Ground Circuits
- Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity to ground on control unit ground terminals. Use appropriate wiring diagram in «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-19615-S20847098002001110200000) section to determine ECM ground terminals. Resistance to ground should be zero ohms. If reading is other than zero ohms, repair open to circuit ground.
- Using a DVOM, touch negative lead of voltmeter to a good ground. Touch positive lead of voltmeter to each ground terminal. With vehicle running, voltmeter should indicate less than one volt. If voltmeter reading is one volt or more, check for open, corroded or loose connection on ground lead.
Power Circuits
- Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage between control unit constant battery power terminals and ground. If battery voltage is not present, check control unit power supply fuse. If fuse is okay, check for open in power supply or control unit wiring.
- Turn ignition switch to the ON position. Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage between control unit ignition power terminals and ground. If battery voltage is not present, check power supply fuse(s). If fuse is okay, check for an open in wiring between fuse and control unit, or check for a defective ignition switch.
- Connect voltmeter between ground and control unit start (crank) signal terminal. Turn ignition switch to the START position. Battery voltage should be present between control unit start terminal and ground ONLY when ignition switch is in the START position.
- If voltage is not present, check fuse(s). If fuse is okay, check for an open in wiring between fuse and control unit, or check for a defective ignition switch.
ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES
Note. For additional sensor testing specifications, see SENSOR RANGE CHARTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
A/C Pressure Sensor
A malfunction in A/C pressure sensor circuit will set a related diagnostic trouble code. For testing procedures, see the TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section. For wiring schematics, see mini-schematics under A/C CLUTCH (C-10) & ELECTRIC COOLING FAN (C-12) under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS .
A/C Pressure Switch
- Connect A/C pressure gauges to system and start engine. Note high and low pressure readings. If pressures are normal, go to next step. If pressures are less than normal, check system for leaks. Evacuate and recharge as necessary. If pressures are high, check for system overcharge, overheating or mechanical failure in refrigerant delivery system.
- Disconnect high and low pressure switches. Install jumper across each switch harness connector to allow A/C system to function normally. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between pressure switch terminals.
- Continuity should be present on both high and low switches (if equipped). If continuity is not present, replace A/C pressure switch. For wiring schematics, see mini-schematics under A/C CLUTCH (C-10) & ELECTRIC COOLING FAN (C-12) under «MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS»(ref-19615-S23713567922001110200000) .
Brake Switch
Disconnect brake switch harness connector. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between brake switch terminals. Continuity should be present. Depress brake pedal to activate brake switch. Continuity should not be present.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
A malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit will set a related diagnostic trouble code. For testing procedures, see TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section. To diagnose position crankshaft sensor, the following procedures can be used
- If a scan tester is available, scan RPM parameter while cranking engine. If RPM is indicated, crankshaft position sensor is operating properly.
- If scan tester is not available, disconnect crankshaft position sensor harness connector. Set ohmmeter to 2-k/ohm position, and measure resistance across sensor terminals. On 3.1L engines, resistance should be 800-1200 ohms.
- Set voltmeter on the 2-volt AC scale. Crank engine and measure output voltage across sensor terminals. Voltmeter reading should be .8-1.4 volts. If resistance reading is not as specified or sensor does not produce the specified output voltage reading, repair faulty wiring or faulty crankshaft position sensor.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
If a coolant sensor-related diagnostic trouble code is present, see TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a diagnostic trouble code. Use following procedure to test sensor calibration. Disconnect ECT sensor connector. Measure resistance between sensor terminals. Resistance should be high when engine is cold and drop as engine warms. See the ECT SENSOR RESISTANCE VALUES table.
