GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The scan tool first energizes the following components for a precise amount of time allowing a measured amount of fuel into the manifold:

    • High pressure lock off (HPL)
    • Low pressure lock off (LPL)
    • CNG fuel injectors

This causes a drop in system fuel pressure that can be recorded and used to compare each fuel injector.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The fuel pressure should be within the specified range. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis if the fuel pressure is not within the specified range.

  2. The fuel pressure should reach a steady value. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis if the fuel pressure does not stabilize.

  3. If the pressure drop value for each fuel injector is within 14 kPa (2.0 psi) of the average pressure drop value, the fuel injectors are flowing properly. Calculate the pressure drop value for each fuel injector by subtracting the second pressure reading from the first pressure reading.

Fuel Injector Balance Test Procedure

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check Alternative Fuels - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls)

2

Did you perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test

3

  1. Start and idle the engine.
  2. Observe the fuel rail pressure sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified range?

221-276 kPa (32-40 psi)

Go to Step 4

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Monitor the fuel rail pressure sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Does the fuel rail pressure remain constant?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Fuel System Diagnosis

5

  1. With a scan tool, select the Fuel Injector Balance Test function, within the Special Functions menu.
  2. Select an injector to be tested.
  3. Press Enter. This will prime the fuel system.
  4. Record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure sensor after the fuel rail pressure stabilizes. This is the 1st pressure reading.
  5. Important: Record the fuel pressure value immediately after the fuel injector stops pulsing. The fuel pressure may rise after the fuel injector stops pulsing. Do not record the higher fuel pressure value.

  6. Energize the fuel injector by depressing the Pulse Injector button on the scan tool. This will energize the injector and decrease the fuel pressure.
  7. Record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel rail pressure sensor after the fuel injector has stopped pulsing. This is the 2nd pressure reading.
  8. Press Enter again to bring you back to the Select Injector screen.
  9. Repeat for each fuel injector.
  10. Subtract the 2nd pressure reading from the 1st pressure reading for one fuel injector. The result is the pressure drop value.
  11. Obtain a pressure drop value for each fuel injector.
  12. Add all of the individual pressure drop values. This is the total pressure drop.
  13. Divide the total pressure drop by the number of fuel injectors. This is the average pressure drop.

Does any fuel injector have a pressure drop value that is either higher than the average pressure drop or lower than the average pressure drop by the specified value?

14 kPa (2.0 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls

6

Replace the affected fuel injector. Refer to Fuel Injector Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Does a driveability condition still exist?

--

Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls

System OK