INTRODUCTION
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed.
A & C CHART REFERENCE TABLE
Note. The following table provides the location of commonly used diagnostic information. These former "A" and "C" charts are now written in text and inserted into the appropriate location in the new Engine Performance workflow. To familiarize yourself with the Engine Performance workflow, see HOW TO USE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE SECTION in this section.
| System Or Component | Diagnostic Information Location |
|---|---|
| A-1 & A-2, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) | See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK |
| A-2, DLC Diagnosis | See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK |
| A-3, No Start | See NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY |
| A-4, No Scan Tool Data | See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK |
| A-5, Fuel Pump Relay | See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| A-7, Fuel System Diagnosis | See BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS (A-7) |
| C-1, PCM Replacement Check | See PCM REPLACEMENT CHECK |
| C-1, MAP Sensor | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-1, Power Steering Pressure Switch | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-1, Park/Neutral Position Switch | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-2, Injector Balance Test | See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-2, Injector Coil Test | See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-2, Injector Leak Test | See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-2, IAC Motor | See IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-3, Canister Purge System (Fuel Evap. Control) | See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-5, KS Ignition Check | See IGNITION SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-6, Air Injection System | See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-7, EGR System | See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-8, Manual Transmission Shift Lights (Trans.) | See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-8, Torque Converter Clutch (Trans.) | (1) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-10, A/C Clutch Control | (2) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-12, Electric Cooling Fan Control | (2) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-16, Engine Coolant Level Switch | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-16, Fuel Pump/Oil Pressure Switch | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-16, Oil Level Switch | See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| C-16, PCM Controlled Warning Lights | See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article |
| (1) Covered in entirety in appropriate AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS article. (2) Covered in entirety in A/C-HEATER SYSTEM article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. | |
| (1) | Covered in entirety in appropriate AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS article. |
| (2) | Covered in entirety in A/C-HEATER SYSTEM article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. |
GENERAL MOTORS A & C CHART REFERENCE
Note. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed and not pinched or cut. See VACUUM DIAGRAMS article to verify routing and connections (if necessary). Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.
Compression
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. For compression specifications, see SPECIFICATIONS article.
| WARNING | DO NOT use ignition switch during compression tests on fuel injected vehicles. Use a remote starter to crank engine. Fuel injectors on many models are triggered by ignition switch during cranking mode, which can create a fire hazard or contaminate engine oiling system. |
Exhaust System Backpressure
Before replacing any components, check exhaust system for restrictions. The exhaust system can be checked with a vacuum gauge or a low pressure (0-5 psi) pressure gauge.
If a vacuum gauge is used, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port and start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge reading slowly drops after stabilizing, exhaust system should be checked for a restriction. If using a low pressure gauge, connect gauge in one of the following manners
- Check At AIR Pipe Remove rubber hose at exhaust manifold AIR pipe check valve and remove check valve. Install pressure gauge to hose and nipple via Propane Enrichment Device(J-26911). Nipple should be inserted into exhaust manifold AIR pipe.
- Check At Oxygen Sensor Remove oxygen sensor. Install backpressure tester in place of oxygen sensor. After test is completed, coat oxygen sensor threads with anti-seize compound.
Diagnosis
- Start engine and bring to operating temperature. Increase engine speed to 2000-2500 RPM and note gauge. Reading should not exceed 1.25 psi (.09 kg/cm 2 ). Exhaust system is restricted if specification is exceeded.
- Check exhaust system for collapsed pipe, heat distress and possible internal muffler failure. If none of these conditions exist, check for restricted catalytic converter. Replace as required.
PCM REPLACEMENT CHECK
Many test procedures and test charts in ENGINE PERFORMANCE lead to conclusion that PCM is faulty. Before replacing PCM, check driven circuits and PCM Quad-Drivers (QDR) using following procedures and accompanying flow chart. (Scheme 4)
- Using a DVOM, backprobe PCM drive circuit in question and measure pin voltage with ignition on. If system voltage is present, go to next step. If system voltage is not present, turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM connector. Measure voltage on connector terminal for suspect circuit. If low voltage is measured, check circuit for an open or short to ground. Repair as necessary. If system voltage is measured, PCM is defective.
