North American Turbocoupe Organization

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Please note that this article was developed using an IRCM from an 87/88 Turbocoupe. IRCM's from other years may or may not have any resemblance to the one used for the article.

The primary function of the IRCM in our Turbo Coupes is to provide a controlled source of power (switched 12 volts) to the engine control computer (ECC) and it's related components. Additionally, it has several secondary functions; it houses and controls the fuel pump relay and the engine cooling fan relay(s), and also controls the air conditioning clutch by means of a solid-state transistorized switching circuit.

EEC power relay
When 12 volts from the ignition switch is applied to the IRCM, the EEC relay is energized and supplies power for the internal IRCM circuitry and the EEC itself. Note that this power source is switched via the ignition, and is not constantly present.

Fuel pump relay
Once the EEC power relay applies power to the EEC, a signal is sent by the EEC to the IRCM that energizes the fuel pump relay, which in turn supplies power to the fuel pump. Note that this circuit has other protective devices, e.g. the inertia switch in the trunk that shuts off power to the the fuel pump in case of a collision.

Cooling fan relay(s)
As measured by the ECT sensor, when the coolant temperature reaches 210° the EEC signals the IRCM to turn on the primary (passenger side) radiator cooling fan. Once the temperature drops below about 190°, the fan is shut off. If the temperature exceeds about 220° , the EEC also tells the IRCM to turn on the secondary (drivers side) cooling fan. The shut-off temperature for this fan is around 200°. Additionally, when the air conditioning compressor is turned on, the EEC will cause the IRCM to energize the primary fan. Finally, if the A/C high-side pressure exceeds about 310psi, the secondary fan will be energized.

Air conditioning clutch control
The air conditioning compressor clutch is powered through a solid-state transistor circuit in the IRCM. Basically if the A/C is active, the circuit is told to energize the clutch. This changes somewhat in the case of a vehicle with electronic climate control. Additionally this circuit is controlled by the A/C low pressure switch which disallows the A/C clutch being energized if the refrigerant pressure is too low.

A R T I C L E   L I N K S

Disassembly & Reassembly
Schematic & Parts List
Theory of Operation

Article text, drawings and photos © 2004 by D. Joseph Frazier and
Rustec Applied Technologies; All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER
Please note that while I've been as careful as possible with this article,
it may contain mistakes. I assume no liability whatsoever for any
detrimental effects using this information may cause to you or your vehicle.