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 .
    • Check the air cleaner 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 owner's driving habits for the following items:
       - The A/C ON full time (Defroster mode ON)
       - The tires at the correct air pressure
       - Any excessively heavy loads being carried
       - Any aggressive driving habits
    • Suggest that the owner fill the fuel tank and recheck the fuel economy.
    • Suggest that the driver refer to Important Facts on Fuel Economy in the owner's 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:
       - Any wet plugs
       - Any cracks
       - Any wear
       - An improper gap
       - Any burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • Check for an open ignition control (IC) circuit.
    • Check the ignition wires for the following items:
       - Any cracking
       - Any hardness
       - The 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 the wrong heat range.

Additional Checks

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