- With DVOM still backprobing PCM at suspect circuit, ground DLC "test" terminal. Monitor voltage drop on circuit for at least 2 minutes. Voltage drop should not be greater than.5 volt. Some circuits may have low voltage until DLC "test" terminal is grounded. A "switching" operation should occur. Some Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) systems have pressure switches in series with TCC solenoid. On these applications, complete this circuit by disconnecting transaxle connector and using a test light in series between transaxle connector terminals.
- If voltage drops and then floats back up, this occurs when QDR circuit is going into current limiting. Check circuit current flow (.75 amp maximum, except as noted in QDR check chart). (Scheme 4)
Note. For PCM-equipped vehicles, transaxle functions can only be energized through use of TECH 1 scan tool. Shift solenoids on these models will not energize when DLC is grounded.
Scheme 4
NO START DIAGNOSIS (A-3)
Note. Some vehicles are equipped with anti-theft systems (VATS or PASS-Key(R)) which will not allow vehicle to be started if improper starting procedures or improperly coded ignition keys are used. Both fuel injection and cranking systems will be disabled. Loss of fuel enable signal from anti-theft decoder module should set a trouble code in PCM memory.
DEFINITION
No start is defined as engine cranks properly, but does not start. Engine may fire a few times.
NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY
Note. Check battery, engine cranking speed and fuel supply before performing the following tests.
General Inspection
- Ensure proper starting procedure is being used.
- Visually check vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections, as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Check ignition wires for cracking, hardness and proper connections at both coil pack and spark plugs.
- In very cold temperatures, check oil is proper viscosity and not contaminated with gasoline.
Ignition System
- Perform «ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__on-board-diagnostic-obd-system-check). After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, select "Failed Since" test. If Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0123, P0601/P0602, P1200, P1508 or P1629 is present, diagnose applicable DTC. See TESTS W/CODES article. If DTC is not present, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Install fuel pressure gauge to fuel pressure test fitting. Turn ignition on. Fuel pressure should be 48-55 (3.37-3.87 (kg/cm 2 ). If fuel pressure is as specified, and holding, go to step 5). If fuel pressure is not as specified, go to next step.
- If fuel pressure is indicated, but not as specified, see FUEL SYSTEM test. If fuel pressure is not present, see «BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS (A-7)»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__basic-fuel-system-checks-a-7).
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect injector harness connector. Install Injector Test light (J-34730) on injector harness connector. Crank engine. If injector test light flashes, go to next step. If injector test light does not flash, go to step 7).
- Remove 15-amp fuel injection fuse (underhood fuse block). Install Spark Tester (ST-125) to an ignition wire. Connect one end of ignition wire to one coil tower of cylinders No. 2, 4 and 6 (one at a time). Clip spark tester to coil tower of each companion cylinder. Crank engine. Spark should be present. If spark is present, go to step 17). If spark was not present, go to step 9).
- Check fuel injector feed circuit fuse. If fuse is faulty, check for short to ground in fuel injector feed circuit or shorted fuel injector. (Scheme 5) Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If fuse was okay, go to next step.
- Check for open in fuel injector feed circuit. (Scheme 5) Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Check fuse to electronic ignition control module ignition feed circuit. If fuse is faulty, repair short to ground in ignition control module ignition feed circuit or short to voltage in IC circuit. Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If fuse is okay, go to next step.
- Check for open in ignition control module feed and ground circuits. Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If circuit was okay, go to next step.
- Disconnect 2-wire Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor connector from ICM. Set DVOM on 2-volt AC position. Connect DVOM between CKP sensor harness connector terminals. (Scheme 5) Crank engine. DVOM should read about 2 volts. If voltage reading is as specified, go to step 13). If voltage reading is not as specified, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Check CKP sensor for open, short to ground or sensor wires shorted together. Check for poor sensor connections. Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If circuit is okay, go to step 25).
- Check for poor connections at ICM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If connections are okay, go to next step.