| Temperature °F (°C) | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 212 (100) | 177 |
| 194 (90) | 241 |
| 158 (70) | 467 |
| 104 (40) | 1459 |
| 68 (20) | 3520 |
| 23 (-5) | 12,300 |
| 14 (-10) | 16,180 |
| 0 (-18) | 25,000 |
| 4 (-20) | 28,680 |
| 22 (-30) | 52,700 |
| 40 (-40) | 100,700 |
| (1) Measure resistance across sensor terminals. | |
| (1) | Measure resistance across sensor terminals. |
ECT SENSOR RESISTANCE VALUES (1)
Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
IAT sensor may also be referred to as a Manifold Air Temperature (MAT) sensor. If a IAT sensor related code is present, see the TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a diagnostic trouble code. Use following procedure to test calibration. Disconnect IAT sensor harness connector. Connect ohmmeter between sensor terminals. Sensor resistance should be as specified. See IAT SENSOR RESISTANCE VALUES table. After vehicle has sat overnight, MAT sensor and coolant sensor should have close to the same resistance reading.
| Temperature °F (°C) | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 212 (100) | 177 |
| 194 (90) | 241 |
| 158 (70) | 467 |
| 104 (40) | 1459 |
| 68 (20) | 3520 |
| 23 (-5) | 12,300 |
| 14 (-10) | 16,180 |
| 0 (-18) | 25,000 |
| 4 (-20) | 28,680 |
| 22 (-30) | 52,700 |
| 40 (-40) | 100,700 |
| (1) Measure resistance across sensor terminals. | |
| (1) | Measure resistance across sensor terminals. |
IAT SENSOR RESISTANCE VALUES (1)
Knock Sensor (KS)
Disconnect knock sensor harness connector. Using an ohmmeter, measure knock sensor resistance between sensor terminal and engine block. Resistance should be 3300-4500 ohms. Connect DVOM between sensor terminal and ground. Set voltmeter to 2-volt AC scale. Start and idle engine. Tap on engine block near sensor. A signal should be indicated on voltmeter. If no signal is indicated, replace knock sensor. Also, see TIMING CONTROL SYSTEMS under IGNITION SYSTEM. Also see Code 43 in TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor (C-1)
- A malfunction in the MAP sensor circuit should set a related diagnostic trouble code in ECM memory. If a code is present, see «TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L»(ref-19583) article in this section. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a diagnostic trouble code. Use following procedure to test sensor calibration. If driveability problems exist, MAP sensor failure is suspected and no MAP code is present, disconnect MAP sensor connector. (Scheme 130) If driveability condition improves, replace Map Sensor.
- With ignition on and engine off, check MAP sensor parameter using a scan tester connected to Data Link Connector (DLC). Voltage should be as specified. See «MAP SENSOR VOLTAGE RANGE»(ref-19615-S15752918822001110200000) table. If MAP sensor voltage is as specified, go to step 3). If voltage is not as specified, check for 5-volt reference supplied to sensor. Check harness integrity. If no problems are evident, replace MAP sensor.
- Using a hand-held vacuum pump, apply 10 in. Hg to MAP sensor, and note voltage change. Voltage should drop about 1.2-2.3 volts less than as specified in table. If voltage is not as specified or voltage reading does not immediately follow vacuum change, MAP sensor is faulty.
Scheme 130
| Altitude (Ft.) | Volts |
|---|---|
| Below 1000 | 3.8-5.5 |
| 1000-2000 | 3.6-5.3 |
| 2000-3000 | 3.5-5.1 |
| 3000-4000 | 3.3-5.0 |
| 4000-5000 | 3.2-4.8 |
| 5000-6000 | 3.0-4.6 |
| 6000-7000 | 2.9-4.5 |
| 7000-8000 | 2.8-4.3 |
| 8000-9000 | 2.6-4.2 |
| 9000-10,000 | 2.5-4.0 |
MAP SENSOR VOLTAGE RANGE
Manifold Air Temperature (MAT) Sensor
MAT sensor may also be referred to as an Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. See INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE (IAT) SENSOR heading above. A malfunction in the MAT sensor will set a related diagnostic trouble code. For testing procedures, see TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section.
Oxygen Sensor
- Start engine and warm to operating temperature. Disconnect oxygen sensor. Connect a DVOM between lead of oxygen sensor and ground. Place DVOM on the 2-volt scale. Voltmeter reading should increase to greater than .8 volt.
- Using another DVOM on the 20-volt scale, connect voltmeter in series between the oxygen sensor wire from ECM and positive post of battery. Reading on voltmeter connected to oxygen sensor should decrease to a low voltage (less than .3 volt).
