Visual/Physical Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful visual/physical check. The importance of this step cannot be stressed strongly enough. This step can lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can save valuable time. This check should include:
- PCM grounds for the following conditions:
- Clean connection
- Tight connection
- Proper location
Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems.
- Vacuum hoses for the following conditions:
- Splits
- Kinks
- Proper connections as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label - Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
- Leaks
- Restrictions
- Air leaks at the following components:
- Throttle body mounting
- Intake manifold sealing surfaces
- Wiring for the following conditions:
- Proper locations
- Pinches
- Cuts
- Use the following tables when diagnosing a symptom complaint:
- Hard Start
- Surges/Chugs
- Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
- Detonation/Spark Knock
- Hesitation, Sag, Stumble
- Cuts Out, Misses
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Poor Fuel Fill Quality
- Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling
- Dieseling, Run-On
- Backfire
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On