GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Restricted Exhaust System Check

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Remove the pre-catalyst HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
  2. Install the J 35314-A Exhaust Back-Pressure Tester in place of the HO2S.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2500 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 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. Turn the engine off and place the ignition in the LOCK position.
  2. Remove the J 35314-A .
  3. Install the pre-catalyst HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
  4. Remove the post-catalyst HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
  5. Install the J 35314-A in place of the post-catalyst HO2S sensor.
  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 reading exceed the specified value?

9 kPa (1.25 psi)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:

    • Damage in the exhaust pipe
    • Debris in the exhaust pipe muffler or resonator internal failure
    • 2-layer exhaust pipe separation

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 6

--

5

Replace the catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Remove the J 35314-A .
  2. Install the pre- or post-catalyst HO2S sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
  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 1