- Remove and inspect ignition coil to affected cylinder for cracks or carbon tracking. Replace faulty ignition coil. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If coil(s) are okay, go to next step.
- Check secondary ignition resistance. Resistance should be 5000-7000 ohms. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, perform OBD system check.
- Connect test light across ignition module primary circuit (between ignition control terminals) for coils associated with cylinder that did not have a spark. Crank engine. If test light flashes, go to step 26). If test light does not flash, go to step 27).
- Inspect cylinder No. 2, 4 and 6 ignition wires. Ensure wire and boots are not cracked or has carbon tracking. Replace as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If wires and boots are okay, go to next step.
- Check spark plug wire resistance of cylinders No. 2, 4 and 6. Resistance should be about 30,000 ohms. If spark plug wire resistance is as specified, go to next step. If spark plug wire resistance is not as specified, replace wires and perform OBD system check.
- Remove and inspect spark plugs from cylinders No. 2, 4 and 6. If spark plugs are okay, go to next step. If spark plugs shows excessive fouling, go to step 24).
- Remove upper intake manifold. Check cylinders No. 1, 3 and 5 spark plug wires. If wires are okay, go to next step. If wires are faulty, replace wires and perform OBD system check.
- Check spark plug wire resistance to cylinders No. 1, 3 and 5. Resistance should be 30,000 ohms. If spark plug resistance is as specified, go to next step. If spark plug wire resistance is not as specified, replace wires and perform OBD system check.
- Remove and inspect spark plugs from cylinders No. 1, 3 and 5. If spark plugs are okay, go to next step. If spark plugs shows excessive fouling, go to step 24).
- Test fuel for contamination. If fuel is contaminated, clean fuel system and perform OBD system check. If fuel is okay, check for faulty or damaged connections or harness. Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. See SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
- Repair mechanical engine problem. Problem could be bent push rods, faulty camshaft, leaky or sticky valves or rings, excessive deposits, loose or worn valve springs, incorrect valve timing or leaking head gasket. Repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace CKP sensor. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace ignition coil(s) associated with cylinders that did not have a spark. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace electronic ignition control module. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace PCM. Ensure PCM relearn procedure is performed. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
Fuel System
- Perform «ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__on-board-diagnostic-obd-system-check) . After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Install fuel pressure gauge to fuel pressure test port. Disconnect fuel pump relay. Using a fused jumper wire, jumper fuel pump feed circuit (Red wire) at fuel pump relay connector to battery voltage. Fuel pressure should be 41-47 psi (2.9-3.3 kg/cm 2 ). If fuel pressure is as specified, go to next step. If fuel pressure is not as specified, go to step 10).
- Disconnect jumper from fuel pump relay connector. Connect test light between fuel pump relay connector terminal for ignition feed circuit (Orange wire) and ground. Turn ignition on. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, go to step 9).
- Turn ignition off. Connect test light between fuel pump relay terminal for fuel pump relay driver circuit (Dark Green/White wire) and ground. Turn ignition on. Test light should illuminate for about 2 seconds. If test light illuminates, go to step 8). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM. Using a test light connected to battery voltage, probe fuel pump driver circuit at PCM connector (Dark Green/White wire). If test light illuminates, go to step 15). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Check continuity between fuel pump relay driver circuit between PCM and fuel pump relay. If circuit is open, repair as necessary and perform OBD system check. If circuit is okay, go to next step.
- Check fuel pump relay driver circuit for poor terminal connection at PCM. If connection is okay, go to step 20). If connection is faulty, repair as necessary and then perform OBD system check.
- Check fuel pump relay terminal connection. If connection is okay, go to step 18). If connection is faulty, repair as necessary and then perform OBD system check.
- Using test light connected to ground, probe ignition feed circuit at fuel pump relay connection (Orange wire). If test light illuminates, go to step 17). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 16).
- Remove fuel filler cap and listen for fuel pump operation. If fuel pump is running, check fuel system. See «BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS (A-7)»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__basic-fuel-system-checks-a-7) . If fuel pump is not running, go to next step.
