B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcome!

From CEM to VEM, from LED to lightbulb and more. If you have an electrical problem, like a broken info-centre, search for answers in this category. This is also the place to be when you expect the problem to be of an electrical nature...

Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel

Post Reply
User avatar
jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2501
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcome!

Post by jamescarruthers » Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:57 pm

I am looking for some help to get my '87 ES running sweetly. It has the very first Fenix 1 system (i.e. PTC, black bodied sensors).‎

I don't think there are any vacuum leaks and I have replaced the Idle Air Control Valve with a new one as I thought that could have been the problem. ‎ As far as the ignition system is concerned, it has had plugs leads, distributor, rotor arm in the past year or so with no improvement in running. ‎

Sometimes, it idles well, other times, especially when hot, it will idle very high (2000rpm). Blipping the throttle can persuade it to come down, sometimes. Sometimes, I can drag it down and it will stay down, by trying to stall it with the clutch. Most of the time nothing helps!

It can be juddery in power application up to 3000rpm, but when cold, often isn't.‎

Over, 3000rpm it consistently runs beautifully. The power delivery is smooth and it sounds sweet! ‎It is an absolute pleasure to drive on the motorway, just a bit crap once you have to slow down.

To me this points to the coolant temperature sensor as I have heard that above 3000rpm it is basically ignored by the Fenix as it cares more about air pressure at this point. I'm sure I read that on here somewhere‎. Does this sound true?

If I unplug the temperature sensor (spark plug 1 location, hidden under the Idle Control Valve, the revs change, implying to me that it is at least connected. 

My next course of action will be to set the throttle position sensor so that at least I will know if the Idle Air Control valve is being told to bypass at the correct times.

After that, I will adjust the CO potentiometer‎ with the Pulsair system blanked. 

That is where I'm stumped. I seem to have misplaced my book with instructions on how to do that, in fact I think I gave it away with the '88 ES as I didn't think I would get another B18E. I adjusted the TPS on a B18E with Fenix 3.2 (I think) 5 years ago, so it is just a distant memory.

Image

On the photo above:
What are 1 and 2? Is one of them the NRV for the Pulsair system? (also!!! Is Pulsair the same as EGR or am I getting confused?‎

2 is on the end of the fuel rail, but does it actually have anything to do with fuel or is it just mounted there.

Disconnecting 2 causes the RPM to rise, when the manifold is blanked with a finger, they return to normal. Is that the Pulsair blanked then?‎

Where does 3 go? The engine dies when it is disconnected. I think it feeds the VEM pneumatic valves, if I recall correctly from when I investigated them years ago. Where else does it go? It must do more than that if the engine cuts out!‎

Image

On the photo above:
I disconnected the CO potentiometer and it had no effect on the engine running. I assume it must be open circuit. I will ring this out to the pins at the ECU.‎


Disconnections while engine running:
1. Temp sensor: revs change
2. CO potentiometer: no effect
3. IAC: revs change
4. Vacuum pipe and T-piece at "2" on first picture: revs rise (as expected), then return to normal when blanked with fingers.
5. Haven't touched pipe "1" on first picture
6. Pipe "3" on first ‎picture: engine stops when disconnected.

So, there are about a million questions above. To recap:
1. What are 1, 2 and 3 and where do they go?
2‎. Is Pulsair the same as EGR?
3. How and where do I blank Pulsair/EGR for CO potentiometer‎ adjustment?
4. Am I right or wrong about Fenix 1 basically ignoring coolant temperature above 3000 rpm?

