Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

The OBD System Check determines:

• If Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) operates.
• If PCM is operating and can recognize a fault.
• If any DTCs are stored.

After performing procedures in PRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTS, BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS and BASIC IGNITION SYSTEM CHECKS in BASIC TESTING article, 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 TOOL USAGE.

1. Turn ignition on, engine off. Observe Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). If MIL illuminates, go to next step. If MIL does not illuminate, go to MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL).
2. Turn ignition off. Install scan tool and follow scan tool manufacturer's instructions to proceed with test. Turn ignition on. If scan tool displays VCM data, go to next step. If scan tool does not display VCM data, go to DLC DIAGNOSIS OR NO SCAN TOOL DATA.
3. Using scan tool, command MIL to turn off. If MIL turns off, go to next step. If MIL does not turn off, go to MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL).
4. Using scan tool, observe DTC status for MIL REQUEST, FAIL THIS IGN, LAST TST FAIL and HISTORY. If any DTC is stored, save freeze frame and fail record information using scan tool CAPTURE INFO feature. If any DTC(s) is present, refer to affected DTC to diagnose problem. If DTC(s) is not present, go to next step.
5. Crank engine for 10 seconds. If engine starts, go to next step. If engine does not start, go to NO START DIAGNOSIS in BASIC TESTING article.
6. Compare scan tool engine data with actual control system data values. If value is within limits, go to TESTS W/O CODES article. If value is not within limits, go to SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.