- Using a fused jumper wire connected to battery voltage, jumper fuel pump feed circuit (Gray wire). Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect fuel sending unit harness connector at fuel tank. Using a test light, check circuit between harness connector. If test light illuminates, go to step 19). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Using test light connected to ground, probe fuel pump feed circuit (Gray wire) at harness connector. If test light does not illuminate, go to next step. If test light illuminates, go to step 14).
- Locate and repair open in fuel pump feed circuit (Gray wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair open in fuel pump ground circuit (Black wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair short to ground in fuel pump relay driver circuit (Dark Green/White wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair open in ignition feed to fuel pump relay circuit (Orange wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair open in ground circuit to fuel pump relay (Black wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace fuel pump relay and then perform OBD system check.
- Replace fuel pump and then perform OBD system check.
- Replace PCM. Perform PCM relearn procedures and then OBD system check.
Scheme 5
BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS (A-7)
| CAUTION | Fuel system trouble shooting and diagnosis begins with checking fuel injection system pressure. High fuel pressure may be present in fuel lines and component parts. Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel system components. |
Fuel Pressure Relief
Fuel system is under pressure. Pressure must be relieved prior to servicing fuel system. Disconnect negative battery terminal. Loosen fuel filler cap. Install Fuel Pressure Gauge J-34730-1) on fuel pressure connector of fuel rail. Wrap shop towel around pressure connection when installing fuel pressure gauge to absorb fuel leakage. Install gauge bleed hose in container. Open bleed valve to bleed fuel pressure.
Fuel Pressure Check
- Relieve fuel pressure as previously described in FUEL PRESSURE RELIEF. Connect Fuel Pressure Gauge (J-34730-1) to fuel pressure fitting on fuel rail. With gauge installed, turn ignition on. With ignition on and engine off, fuel pressure should read within specification. See «FUEL PRESSURE»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l) table. If no fuel pressure is present, go to step 5).
- Start engine. Pressure should drop 3-10 psi (.2-.7 kg/cm 2 ). Turn ignition off. Pressure should hold. If pressure does not hold, check for leaking injectors or fittings. If injectors or fittings are not leaking, replace pressure regulator.
- If fuel pressure is less than specification, check for restricted fuel line or fuel filter. Repair as necessary. If no restriction is evident, apply battery voltage to fuel pump test connector using a 10-amp fused jumper wire. For location of fuel pump test connector, see COMPONENT LOCATIONS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
- Gradually pinch off fuel return line between gauge and fuel tank. If fuel pressure increases to within specification, replace fuel pressure regulator. If fuel pressure does not increase with line pinched, check for faulty in-tank fuel pump or partially blocked fuel strainer.
- Apply battery voltage to fuel pump test connector using a 10-amp fused jumper wire. For location of fuel pump test connector, see COMPONENT LOCATIONS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article. Observe fuel pressure reading. If fuel pressure is still not present, check wiring between test connector and fuel pump. If wiring is okay, replace fuel pump.
- If fuel pressure is present with voltage applied to test connector, test fuel pump relay and voltage supply to relay. See SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
| Application | Psi (kg/cm 2 ) |
|---|---|
| 3.4L | 48-55 (3.37-3.87) |
FUEL PRESSURE
Fuel Pump Relay
See MOTORS, RELAYS & SOLENOIDS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
Fuel Pump Relay By-Pass Procedure
See FUEL DELIVERY in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
SPARK
- If factory tachometer is connected to coil tachometer terminal, disconnect tachometer before performing tests. When removing spark plug wire from spark plug, twist and pull on boot, NOT on wire.
- Using Spark Tester (ST-125), check for spark at each spark plug wire using spark tester. Leave other wires connected while checking for spark. Check spark plug wire resistance on suspect wires. Resistance should be about 30,000 ohms.
IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE
Turn ignition on. Check Pink/Black or Pink wire of ignition module for battery voltage. If battery voltage is not present, check ignition or PCM fuse. If fuse is not blown, check for open between fuse and ignition module.
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
If ignition coil is suspected of causing misfire or no-spark condition, switch coil locations on DIS module. If problem follows questionable coil, check ignition coil resistance or replace original coil. For ignition coil resistance, see IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table.
