Diagnostic Notes (Checking the Basics)

CHECKING THE BASICS
All troubleshooting must begin by "CHECKING THE BASICS". Certain basic faults can be undetectable by the self-diagnostic systems of the Engine Controller and in some cases can actually interfere with the self-checking and fault memory operation.

Diagnostic Fault Codes are cleared whenever the Engine Controller or the battery is disconnected. Therefore, all fault codes should be read prior to any vehicle power interruption or troubleshooting.

Prior to any teardown, repair or component replacement, the following steps should always be considered.

COMPLAINT VERIFICATION
Whenever possible the repairing technician should personally verify the complaint. Having experienced the malfunction, the technician is less likely to try to repair non-existent faults.

MALFUNCTION VERIFICATION
Today's sophisticated automotive systems are easily misunderstood, which can lead to repairs that attempt to force a particular system to perform in a way that it was never intended to operate. Therefore, the troubleshooting technician should compare the system operation to the nominal system operation as described in the section DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION.

Furthermore, the technician is also encouraged to compare the problem vehicle system operation with a known good vehicle.

PREVIOUS REPAIRS
The vehicle repair history can provide explanations to unusual complaints which seem to elude normal troubleshooting attempts. Incorrect components or unapproved repairs can have subtle influences on seemingly unrelated systems.

BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE
Batteries in a state of partial discharge can have a dramatic effect on control units and related components.

POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE INTEGRITY
All B+ connections must be in perfect condition for trouble-free electronic system operation. Refer to WIRING DIAGRAMS for B+ connections and splices.

FUSE INTEGRITY
Fuses are employed to prevent possible damage to electrical components and wiring harnesses. The fuses and their connections must be without dynamic resistance. Dynamic resistance can only be checked using the voltage drop method of testing.

NEGATIVE GROUND CONNECTIONS
As all electrical circuits are a circle, all B- connections must also be checked and verified to be in perfect condition. A poor "common" ground point will cause seemingly unrelated systems to influence one another. High current systems which encounter a poor "common" ground can back feed through other electrical systems causing unusual operation and perhaps inexplicable component failure. As with the B+ side of the electrical system, the ground side should be checked dynamically using the voltage drop technique.

THROTTLE AND SPEED CONTROL CABLES
Metal cables attached to the engine or transmission which appear overheated and/or discolored indicate the need to thoroughly test all ground connections.

POWER SUPPLY RELAYS
The system relay as well as its' plug connection can be a source of intermittent operation which will not set a fault in control unit fault memory.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION / CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS
Hall Effect switches should be checked statically and dynamically. Physical mounting and condition of the sensor must be assured.

SECONDARY COMPONENTS / WIRING
The secondary ignition system should be checked visibly as well as with a suitable engine analyzer and scope. All components should be examined for tight connections and freedom from carbon tracking, moisture and corrosion.

FUEL DELIVERY
Fuel delivery must begin at once when cranking and the pressure in the fuel rails must be within specifications. Fuel pressure retention must be maintained between the fuel pump outlet and the pressure regulator after engine shutdown.

VALVE CLEARANCE AND SPARK PLUGS
These two service items, if out of specification, can significantly impair engine performance. Valve clearance adjustment procedures should be strictly observed. Spark plug type, condition and gap must verified according to specification.

AIR / FUEL RATIO
When troubleshooting idle quality or driveability complaints, it is necessary to consider the following:

^ Injector spray pattern quality
^ Presence of vacuum and/or air leaks
^ Evaporative purge system
^ Excessive engine oil dilution
^ Contaminated fuel or unapproved additives
^ Carbon build-up