What does anyone think of my next steps?
1. Adjust TPS‎
2. ‎Check wiring between CO potentiometer and Fenix.
3. Adjust CO to 1% (on garage MOT machine) with Pulsair blanked
4. Check wiring between coolant temperature sensor and Fenix.‎ Check resistance of sensor (should be 290 Ohms at 20 deg. C..
5. ‎


I'd really appreciate people's input as I am running out of talent, but ambition is high!‎
‎‎

Image


1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

User avatar
jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2501
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by jamescarruthers » Fri Oct 23, 2015 4:05 pm

Probable unrelated symptom, but thought I'd best mention it:

The voltage from the alternator is fine 13.something. I'm happy with that. The voltage indicated in the car, is always in the green band, but often just off the red area‎-- it looks like 10! The "charge" light never comes on.

It used to display more sensible voltages, then ate it's original alternator and the values in the car always look low with the replacement (cheapo). 

The replacement died pretty quickly and it is now on a Genuine Volvo one which ‎seems to do the job but display low volts inside.

The car also takes up to 10 goes on the key in the last‎ few months, like it has a sticky starter or bad key switch contacts. These are the obvious culprits but I have considered that it might have a voltage drop somewhere which could be related to the poor running.

I know the voltage gauge in the car can be adjusted, but I'm not sure it is lying!!!‎
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Fri Feb 26, 2016 9:54 pm

Just write you today in morning big detailed replay to all your questions, but it's gone away when I post it...
Will write one more time tomorrow morning...
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2501
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by jamescarruthers » Sat Feb 27, 2016 9:09 am

Thank you!

I did manage to get a hold of the Volvo Green Book for this early fuel injection system, but have done nothing but read it.

Looking forward to your reply.
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 10:29 am

Sorry, but can't post replay here, trying to send big replay to you with links and detailed information for last 3 days, can post only short replay like this...
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2501
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by jamescarruthers » Sun Feb 28, 2016 10:55 am

I'm pleased you've noticed this and pointed it out. I had huge troubles with a big post and nothing was done! You can post your issues on a 'club issues' thread here:

http://www.volvo-480-europe.org/forum/v ... =5&t=33983

I wonder how many other people have given up posting long, detailed replies to help people. I know I have a few times!

I am going to PM you my contact details Dennis. Thanks again for you time.
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:04 am

OK, I'll post this issue ...
All my replays I'll send you to PM, you may repost them here if you can - I can't do it - spend so many time... Write few mega replay to you here and lost them all...
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:05 am

I'll try one more time :) Will copy-past by short parts...

Sorry for delay.
Will write few short replay's due to last time dig replay is gone...
So, first of all, I own same Volvo 480 as yours, mine is 480 ES 1987 B18E-104 with Fenix 3A(I think)
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:05 am

WOW! Works :)

Are you sure about ECU model Fenix 1 or Fenix 1 and Fenix 3A is a same model?
There is not to much information about Fenix ECU on-line...
Look at my ECU pictures here... is yours looks same?
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:05 am

Here is few links about Siemens / Renix / Fenix ECU - on-line
support.moates.net
dmctalk.org
www.volvo-480.org
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:19 am

when trying post few more links it's replay Forbidden and forum freezing for about 10-15 minutes - can open it from any browser at all... go to post issue...
Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

User avatar
5781848
480 Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:09 pm
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Contact:

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by 5781848 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 1:41 pm

Thank you for your time!
With best regards,
Dennis

eye of ra
Can tell where the 480 was built
Posts: 355
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: B18E Fenix 1 engine running problems. Suggestions welcom

Post by eye of ra » Mon Feb 29, 2016 4:02 pm

Vadis doesn’t make it absolutely clear but does read in a way that Pulsair and EGR are the same.

1 is the one way valve to the brake servo.
2 is fuel pressure regulator.
3 goes to manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor.

You may not have EGR. If your engine is a 104 you won’t, if its 105 you will (as you have a CO potentiometer, 105 without one will have a CAT and no EGR).

Or look at your air pipe where the thin arrow is if it’s blanked off like mine it doesn’t have EGR if there is a pipe going to it it does.

Image
Current:
480 ES Auto 1989
480 Celebration 187
480 ES Auto 1991
CLK430 Conv 2001
Hyundai i10 2015

Post Reply