LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Pontiac >> 1996 >> Firebird Base, 2D Convertible, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System - Tests W/Codes - 3.8L >> Introduction
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Engine Control System - Tests W/Codes - 3.8L: Introduction

Most engine control problems are the result of mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged vacuum hoses. Before considering the computer system as a possible cause of problems, perform checks and inspections covered in BASIC TESTING - 3.8L article. Failure to do so may result in lost diagnostic time.

If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed with DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If no fault codes are present and driveability problems exist, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.). If only intermittent codes are present, see INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article.