Section 12 (Engine Controls - Basic Testing): Introduction
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 34 other vehicles, including the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, 1991 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1991 Pontiac Grand Am, 1991 Pontiac Firebird, and 1991 Pontiac Bonneville. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.
NOTE:
The following table provides the location of commonly used diagnostic information. These former "A" and "C" charts are now written in text and inserted into the appropriate location in the new Engine Performance workflow. To familiarize yourself with the Engine Performance workflow, see AA - USING THIS SECTION (GENERAL HELP INFORMATION) article.
NOTE:
Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure.