Brake System Vacuum Source Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
- Engine temperature, accessory load, and elevation level will affect engine vacuum.
- Vacuum readings will decrease by approximately 2.7 kPa (0.8 in Hg) for every 305 m (1000 ft) of elevation above sea level.
- Disconnect the engine vacuum hose from the vacuum brake booster check valve.
- Install a vacuum gauge to the engine vacuum hose.
- Install a scan tool to the vehicle.
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- With the vehicle in PARK or NEUTRAL with the park brake on, the engine idling, and the air conditioning (A/C) system OFF, check to see if the engine vacuum reading is the gauge pressure calculated from the pressure of the MAP sensor indicated on the scan tool.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- If the engine vacuum reading is within the specified normal range, proceed to step 11.
- If the engine vacuum reading is NOT within the specified normal range, inspect the engine vacuum hose for the following conditions.
- Loose connection to the engine
- Collapse, deformation or contamination
- Cracks, cuts, or brittleness
- If any of these conditions were found with the engine vacuum hose, replace the hose, then repeat steps 2-5.
- 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 gauge to the check valve.
- Start the engine and allow the engine to idle in park or neutral with the park brake on and with the A/C system OFF, until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Visually inspect the engine vacuum reading is maintained at the same gauge pressure as the pressure obtained form the MAP sensor as indicated on the scan tool.
- If the engine vacuum reading is maintained within the specified normal range, proceed to step 19.
- If the engine vacuum reading is NOT maintained within the specified normal range, replace the vacuum brake booster check valve, then repeat steps 12-16.
- Inspect the vacuum brake booster check valve grommet for the following conditions:
- Loose connection to the vacuum brake booster
- Deformation or contamination
- Cracks, cuts or brittleness
- If any of these conditions were found with the check valve grommet, replace the grommet.
NOTE:
To obtain the gauge pressure from the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, subtract the absolute pressure of the MAP sensor from atmospheric pressure.
NOTE:
To obtain the gauge pressure from the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, subtract the absolute pressure of the MAP sensor from atmospheric pressure.