Diagnostic Aids
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.
The catalyst test may abort due to a change in the engine load. Allow the engine to return to a stabilized idle. An automatic transmission must remain in drive. A manual transmission is shifted into neutral. Do not touch the accelerator pedal, steering wheel or HVAC controls while a catalyst test is in progress.
Certain conditions may cause a catalytic converter to degrade. These conditions may include the following conditions:
- An engine misfire
- High engine oil or high coolant consumption
- Retarded spark timing
- A weak spark
- A lean fuel mixture
- A rich fuel mixture
- A damaged oxygen sensor wiring harness
- A catalyst may be temporarily degraded if a fuel with high sulfur content has been used. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds for 10 minutes and retest the converter.
- The addition of certain fuel additives may temporarily contaminate the catalyst.
- If 6 tests have been attempted and the DTC has not run or passed during this key cycle, turn the key to OFF for 30 seconds. Perform the Conditions for Running a second time.
- A maximum of 12 tests per key cycle will run if each test is a combination of pass, fail, or abort test.
- After a code clear the catalyst test will run once if the test is a pass.
- The catalyst test may abort if the vehicle falls outside of the Conditions for Running the DTC.