Symptoms Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Test for the following conditions:
- The fuel system for the following:
  - Correct fuel pressure-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  - Fuel injectors that are leaking or improper operation-Refer to DTC P029D, P02A1, P02A5, P02A9, P02AD, or P02B1 .
  - Contaminated or a poor fuel quality condition-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) .
- The ignition system for the following:
  - Spark plugs for incorrect heat range or an abnormal condition-Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
  - For diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs-Refer to Loss of Coolant (With HP5) or Loss of Coolant (Without HP5) or Oil Consumption Diagnosis .
  - Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look/listen for arcing or misfiring as the water is applied.
  - Weak spark using the J 26792 Spark Tester-Refer to Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis .
- The operation of the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC)-The scan tool should indicate an engine speed drop when the TCC is commanded ON.
- The operation of the A/C compressor
- Items that can cause an engine to run lean or rich-Refer to DTC P2178, P2180, P2188, or P2190 .
- The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor for the correct resistance-The CKP sensor resistance may be out of range after a hot soak. The resistance should be between 700-1200 Ω.
- The engine for the following mechanical failures-Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
  - Excessive oil in the combustion chamber or leaking valve seals
  - Incorrect cylinder compression
  - Sticking or leaking valves
  - Worn camshaft lobes
  - Incorrect valve timing
  - Broken valve springs
  - Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers-Clean the chambers with top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
  - Incorrect engine parts
- Vacuum hoses for splits or kinks-Verify that the routing and connections are as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
- Knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity-Refer to Knock Sensor System Description and DTC P0326, P0327, P0328, P0331, P0332, or P0333 .
- The exhaust system components for the following:
  - Physical damage or possible internal failure
  - The three-way catalytic converters for a restriction
    For more information, refer to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust .
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause a misfire condition. You can usually detect EMI with a scan tool by monitoring the engine speed parameter. A sudden increase in the engine speed parameter with little change in actual engine speed indicates that EMI is present. Inspect the high voltage components near the ignition control circuit if a condition exists.
- Inspect the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system and all connections for leaks or restrictions.
- Evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge solenoid that is stuck open
- The engine cooling system for the following conditions:
  - The thermostat is the correct heat range-Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
  - Proper engine coolant level-Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill With HP5) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill Without HP5) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716 Fill With HP5) or Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716 Fill Without HP5) .
If the above conditions do not address the symptom, refer to the additional symptoms tests.