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| Primary | (1) |
| Secondary | 5000-8000 |
| (1) Information not available. Refer to NO START DIAGNOSIS (A-3) . | |
| (1) | Information not available. Refer to NO START DIAGNOSIS (A-3) . |
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR PICK-UP COIL SHORT & RESISTANCE CHECKS
- Set DVOM on 2000-ohm scale position. Connect DVOM leads to CKP sensor connector, located on side of engine block. Turn ignition off. Disconnect ignition module connectors. Check resistance between CKP sensor terminals at ignition module connector.
- CKP sensor resistance should be within specification range listed in «CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR RESISTANCE»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l) table. If resistance is not as specified, replace CKP sensor. If sensor is within specification, go to next step.
- With CKP sensor installed in block, connect one ohmmeter lead to either sensor terminal at ignition module. Touch other lead of ohmmeter to engine block. No continuity should exist. If continuity exists, sensor or harness is shorted to ground and must be repaired or replaced.
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 3.4L | 800-1200 |
| (1) For further testing, see TESTS W/CODES article. | |
| (1) | For further testing, see TESTS W/CODES article. |
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR RESISTANCE (1)
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR OUTPUT SIGNAL
Set DVOM on 2-volt AC scale. Connect voltmeter leads to crankshaft sensor installed in side of engine block. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. Crank angle sensor should generate a voltage signal of about .05 volt at slow cranking speed to greater than .1 volt at high cranking speed. With engine running, voltage signal will be much greater.
TACH PULSE (RPM) SIGNAL
Connect scan tool to DLC. RPM should be indicated on tester when engine is cranked or running. Tach pulse (RPM reference) will be indicated as a voltage signal when a DVOM (with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance) is used to backprobe RPM "high reference" circuit. For circuit and terminal reference, see appropriate schematic in NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY .
IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING
Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are set to specification. For adjustment procedures, see ADJUSTMENTS article.
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK
Note. Tech 1 scan tool is required to perform OBD system check.
The OBD System Check determines
- If Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) works.
- If PCM is operating and can recognize a fault.
- If any codes are stored.
After performing procedures in PRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTS, BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS and BASIC IGNITION SYSTEM CHECKS, this is the starting point for utilizing the self-diagnostic system for determining computer-related problems. After performing necessary tests as described in the diagnostic circuit check, if no codes are indicated and driveability problems still exist, see TESTS W/O CODES article and SCAN TESTER USAGE in TESTS W/CODES article.
- Turn ignition on with engine off. Observe Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). If MIL illuminates, go to next step. If MIL does not illuminate, go to «A-1, MIL INOPERATIVE»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__a-1-mil-inoperative) .
- Turn ignition off. Install Tech 1 scan tool and follow scan tool manufacturer's instructions to proceed with test. Turn ignition on. If scan tool displays PCM data, go to next step. If scan tool does not display PCM data, go to A-2/A-4, DLC DIAGNOSIS OR NO SCAN TOOL DATA.
- Attempt to start engine. If engine start and runs, go to next step. If engine does not start or starts and dies, go to «NO START DIAGNOSIS (A-3)»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__no-start-diagnosis-a-3) . Repair as necessary.
- Using scan tool, observe DTC status on LAST TST FAIL function. If any DTC is stored, save freeze frame and fail record information using scan tool CAPTURE INFO feature. If a DTC is indicated as last test failed, diagnose affected DTC. See TESTS W/CODES article. If DTC is not indicated, go to next step.
- Using scan tool, display DTC fail records. If a DTC fail record is stored, save freeze frame and fail record information using scan tool CAPTURE INFO feature. If a fail record is stored, diagnose affected DTC. See TESTS W/CODES article.
Scheme 6
A-1, MIL INOPERATIVE
- Perform «ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__on-board-diagnostic-obd-system-check). After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- Turn ignition on with engine off. If Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminates, go to step 4). If MIL does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Start engine. If engine starts, go to step 5). If engine does not start, go to step 6).
