Preliminary Checks
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Symptom checks cannot be used properly unless problem occurs while vehicle is being tested. To reduce diagnostic time, ensure steps in BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - 1.8L VIBE article and SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 1.8L VIBE article were performed before diagnosing a symptom. The following symptoms are available for diagnosis:
- Hard Start
- Surges/Chuggles
- 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 & Stalling
- Dieseling, Run-On
- Backfire
- Restricted Exhaust
- Engine Cranks But Does Not Run. See ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT RUN under NO-START DIAGNOSIS in BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - 1.8L VIBE article.
- Malfunction Indicator Light Inoperative. Go to MIL INOPERATIVE under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 1.8L VIBE article.
- Malfunction Indicator Light Always On. Go to MIL ALWAYS ON under SYSTEM TESTS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 1.8L VIBE article.