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Engine Controls - Basic Testing: Introduction

The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.

The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurred.

Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.

NOTE: Unless otherwise instructed in test procedures, perform all voltage tests using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance.

The following table provides the location of commonly used diagnostic information.

GENERAL MOTORS REFERENCE

System Or Component Diagnostic Information Location
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
DLC Diagnosis See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
No-Start Diagnosis See NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY 
No Scan Tool Data See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
Fuel Pump Relay See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Fuel System Diagnosis See BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS 
MAP Sensor See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Power Steering Pressure Switch See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Transmission Range Switch See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Injector Balance Test See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Injector Leak Test See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
IAC Motor See IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Canister Purge System See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Knock Sensor Check See IGNITION SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Air Injection System See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
EGR System See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
1-4 Upshift System (Manual Transmission) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROL SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Torque Converter Clutch (1) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
A/C Compressor Clutch Control (2) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Electric Cooling Fan Control (2) See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Engine Coolant Level Switch See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Oil Pressure Switch See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Oil Level Sensor See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
PCM Controlled Warning Lights See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Supercharger Boost Control See AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
(1) Covered in entirety in the TRANSMISSION SERVICING article.
(2) Covered in entirety in the A/C-HEATER SYSTEM article.