- If a second DVOM is not available, install short jumper in oxygen sensor wire from ECM. Hold jumper in one hand and touch positive post of battery with other hand. This should cause oxygen sensor to produce less than .3 volt. For additional testing procedures, see «TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L»(ref-19583) article in this section.
Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch (C-1)
- Disconnect PNP switch harness connector. Connect ohmmeter between the PNP switch terminals. (Scheme 131) Continuity should be present only when gear shift selector is in Park or Neutral. If continuity is present, go to next step. If continuity is not present, check PNP switch adjustment or replace defective PNP switch.
- With PNP switch connector disconnected, turn ignition on. Check for 12 volts on the Orange/Black wire of PNP switch harness. If 12 volts are not present, check for open or short to ground between switch harness connector and ECM.
Scheme 131
Power Steering Pressure (PSP) Switch (C-1)
- If scan tester is available, scan power steering pressure switch status. Note status with engine running and wheels in straight-ahead position. Turn steering wheel to full left or right position and again note status. If status changed, power steering pressure switch is okay. If status did not change or scan tester is not available, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PSP switch harness connector. Connect ohmmeter between PSP switch terminals. Start engine. With no-load on power steering, continuity should not be present. Turn steering wheel to full left or right position. Continuity should now be present. If readings are not as specified, replace PSP switch.
- With PSP switch connector disconnected and ignition on, check for 12 volts on switch harness from ECM. If 12 volts are not present, check for open or short to ground in harness between switch connector and ECM.
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
Install jumper wires to enable connection of a DVOM in parallel between TP sensor harness connectors. Connect DVOM positive lead to Dark Blue TP sensor signal wire terminal. Connect negative lead to Black, Black/Orange or Purple sensor ground wire terminal. (Scheme 132) Turn ignition on, with engine off. Signal voltage should gradually change from less than one volt at closed throttle to about 5.0 volts at wide open throttle position. If reading is not as specified, adjust or replace TP sensor. See ADJUSTMENTS article in this section.
A malfunction in the TP sensor circuit should set a related diagnostic trouble code. For further information, refer to the TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section.
Scheme 132
Vehicle Speed Sensor (PM Generator Type)
Disconnect vehicle speed sensor harness connector (located in transaxle). Place gear selector in Neutral. Raise vehicle drive wheels off the ground. Turn drive wheels by hand (greater than 3 MPH). Measure AC signal voltage between sensor terminals. Voltage reading should vary from 0.1-0.5 volt AC as the wheel is turned. If reading is not as specified, replace vehicle speed sensor.
Vehicle Speed Sensor (LED Type)
A speed sensor or buffer malfunction should set a related diagnostic trouble code in ECM memory. If a code is set, refer to the TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article for diagnosis in this section.
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor & Idle Speed Control (ISC) Motor
See IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM .
A/C Clutch Relay
See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS .
Electric AIR Pump Relay
See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS .
Fuel Pump Relay
See FUEL SYSTEM .
SOLENOIDS
Note. All ECM-controlled solenoids should have at least 20 ohms of resistance when checked with positive ohmmeter lead connected to power supply terminal of solenoid and negative ohmmeter lead connected to ground terminal of solenoid. Some solenoids are equipped with internal diodes. On these solenoids, resistance values will differ if ohmmeter test leads are reversed.
AIR By-Pass Valve Solenoid
See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS .
Canister Purge Solenoid
See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS .
EGR Control Solenoid
See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS .
FUEL DELIVERY
Note. For fuel system pressure testing, see BASIC TESTING article in this section.
Fuel Pressure Regulator (MFI)
- Install fuel pressure gauge to fuel rail fuel pressure test fitting. Remove vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator. Turn ignition on and note fuel pressure on gauge.
- Start engine. Check for manifold vacuum at pressure regulator vacuum hose. If vacuum is not present, repair as necessary. Reconnect vacuum hose to pressure regulator and note fuel pressure on gauge. Compare first and second reading.
- Fuel pressure reading should be 4-7 psi (.28-.49 kg/cm 2 ) less with vacuum hose installed. Fuel pressure should decrease as vacuum increases. If results are not as specified, replace fuel pressure regulator.
