GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Strategy Based Diagnostics

  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle before using the symptom tables.
  2. Review the system operations in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Disassembled Views , Engine Content Specifications , Engine Component Description , Lubrication Description , Camshaft Position Actuator and Solenoid Valve Description , Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management) System Description and Hybrid Modes of Operation Description.

All diagnosis on a vehicle should follow a logical process. Strategy based diagnostics is a uniform approach for repairing all systems. The diagnostic flow may always be used in order to resolve a system condition. The diagnostic flow is the place to start when repairs are necessary. For a detailed explanation, refer to Strategy Based Diagnosis.

Visual/Physical Inspection

    â€¢ Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the engine. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories.
    â€¢ Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
    â€¢ Inspect for the correct oil level, proper oil viscosity, and correct filter application.
    â€¢ Verify the exact operating conditions under which the concern exists. Note factors such as engine RPM, ambient temperature, engine temperature, amount of engine warm-up time, and other specifics.
    â€¢ Compare the engine sounds, if applicable, to a known good engine and make sure you are not trying to correct a normal condition.

Intermittent

Test the vehicle under the same conditions that the customer reported in order to verify the system is operating properly.

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

    â€¢  Base Engine Misfire without Internal Engine Noises
    â€¢  Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Internal Lower Engine Noises
    â€¢  Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Valve Train Noise
    â€¢  Base Engine Misfire with Coolant Consumption
    â€¢  Base Engine Misfire with Excessive Oil Consumption
    â€¢  Engine Noise on Start-Up, but Only Lasting a Few Seconds
    â€¢  Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed
    â€¢  Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed
    â€¢  Engine Noise Under Load
    â€¢  Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate
    â€¢  Coolant in Combustion Chamber
    â€¢  Coolant in Engine Oil
    â€¢  Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management) System Diagnosis
    â€¢  Engine Compression Test
    â€¢  Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management) System Compression Test
    â€¢  Cylinder Leakage Test
    â€¢  Oil Consumption Diagnosis
    â€¢  Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing
    â€¢  Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management) Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Diagnosis and Testing
    â€¢  Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management) Oil Pressure Relief Valve Diagnosis and Testing
    â€¢  Camshaft Position Actuator and Solenoid Valve Diagnosis and Testing
    â€¢  Oil Leak Diagnosis
    â€¢  Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis
    â€¢  Drive Belt Chirping, Squeal, and Whine Diagnosis
    â€¢  Drive Belt Rumbling and Vibration Diagnosis
    â€¢  Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis
    â€¢  Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis