Brake System Vacuum Source Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect the engine vacuum hose from the vacuum brake booster check valve.
- Install a vacuum gage to the engine vacuum hose.
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Check to see if the engine vacuum reading is within the specified normal engine vacuum range.
Specification: The engine vacuum range is 33.86-60.95 kPa (10-18 in Hg).
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- If the engine vacuum reading is within the specified normal range, go to step 10.
- If the engine vacuum reading is NOT within the specified normal range, inspect the engine vacuum hose for the following conditions.
- Tight connection to the engine
- Collapse, deformation or contamination
- Cracks, cuts, dry-rot
- If any of these conditions were found with the engine vacuum hose, replace the hose, then repeat steps 2-4.
- If none of these conditions were found with the engine vacuum hose, then there is an engine vacuum source problem, check the engine vacuum system.
- Remove the vacuum brake booster check valve from the booster.
- Install the check valve to the engine vacuum hose.
- Install the vacuum gage to the check valve.
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Check to see if the engine vacuum reading is maintained within the specified normal engine vacuum range.
Specification: The engine vacuum range is 33.86-60.95 kPa (10-18 in Hg).
- If the engine vacuum reading is maintained within the specified normal range, go to step 18.
- If the engine vacuum reading is NOT maintained within the specified normal range, replace the brake booster check valve, then repeat steps 11-15.
- Inspect the brake booster check valve grommet for the following conditions.
- Firm connection to the vacuum brake booster
- Deformation or contamination
- Cracks, cuts, dry-rot
- If any of these conditions were found with the check valve grommet, replace the grommet.