On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1997 Pontiac Firebird, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 1997 Oldsmobile Regency, and 1997 Oldsmobile LSS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Tech 1 scan tool is required to perform 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, 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 the TESTS W/O CODES article and SCAN TOOL USAGE in the 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 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 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 .
Using scan tool, observe DTC statuses: 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 status is present, refer to affected DTC to diagnose problem. If DTCs are not present, go to next step.
Compare scan tool engine data with actual control system data values. If value is within limits, system is okay. If value is not within limits, go to the SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.