Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 2576

DR
LEAK DETECTION PUMP (Continued)
LDP AT REST (NOT POWERED)
When the LDP is at rest (no electrical/vacuum) the
diaphragm is allowed to drop down if the internal
(EVAP system) pressure is not greater than the
return spring. The LDP solenoid blocks the engine
vacuum port and opens the atmospheric pressure
port connected through the EVAP system air filter.
The vent valve is held open by the diaphragm. This
allows the canister to see atmospheric pressure (Fig.
6).
Fig. 6 LDP AT REST
1 - Diaphragm
2 - Inlet Check Valve (Closed)
3 - Vent Valve (Open)
4 - From Air Filter
5 - To Canister
6 - Outlet Check Valve (Closed)
7 - Engine Vacuum (Closed)
DIAPHRAGM UPWARD MOVEMENT
When the PCM energizes the LDP solenoid, the
solenoid blocks the atmospheric port leading through
the EVAP air filter and at the same time opens the
engine vacuum port to the pump cavity above the
diaphragm. The diaphragm moves upward when vac-
uum above the diaphragm exceeds spring force. This
upward movement closes the vent valve. It also
causes low pressure below the diaphragm, unseating
the inlet check valve and allowing air in from the
EVAP air filter. When the diaphragm completes its
upward movement, the LDP reed switch turns from
closed to open (Fig. 7).
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
Fig. 7 DIAPHRAGM UPWARD MOVEMENT
1 - Diaphragm
2 - Inlet Check Valve (Open)
3 - Vent Valve (Closed)
4 - From Air Filter
5 - To Canister
6 - Outlet Check Valve (Closed)
7 - Engine Vacuum (Open)
DIAPHRAGM DOWNWARD MOVEMENT
Based on reed switch input, the PCM de-energizes
the LDP solenoid, causing it to block the vacuum
port, and open the atmospheric port. This connects
the upper pump cavity to atmosphere through the
EVAP air filter. The spring is now able to push the
diaphragm down. The downward movement of the
diaphragm closes the inlet check valve and opens the
outlet check valve pumping air into the evaporative
system. The LDP reed switch turns from open to
closed, allowing the PCM to monitor LDP pumping
(diaphragm up/down) activity (Fig. 8). During the
pumping mode, the diaphragm will not move down
far enough to open the vent valve. The pumping cycle
is repeated as the solenoid is turned on and off.
When the evaporative system begins to pressurize,
the pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm will
begin to oppose the spring pressure, slowing the
pumping action. The PCM watches the time from
when the solenoid is de-energized, until the dia-
phragm drops down far enough for the reed switch to
change from opened to closed. If the reed switch
changes too quickly, a leak may be indicated. The
longer it takes the reed switch to change state, the
tighter the evaporative system is sealed. If the sys-
tem pressurizes too quickly, a restriction somewhere
in the EVAP system may be indicated.
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