GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2009 🢒 Lucerne 🢒 Diagnostic Navigation 🢒 Vehicle Diagnostic Information 🢒 Restricted Exhaust

Diagnostic Aids

Warning: Refer to Hot Exhaust System Warning in the Preface section.

For dual exhaust systems a quick check of exhaust flow will help determine which side of the exhaust system is restricted. The side that has less exhaust flow is the side that will be suspect, and diagnosis should begin there.

Test Description

  1. The exhaust system has very low back pressure under normal conditions. If the exhaust system is restricted, a significant increase in the exhaust pressure is noticed on the J 35314-A Exhaust Back Pressure Gage.

    Removing the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). When finishing this diagnostic table, be sure to clear all codes.

  2. This step will isolate the catalytic converter from the remainder of the exhaust system.

Restricted Exhaust

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you verify the customers complaint?

--

Go to Step 2

--

2

Did you review the exhaust symptoms diagnostic information and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust

3

Is the system equipped with dual exhaust?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Remove the pre-catalyst heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1.
  2. Install the J 35314-A Exhaust Back Pressure Gage in place of the HO2S.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2,500 RPM.
  5. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage.

Does the reading exceed the specified value?

9 kPa (1.25 psi)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Turn the engine off and place the ignition in the lock position.
  2. Remove the J 35314-A .
  3. Re-install the pre-catalyst HO2S sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1.
  4. Remove the post-catalyst HO2S sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2.
  5. Install the J 35314-A .
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2500 RPM.
  8. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage.

Does the reading exceed the specified value?

9 kPa (1.25 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:

    • Damage in the exhaust pipe
    • Debris in the exhaust pipe
    • Muffler or resonator, if equipped, internal failure
    • Two-layer exhaust pipe separation

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8
  1. Remove the J 35314-A
  2. Reinstall the applicable HO2S sensor. Refer to one of the following:
  3. Clear any codes.
  4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2