Fuel Pump Relay (A-5)
- Disconnect fuel pump relay connector. See «COMPONENT LOCATIONS»(ref-19615-S03193489152001110200000) at the end of this article to locate fuel pump relay. Apply battery voltage and ground to fuel pump relay winding terminals. To identify fuel pump relay terminals, see appropriate wiring diagram in «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-19615-S20847098002001110200000) section.
- Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between fuel pump relay power supply terminal and fuel pump drive terminal. Continuity should exist ONLY with relay energized. If relay does not test as indicated, replace relay.
- To by-pass fuel pump relay (to test fuel pump and wiring when fuel pump is not energizing), see FUEL PUMP RELAY BY-PASS PROCEDURE below.
Fuel Pump Relay By-Pass Procedure
- If fuel pump will not energize, relay may be by-passed to test fuel pump and related wiring. (Scheme 133) Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel pump relay connector.
- Using a fused jumper wire, apply battery voltage to fuel pump test connector (located in engine compartment). For fuel pump test connector location, see «COMPONENT LOCATIONS»(ref-19615-S03193489152001110200000) at end of this article. see scheme 15
- If fuel pump runs and relay tests okay, check for faulty connections at relay. If fuel pump does not run, check for faulty wiring between relay and fuel pump or replace defective fuel pump.
Scheme 133
Oil Pressure Switch Fuel Pump Back-Up
With engine idling, disconnect fuel pump relay. Engine should continue to run through oil pressure switch back-up circuit. If engine stalls, check oil pressure switch and related wiring.
Fuel Injector(s)
Disconnect fuel injector harness connector. Measure resistance across injector terminals at each injector. Resistance should be as specified. See INJECTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 3.1L | 11.8-12.6 |
| (1) Injector resistance specification is at 140°F (60°C). | |
| (1) | Injector resistance specification is at 140°F (60°C). |
INJECTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS (1)
Note. If injectors are dirty, they should be cleaned using approved injector cleaning procedure before performing MFI INJECTOR BALANCE TEST.
See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES .
Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
- Disconnect harness connector to motor. Check resistance across IAC coil terminals "A" and "B" (coil "B") and "C" and "D" (coil "A"). (Scheme 134) Resistance should be 40-80 ohms. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, replace IAC motor.
- Check resistance between IAC terminals "B" to "C" and "A" to "D". Resistance should be infinite. If resistance is not as specified, replace IAC motor.
Note. Additional testing of Idle Air Control (IAC) motor requires an IAC motor actuator and node light, or a scan tester capable of cycling ECM output devices (General Motors Tech 1).
Scheme 134
IGNITION SYSTEM
Note. For basic ignition system checks, see BASIC TESTING article in this section.
Ignition Control (IC) Timing Advance System
- A malfunction in the IC circuit (formerly referred to as the EST circuit) should set a related diagnostic trouble code. Start engine and warm to operating temperature. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, increase engine speed to about 2000 RPM. On vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, slightly increase idle speed.
- Ground DLC "test" terminal "B" (not applicable to all models). A noticeable change in engine speed should occur. If no change occurs, see DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUIT CHECK in «BASIC TESTING»(ref-19653) article in this section.
Knock Sensor (KS) System Without KS Controller (C-5)
- An open or short circuit on the KS wire to the ECM will set a related diagnostic trouble code. A false detonation signal will not cause ECM to set a code.
- If a scan tester is available, connect it to the DLC. Tap on engine next to knock sensor and note "knock" parameter. Knock should be indicated on scan tester.
- If a scan tester is not available, connect tachometer to engine. Start engine and hold RPM above idle. Using a metal object, tap on engine close to knock sensor. A noticeable decrease in engine RPM should occur. If no RPM decrease occurred, check knock sensor-to-ECM circuit.
- On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, it may be necessary to place transmission in Drive for timing change to occur. Also, see KNOCK SENSOR (KS) under «ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES»(ref-19615-S06658179402001110200000) .
