Engine Controls - Basic Testing: Diagnosis Oldsmobile Achieva I

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 in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section to verify routing and connections (if necessary). Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.

Diagnosis

1. 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.
2. 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.

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.

General Inspection

1. Ensure proper starting procedure is being used.
2. 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.
3. In very cold temperatures, check oil is proper viscosity and not contaminated with gasoline.

1. 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.
2. Remove spark plugs. Check and replace as necessary. In very cold temperatures, ensure oil is proper viscosity and not contaminated with gasoline.

DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUIT CHECK

The Diagnostic Circuit Check determines

1. If Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) works.
2. If PCM is operating and can recognize a fault.
3. 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. (Scheme 137)and see scheme 8. 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 appropriate G - TESTS W/ CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section below.

1. «TESTS W/CODES - 2.3L»(ref-19584)
2. «TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L»(ref-19583) NOTE: On vehicles equipped with 16-pin DLC or 12-pin DLC without test terminal "B", use of Tech 1 scan tester is required to perform diagnostic circuit check. See DATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC) TEST TERMINALS table.

1. Check operation of MIL. Turn ignition on with engine off. MIL should be on steady. If MIL illuminates and stays on steady, go to step 3). If MIL does not illuminate, go to A-1, MIL INOPERATIVE. If MIL flashes, go to step 4).
2. On vehicles equipped with 16-pin DLC or 12-pin DLC without test terminal "B", install Tech 1 scan tester and follow scan tester manufacturer's instructions to proceed with test. If MIL does not come on, go to A-1, MIL INOPERATIVE. If MIL comes on, check for diagnostic trouble codes and diagnose codes using appropriate G - TESTS W/ CODES article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section below. On vehicles equipped with 12-pin DLC with test terminal "B", go to next step. «TESTS W/CODES - 2.3L»(ref-19584) «TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L»(ref-19583)
3. Grounding DLC terminal "B" at this time should cause MIL to flash a Code 12, followed by any codes stored in PCM memory. see scheme 4 MIL going from bright to dim is not considered a code. If MIL dims or remains on and does not flash Code 12, see A-2, MIL ON STEADY OR WON'T FLASH CODE 12. NOTE: On some models, as long as a 30-second pause may occur between code flashes. This is normal and does not indicate necessary component replacement.
4. If MIL begins to flash as soon as ignition is turned on, check for a short to ground on the diagnostic test terminal wire between DLC terminal "B" and PCM terminal No. 5. If circuit is okay, replace PCM.

Scheme 136

Diagnostic Circuit Check & Work Flow. Scheme 137

See also:
• ADJUSTMENTS