REDUCED ENGINE DRIVEABILITY INTERMITTENT CEL, RUN ON

Model and Year 1985-88 SPECTRUM

Some of the subject vehicles may experience one or more of the above symptoms.

Reduced engine driveability, intermittent check engine light (C.E.L.) and engine continues to run after turning the ignition key to the "Off" position may result from a poor or dirty electrical ground condition.

When addressing any of the above concerns first inspect the engine compartment ground points per the following instructions:

Reduced Driveability:

Inspect ground points for looseness, corrosion and dirt which could cause poor contact. Clean and tighten connection as necessary.

Inspect the engine ground at the right hand shock tower for corrosion on the wire clip and the spade terminal and attachment to body; also, inspect the battery ground point at the left hand inner fender panel adjacent to the battery for full contact and ground point in front of battery at radiator header panel. These grounds are on painted surfaces and electrical connection is made by the screw threads cutting through the paint.

Intermittent C.E.L./Engine runs with ignition key "Off":

Inspect the ECM ground at the intake manifold. A poor connection at this point may also cause erroneous trouble Codes 13 (defective oxygen sensor) or 44 (lean engine condition) to be set.

Inspect for corrosion, dirt, loose connection and wire broken inside insulation. Repair, clean, tighten as necessary. If there is a plastic sleeve over the wires adjacent to the ground terminal, inspect to ensure that this sleeve is not preventing good contact between the bolt/terminal or terminal/intake manifold. Remove sleeve if necessary to provide an adequate ground connection.

Labor Operation Number: T1408 Labor Time : .4 Hours Inspect and Repair

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.