy and emissions control. The ECM also controls the vehicle’s charging system. The powertrain control system has OBD II-compatible sensors and diagnostic capabilities. The ECM receives power from the battery and ignition switch and provides a regulated 5-volt supply for the engine sensors. The engine is equipped with a single exhaust system and a three-way catalytic converter, without any secondary air injection.
Major changes from the previous composite vehicle include variable valve timing, electronic throttle actuator control (drive-by-wire), a data communications bus, a vehicle anti-theft immobilizer system, electronically controlled EGR and onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) EVAP components. These changes reflect the typical levels of equipment now commonly available to car owners at all levels.
The composite vehicle also has a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle, with shifting now being controlled by a separate transmission control module (TCM), again reflecting the technology available on today’s vehicles. The TCM provides its own regulated 5-volt supply, performs all OBD II transaxle diagnostic routines and stores transaxle diagnostic trouble codes. In addition, the control system software and OBD II diagnostic procedures stored in the ECM and TCM can be updated using factory supplied calibration files and PC-based interface software, along with a reprogramming device that connects the PC to the vehicle’s data link connector (DLC).
The ASE Catalog of Tests for L1 includes this composite vehicle and is available at www.ase.com in the “Downloads” section at no charge. You may also call (703) 669-6600, ext. 402 for a free printed or CD version. The Composite Vehicle Type 3 will be introduced for testing during the Spring 2006 test administration.
