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.
- Perform diagnostic system check - engine controls. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. After performing diagnostic system check - engine controls, go to next step.
- Verify whether the instrument cluster is operational. If the Instrument Panel (I/P) is completely inoperative, DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER in appropriate INSTRUMENT PANEL article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Command the MIL ON and OFF using a scan tool. Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded using a scan tool? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 4.
- Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC. Turn ignition switch to OFF position for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions For Running. See CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING . You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Does the DTC fail this ignition? If yes, go to next step. If no, problem is intermittent. Go to INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 3.4L ALERO, GRAND AM, IMPALA & MONTE CARLO article.
- Inspect the fuse that supplies ignition voltage to the MIL. Is the fuse open? If yes, go to step 12. If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness connectors. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, engine OFF. Is the MIL off? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Remove the fuse that supplies voltage to the MIL. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, engine OFF. Measure the voltage from the MIL control circuit to a good ground. Is the voltage less than 0.3 volt? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 14.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Install the fuse that supplies voltage to the MIL. Turn ignition switch to RUN position, engine OFF. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the MIL control circuit of the PCM and a good ground. Is the MIL illuminated? If yes, go to step 11. If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Remove the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Probe the MIL battery positive voltage circuit of the IPC harness connector using a test light connected to a good ground. Does the test light illuminate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 15.
- Check the MIL control circuit for an open or high resistance. Did you find and correct a condition? If yes, go to step 18. If no, go to next step.
- Check for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the IPC. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 18. If no, go to step 16.
- Check for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 18. If no, go to step 17.
- Repair the short to ground in the battery positive voltage circuit. Did you complete the repair? After repair, go to step 18.
- Repair the short to ground in the MIL control circuit. Did you complete the repair? After repair, go to step 18.
- Repair the short to voltage in the MIL control circuit. After repair, go to step 18.
- Repair the open in the MIL ignition voltage circuit. After repair, go to step 18.
- Replace the IPC. After repair, go to step 18.
- Replace PCM. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE in appropriate REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article. Perform PCM relearn procedure. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE under PROGRAMMING. After replacing PCM, go to next step.
- Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions For Running. See CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING . Does the DTC run and pass? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 2.
- Using the scan tool, observe the stored information in CAPTURE INFO. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? If yes, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS . If no, system is okay at this time.