GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Description

Several states require that a vehicle pass on-board diagnostic (OBD) system tests and the inspection/maintenance (I/M) emission inspection in order to renew vehicle registration. This is accomplished by viewing the I/M System Status display on a scan tool. Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the I/M System Status in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria that comply with the local area requirements.

Conditions for Updating the I/M System Status

Each system monitor requires at least one, and sometimes several diagnostic tests. The result of each test is reported by a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A system monitor is complete when either all of the DTCs composing the monitor have Run and Passed, or when any one of the DTCs comprising the monitor has illuminated the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Once the system monitor is complete, the I/M System Status display will indicate YES in the Completed column.

For example, when the HO2S Heater Status indicates YES, either all of the oxygen sensor heater tests have passed or one of the tests has illuminated the MIL. If the vehicle has 4 heated oxygen sensors, either all four heater circuit tests have passed or one of the heater circuit tests has illuminated the MIL. The I/M System Status will indicate NO under the Completed column when any of the required tests for that system have not run. The following is a list of conditions that would set the I/M System Status indicator to NO:

    • The vehicle is new from the factory and has not yet been driven through the necessary drive conditions to complete the tests.
    • The battery has been disconnected or discharged below operating voltage.
    • The control module power or ground has been interrupted.
    • The control module has been reprogrammed.
    • The control module DTCs have been cleared.

Monitored Emission Control Systems

OBD II System monitors all on-board emission control systems.

    • Air Conditioning
    • The catalytic converter efficiency
    • Comprehensive component monitoring- Emission related inputs and outputs
    • The evaporative emissions (EVAP) system
    • The fuel delivery system
    • Heated catalyst monitoring
    • Misfire monitoring
    • The oxygen sensor system (O2S or HO2S)
    • The oxygen sensor heater system (HO2S heater)
    • Air Injection System

For the specific DTCs required for each system, refer to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System DTC Table . Systems such as fuel delivery, misfire, and comprehensive components may not be listed in a system status list. These tests run continuously and do not require an I/M System Status indicator.

Circuit/System Verification

Review the I/M System Status indicators. All I/M System Status indicators should report YES.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: Many DTC related repairs will instruct the technician to clear the DTC information. Clearing the DTC to reset the I/M System Status indicators to NO. Performing the I/M Complete System to set Procedure will set each of the I/M System Status indicators to YES.

  1. Observe the Engine DTC information with a scan tool.
  2. If a DTC is set that would prevent the I/M System Status tests from completing, diagnose that DTC before continuing. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System DTC Table .
  3. Check for applicable service bulletins, software updates that would prevent the I/M System Status tests from completing.
  4. If a control module reprogram or other repair is required, refer to the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Complete System Set Procedure.
  5. Observe the I/M System Status indicators.
  6. Perform the I/M complete system set procedure if I/M system status indicators report NO.