TPS idle soft and hard switch operation

The Z32 has a redundant idle detection system that utilizes both a soft-switch and hard-switch as described in the factory service manual on page EF&EC-15.  The ECU relies primarily on the soft-switch and falls back to using the hard-switch only when it detects a fault in TPS operation.

The soft-switch is calculated in software by the ECU and determines idle condition based on changes in TPS voltage.  It has a self-learn function that remembers the lowest TPS voltage and compares the current TPS voltage to this every 10 milliseconds.  If the difference between the current TPS voltage and self-learn voltage is less than a (small) threshold value, the idle condition is turned ON.  Conversely, when the voltage difference goes above this threshold, the idle condition is turned OFF.  If the TPS voltage goes lower than the self-learn voltage, the ECU re-adjusts the idle self-learn voltage to this new low value.  The ECU falls back to using the idle hard-switch only when the TPS sensor voltage goes out of range.   The allowable range for TPS operation is between 0.04v and 4.82v.  If the TPS voltage goes below or above this range, a TPS error state is triggered.  If this error occurs repeatedly over time with the vehicle at speed greater than 4km/h, an ECU fault code 43 will eventually be triggered.

ConsultSpy can be used to monitor TPS idle operation using the Throttle Position, TPS Voltage, TPS Min Learn, and Error State #1 data monitors.

Idle hard-switch fall-back operation:

Soft-switch self learn readjusting to a lower TPS position as the minimum TPS voltage drops

Self Learn Fuel-Trim Maps

The ECU adjusts fuel-trims based on Oxygen sensor feedback and stores these adjustments in the self-learn fuel-trim maps. ConsultSpy can download and view these fuel maps, providing valuable insight into the health of the fuel system and oxygen sensors.

ConsultSpy Dual-Bank Cylinder Cut Demo

This video shows a comparison between single and dual-bank cylinder cut used by the launch control rev-limiter. From the factory, the rev-limiter in Z32 and R32 ECUs cuts fuel to the right-side cylinder bank before any left-side cylinders are cut. This results in reduced Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) in the right-bank and lowers turbo boost. By changing to a dual-bank cylinder cut, cylinders are dropped equally between banks and EGT is increased for improved turbo response.

ConsultSpy Extended Data

ConsultSpy was designed to support different ECU firmware and includes a number of ECU specific data variables not available with the standard CONSULT diagnostics.

  • Engine Load (TP)
  • Throttle Position Delta
  • Cylinder Drop Count
  • Knock Retard
  • Knock Mode Flags
  • Ignition Dwell Time