Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am and 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: DO NOT perform this test if no driveability condition exists. Search for applicable bulletins before proceeding with diagnosis. Do not turn ignition switch to OFF position when performing this diagnostic procedure. DO NOT clear DTCs unless scan tool instructs service technician to do so. If there is a problem with starter system, repair starter system as necessary. See appropriate STARTERS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS. Ensure battery is fully charged and cables are clean and tight. Ensure PCM grounds are clean, tight, and in proper location.

Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located under driver side of instrument panel. If scan tool powers up, go to next step. If scan tool does not power up, go to TEST A: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT POWER UP under SYSTEM TESTS.
Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using scan tool, attempt to communicate with Body Control Module (BCM), Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). If scan tool communicates with BCM, EBCM, PCM and SDM, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with BCM, EBCM, PCM and SDM, go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS.
Attempt to start and idle engine. If engine starts and idles, go to next step. If engine does not start and idle, repair by symptom. See BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - CARS - EXCEPT PRIZM article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
Select DISPLAY DTCS function on scan tool for BCM, EBCM, PCM and SDM. If scan tool displays any DTCs, go to next step. If scan tool does not display any DTCs, go to step 9 .
Using scan tool, select CAPTURED INFO function, and store PCM DTC information. After completing function, go to next step.
If scan tool does not display any DTCs which begin with a "U", go to next step. If scan tool displays any DTCs which begin with a "U", go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS.
If scan tool does not display DTCs P0601, P0602 or P1621, go to next step. If scan tool displays DTCs P0601, P0602 or P1621, perform appropriate test. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 2.2L ALERO, CAVALIER, GRAND AM & SUNFIRE article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
If scan tool does not display DTCs P0562, P0563, P0621 or P0622, perform appropriate test. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 2.2L ALERO, CAVALIER, GRAND AM & SUNFIRE article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. If scan tool displays DTCs P0562, P0563, P0621 or P0622, perform appropriate test. See appropriate GENERATORS & REGULATORS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
If customer concern appears not to be transaxle related, go to next step. If customer concern appears to be transaxle related, repair transaxle related concern. See appropriate article in TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE.
If customer concern appears not to be Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing related, go to next step. If customer concern appears to be I/M testing related, perform inspection/maintenance system test. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 2.2L ALERO, CAVALIER, GRAND AM & SUNFIRE article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
If customer concern is hard start surges, lack of power, sluggishness, detonation/spark knock, hesitation, sag, stumble, cuts out, misses, poor fuel economy, rough, unstable, incorrect idle, stalling, dieseling, run-on, backfire, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) inoperative or MIL always on, repair by symptom. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - CARS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. If no symptoms are evident, system is okay at this time.