Knock Sensor (KS) System With KS Controller (C-5)
- An open or short circuit on the KS wire to the ECM will cause a loss of the 12-volt KS controller signal. This will cause the ECM to fully retard ignition timing.
- If a scan tester is available, connect it to the DLC. Tap on engine next to knock sensor and note "knock" parameter. Knock should be indicated on scan tester.
- If a scan tester is not available, connect a DVOM to the ECM ESC signal terminal. With engine idling, 12 volts should be present at this terminal. Using a metal object, tap on engine close to knock sensor. Voltage signal at ECM terminal should drop to zero volts, and return when knock signal ceases.
- If signal does not respond as described, check knock sensor signal to KS controller. On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, it may be necessary to place transmission in Drive for timing change to occur. Also, see KNOCK SENSOR (KS) under «ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES»(ref-19615-S06658179402001110200000) .
AIR Pump (Belt-Driven)
Accelerate engine to approximately 1500 RPM and observe airflow from hoses. If airflow increases as engine is accelerated, pump is working properly. If airflow does not increase, check hoses, pump belt tension, leaky valves or defective air injection pump.
Check Valve
Detach check valve and blow through valve in direction of check valve flow (to cylinder head). Attempt to suck air back. Replace valve if airflow is allowed against the direction of flow.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (C-7)
There are 3 types of EGR systems used: pulse width modulated backpressure (positive and negative) EGR with a control solenoid, pulse width modulated backpressure (positive and negative) EGR without a control solenoid, and digital EGR. See EGR SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION table.
| Application | System Type | Solenoid Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1L | Digital | N/A |
EGR SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Digital EGR Valve
- If an EGR-related code set, see «TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L»(ref-19583) article in this section for diagnosis. Start and allow engine to idle. With engine at normal operating temperature, disconnect digital EGR valve solenoid harness connector.
- Using a 12-volt power source and a fused jumper wire, very quickly energize EGR solenoid No. 1 Light Blue wire terminal on EGR valve. (Scheme 135) RPM should drop slightly. Next, energize EGR solenoid No. 2 Brown wire terminal on EGR valve. RPM should drop slightly more than step 1) or engine should idle rough.
- Energize EGR solenoid No. 3 Red wire terminal on EGR valve. RPM should drop more than step 1) or 2) or engine should idle rough or stall. If RPM changes as indicated, EGR is okay. If RPM drop is not as indicated, check for plugged EGR passages or defective digital EGR valve.
Note. For additional testing procedures, refer to the TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section.
Scheme 135
Negative Backpressure EGR Valve
With engine off, disconnect vacuum hose to EGR valve. Connect vacuum pump to EGR and apply 10 in. Hg. EGR diaphragm should move up and stay up for 20 seconds. If valve does not operate as indicated, replace EGR valve.
Positive Backpressure EGR Valve
- Place transmission in Park or Neutral. Set parking brake and block drive wheels. Connect tachometer. With engine running at normal operating temperature, run engine at 2000 RPM.
- Disconnect vacuum hose from EGR valve and plug hose. EGR valve diaphragm should move down and engine RPM should increase. NOTE: On some engines with ECM-controlled solenoid, EGR vacuum is locked out in Park/Neutral and solenoid must be by-passed with vacuum supply hose.
- Reconnect vacuum hose. EGR diaphragm should move up and engine RPM should decrease. A slight vibration of diaphragm plate may be noticed in backpressure EGR valves.
- If engine RPM did not change and EGR diaphragm moved, the EGR valve is functioning properly. If engine RPM did not change and diaphragm did not move, remove EGR valve and apply 10 in. Hg to EGR vacuum signal port. EGR valve should not open.
- If EGR valve opens, replace EGR valve. With vacuum still applied, direct a stream of air (15 psi maximum) into valve seat. EGR valve should open completely.
- If air is not available, connect a short piece of hose over EGR valve seat. Connect vacuum pump to signal port. With thumb plugging intake port of EGR valve, operate vacuum pump while alternately blowing through hose and pausing.
- With vacuum present at signal port, EGR valve should open while pressure is applied and should close when no vacuum is present.