- Install Tech 1 scan tool. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, command MIL to turn on and off. If MIL turns on and off as commanded, go to step 24). If MIL does not turn on and off as commanded, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM harness connectors. Turn ignition on. Using a test light connected to ground, probe MIL driver circuit (Brown/White wire). (Scheme 6) If MIL illuminates, go to step 7). If MIL does not illuminate, go to step 8).
- Inspect ignition and battery fuses. If fuses are okay, go to step 9). If fuses are faulty, go to step 10).
- Using a test light connected to ground, probe PCM harness connector ignition feed terminal No. 3 (Pink wire). (Scheme 6) If test light illuminates, go to step 11). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 12).
- If test light illuminated, go to step 13). If test light did not illuminate, go to step 19).
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM harness connector. Turn ignition on. Using a test light connected to ground, probe PCM harness connector ignition feed circuit No. 2 (Pink wire). (Scheme 6) If test light illuminates, go to test 18). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 19).
- Check for short to ground in fuse circuit that was open. (Scheme 6) Repair as necessary and replace fuse. After repairs, go to step 22).
- Check for faulty PCM connections. If connections are okay, replace PCM and then perform OBD system check. After repairs, go to step 22).
- Repair open in ignition feed circuit No. 3 (Pink). (Scheme 6) After repairs, go to step 22).
- Repair short to voltage in MIL control circuit (Brown/White wire). (Scheme 6) After repairs, go to step 22).
- Check for open in MIL control circuit. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 22). If circuit is okay, go to next step.
- Check for open in ignition feed circuit or fuse to MIL. (Scheme 6) Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 22). If circuit or fuse is okay, go to next step.
- Check for an open MIL bulb. If light bulb is faulty, go to step 22). If light bulb is okay, go to next step.
- Replace instrument cluster assembly. After replacing instrument cluster, go to step 22).
- Using test light connected to ground, probe battery feed circuit (Orange wire). (Scheme 6) If test light illuminates, go to step 20). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 21).
- Repair open in ignition feed circuit No. 2 (Pink wire). (Scheme 6) After repairs, go to step 22).
- Check for faulty PCM ground connection at engine block. After repairs, go to step 22). If connections were okay, go to step 11).
- Repair open in battery feed circuit (Orange wire). (Scheme 6) After repairs, go to next step.
- Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Check if any DTCs are set. Diagnose any DTC present. See TESTS W/CODES article.
A-2/A-4, DLC DIAGNOSIS OR NO SCAN TOOL DATA
- Perform «ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-testing-34l__on-board-diagnostic-obd-system-check) . After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- Turn ignition on with engine off. Connect a test light between DLC terminal No. 16 (Orange wire) and DLC terminal No. 4 (Black/White or Black wire). If test light illuminates, go to step 4). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Connect test light to ground. Using test light, probe DLC terminal No. 16 (Orange wire). If test light illuminates, go to next step 9). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 10).
- Turn ignition on with engine off. Using DVOM, check voltage between ground and DLC terminal No. 2 (Purple wire). DVOM should read zero volts. If voltage is as specified, go to next step. If voltage is not as specified, go to step 7).
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM harness connector. Turn ignition on with engine off. Connect DVOM between battery voltage and DLC terminal No. 2 (Purple wire). DVOM should read zero volts. If voltage is as specified, go to next step. If voltage is not as specified, go to step 8).
- Check for open in circuit (Purple wire) between DLC and PCM connector. If circuit is open, repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If circuit is okay, go to step 11).
- Check for short to voltage in circuit (Purple wire) between DLC and PCM connector. If circuit is shorted, repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check. If circuit is okay, go to step 11).
- Check for short to ground in circuit (Purple wire) between DLC and PCM connector. If circuit is shorted, repair as necessary. After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair open in DLC ground circuit (Black wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Locate and repair open or short to ground in DLC terminal No. 16 (Orange wire). After repairs, perform OBD system check.
- Replace PCM. Perform PCM relearn procedures and then perform OBD system check.
SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, no trouble codes (or only intermittent ones) were found while performing ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK and driveability problems exist, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO-START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.