GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected.

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Check the air cleaner element, or the filter, for dirt or being plugged.
    • Visually and physically check the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Check the driving habits of the owner for the following items:
       - The A/C is ON full time, or the defroster mode is ON
       - The tires for being at the correct air pressure
       - Excessively heavy loads being carried
       - Aggressive driving habits
    • Suggest to the owner to fill the fuel tank and to recheck the fuel economy.
    • Suggest to the driver to refer to Important Facts on Fuel Economy in the owner manual.

Fuel System Checks

    • Check the fuel type, quality, and alcohol content. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Ignition System Checks

    • Check the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • Check for an open ignition control (IC) circuit.
    • Check the ignition wires for the following items:
       - Cracking
       - Hardness
       - Proper connections
    • Check the knock sensor (KS) system operation.

Cooling System Checks

    • Check the engine coolant level.
    • Check the engine thermostat for always being open or for the wrong heat range.

Additional Checks

    • Check the transmission shift pattern. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission 4L60-E.
    • Check for torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission.
    • Check for proper calibration of the speedometer.
    • Check for dragging brakes.