FUEL EVAPORATION CONTROL (C-3)
Note. On 2.2L engines, a canister purge solenoid is not used. Canister is purged by ported vacuum when throttle plate is above idle position. On all other models, one of 2 types of solenoid is used: normally open or normally closed. See CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION table.
| Application | Solenoid Type |
|---|---|
| 3.1L | Normally Open |
CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION
Canister Purge Solenoid (Normally Open)
- Disconnect canister purge solenoid harness connector and vacuum hose. Apply vacuum to ported intake manifold vacuum side of solenoid valve. If vacuum holds, go to next step. If vacuum does not hold, replace canister purge solenoid.
- Using a 12-volt power source, energize canister purge solenoid. Vacuum should release. If vacuum does not release, replace canister purge solenoid. Solenoid resistance should be at least 20 ohms.
Fuel Tank Pressure Control Valve
Apply approximately 15 in. Hg to fuel tank pressure control valve. The diaphragm should hold vacuum for at least 20 seconds. If fuel tank pressure control valve does not hold vacuum, replace tank pressure control valve.
Required Service
The PCV system may require service for obstructions if any of the following conditions exist
- Rough idle.
- Stalling or slow idle speed.
- Oil leaks.
- Oil in air cleaner.
- Sludge in engine.
A leaking PCV valve or hose could cause
- Rough idle.
- Stalling.
- High idle speed.
If engine idles roughly, check for clogged PCV valve or plugged or broken hoses BEFORE adjusting idle. Check PCV valve application to ensure the correct valve is fitted. Replace PCV valve if required.
Checking PCV Valve Function
- Remove PCV valve from rocker cover. Run engine at idle. Place thumb over open end of valve to check for vacuum. If there is no vacuum at valve, check for obstruction in manifold port, hoses or PCV valve. Repair or replace as necessary.
- Turn engine off. Remove PCV valve. Shake valve and listen for rattle of check valve inside. If a clear rattle is not heard, replace PCV valve.
- Visually inspect valve for varnish or deposits which may make PCV valve operation sticky or restricted, or cause incomplete seating of valve. Replace if necessary.
- An engine must be sealed for the PCV system to function as designed. If leakage, sludging or dilution of oil is noted and the PCV system is functioning properly, check engine for cause and repair as required to ensure PCV system will continue to function properly.
- An engine operating without any crankcase ventilation can be damaged, so it is important to replace PCV valve and air cleaner breather (if equipped) at regular intervals (at least every 30,000 miles). Check all hoses and clamps for failure or deterioration.
MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS
Note. Although some of the controlled devices listed here are not technically engine performance components, they can affect driveability if they malfunction.
HOT LIGHT OR COOLANT TEMPERATURE LIGHT
Note. These checks assume vehicle is not overheating. Verify proper operation of cooling system prior to diagnosing hot light. The coolant temperature sensor, in rare cases, may fail to indicate the correct coolant temperature without setting a diagnostic trouble code (Code 14 or 15). This could result in turning on the hot light without having an overheating condition. It could also result in engine overheating without turning on the hot light. Check coolant sensor temperature-to-resistance values in the SENSOR RANGE CHARTS article in this section.
Hot light is powered by the 10-amp INDIC or GAGES fuse. Light will turn on when ECM provides a ground for the circuit. If circuit grounds between light and ECM, light will illuminate any time the ignition is turned on.
- Turn ignition on with engine off (bulb test position). If hot light illuminates, go to step 3). If hot light does not illuminate, check the following and proceed to next step: 10-amp INDIC or GAGES fuse. Faulty instrument cluster bulb. Open circuit between fuse and hot light.
- Backprobe ECM hot light driver terminal with a test light to battery voltage. Turn ignition on. If test light does not illuminate, ECM terminal connection is bad or ECM is faulty. If test light illuminates, turn ignition off. Disconnect ECM connectors. Jumper ECM hot light driver harness terminal to ground. Turn ignition on. If hot light does not illuminate, check for open circuit between hot light and ECM. If all circuits are intact and power is available to light, instrument cluster must be replaced.
