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Diagnostic Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and 2003 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Perform diagnostic system check - engine controls. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article. After performing diagnostic system check - engine controls, go to next step.
  2. Crank the engine for 15 seconds. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, engine OFF. Observe the DTC information using a scan tool. Does the scan tool display DTC P0101, P0123, P0230, P0336, P0601, P0602, P1626, P1630, P1631, B1369, or B1379? If yes, go to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article. If no, go to next step.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN position. Is the MIL illuminated? If yes, go to next step. If no go to MIL INOPERATIVE under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article. If no, go to next step.
  4. Command the fuel pump ON using a scan tool. Does the fuel pump turn ON? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS (ALERO & GRAND AM) under FUEL SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
  5. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect a spark plug wire. Install Spark Tester (J 26792), or equivalent, to the spark plug wire. Attempt to start the engine. Does the spark tester spark? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS under IGNITION SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
  6. While monitoring the CYLINDER 1-6 INJECTOR CIRCUIT STATUS parameters using a scan tool, crank the engine. Do all of the cylinder injector circuit status parameters display okay while cranking the engine? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS (ALERO & GRAND AM) under FUEL SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
  7. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Connect all disconnected components. Install Fuel Pressure Gauge (J 34730-1A), or equivalent. See Fig 1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, engine OFF. Command the fuel pump ON using a scan tool. Is the fuel pressure 52-59 psi (358-405 kPa) when the fuel pump is operating? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS under FUEL SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
  8. Inspect for the following conditions:
    • Collapsed air intake duct.
    • Restricted air filter element.
    • Spark plugs for being gas or coolant fouled. If the spark plugs are fouled, determine what caused the condition.
    • Engine mechanical condition; worn timing chain and gears, low compression, etc. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
    • Restricted exhaust system. Go to RESTRICTED EXHAUST (ALERO & GRAND AM) under EXHAUST SYSTEMS in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
    • The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is NOT close to the actual engine temperature. Go to DTC P0128: ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE BELOW THERMOSTAT REGULATING TEMPERATURE under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
    • Compare the Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure (MAP/BARO) parameters to another vehicle. The parameters should be close in value. Go to MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR under SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
    • Throttle Position (TP) sensor for being stuck in range. Go to DTC P0121: TP SENSOR PERFORMANCE under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.

      Did you complete the action(s)? If yes, go to next step.

  9. Clear the DTCs using a scan tool. Attempt to start the engine. Does the engine start and continue to run? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  2.
  10. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. Observe the DTC information using a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? If yes, go to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article. If no, system is okay at this time.
Fig 1: Connecting Fuel Pressure Gauge (J 34730-1A)
G00217341Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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