- Start engine. If hot light goes off, no problem is evident. If hot light is on, turn ignition off. Disconnect ECM connector. Probe ECM hot light driver harness terminal with a test light to battery voltage. If test light is off, replace ECM. If test light is on, repair short to ground in hot light driver circuit. If no short is present, replace instrument cluster.
Converter Clutch Solenoid
Disconnect harness connector to Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid. Measure resistance between TCC solenoid terminals "A" and "D". Solenoid resistance should be greater than 20 ohms. see scheme 12-29.
Note. Some solenoids have an internal pressure switch in series with the solenoid winding and will not show continuity until that pressure switch is applied by transmission hydraulic pressure. see scheme 12-29.
Converter Lock-Up Signal At Transmission
- Warm engine to operating temperature. Raise vehicle and support drive wheels. Support suspension where necessary to prevent damage to drive axles.
- Disconnect converter clutch connector at transmission. Connect a test light across terminals "A" and "D" of converter clutch harness. Start engine and place transmission in Drive. Accelerate vehicle to 45 MPH and note test light.
- If test light is not on, check solenoid power supply wire of harness for open or short to ground. Check ground circuit for open between harness connector and ECM. If harness is okay, see CONVERTER LOCK-UP SIGNAL FROM ECM below.
Converter Lock-Up Signal From ECM
- Warm engine to operating temperature. Raise vehicle and support drive wheels. Support suspension where necessary to prevent damage to drive axles.
- Connect a test light to battery voltage. Touch TCC control driver terminal with test light. On some vehicles, this is terminal "F" of Data Link Connector (DLC). see scheme 11-29. Accelerate vehicle to 45 MPH and note test light. If test light does not illuminate, problem is a faulty ECM connector or ECM.
A/C CLUTCH (C-10) & ELECTRIC COOLING FAN (C-12)
Note. For additional information on electric cooling fans, see ENGINE COOLING FAN article in ENGINE COOLING section.
- Disconnect A/C clutch relay harness connector. Using proper mini-schematic and an ohmmeter, check continuity between A/C clutch relay winding terminals. see scheme 11-29. Continuity should exist. Check continuity between clutch drive circuit terminals of relay. Continuity should not exist.
- Using jumper wires, apply ground and battery voltage to relay winding of relay. Continuity should now exist between clutch drive circuit terminals of relay. Replace A/C clutch relay if readings are not as specified.
Cooling Fan System & Quad-Driver Check
- Connect a test light to battery voltage. Touch test light probe to the cooling fan control driver terminal of the ECM. see scheme 11-29. Disconnect coolant temperature sensor. This should set a code, causing ECM to engage cooling fan through relay. On some models, it may be necessary to jumper the coolant temperature sensor harness connectors. On some models, grounding the DLC with the ignition on and engine off will cause the ECM to activate the cooling fan control driver (ground circuit).
- If test light illuminates and cooling fan does not come on, check cooling fan relay, power circuits, cooling fan motor, and relay and fan motor ground circuits. If test light does not illuminate, problem is a faulty ECM connector or ECM. Clear diagnostic trouble code(s) from ECM memory after testing.
- If cooling fan functions normally during testing but fails to operate under normal conditions, check ECM monitored inputs which affect cooling fan operation. These include the following: coolant temperature sensor, A/C request signal from A/C control switch and A/C pressure sensor, or pressure/temperature switch signals (if equipped).
Cooling Fan Relay
- Disconnect cooling fan relay harness connector. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity of relay winding. see scheme 11-29. Continuity should exist. Check continuity across power delivery terminals of relay. With relay not energized, no continuity should exist.
- With ohmmeter still attached to power delivery terminals of relay, apply battery voltage and ground to energize relay winding. Continuity should now be present between cooling fan relay power delivery terminals. Replace cooling fan relay if readings are not as specified.
Cooling Fan Motor
Disconnect cooling fan motor harness connector. Apply battery voltage to one of the fan motor terminals and jumper the other terminal to ground. Fan motor should activate. If fan motor does not activate, replace faulty fan motor.
Note. For a more specific system testing, refer to the following C-10 or C-12 diagnostic charts. If any chart other than a C-10 or C-12 chart referenced, see TESTS W/CODES - 3.1L article in this section.