GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Fuel Injector Balance Test Example

Cylinder

1

2

3

4

First Reading

380 kPa (55 psi)

380 kPa (55 psi)

380 kPa (55 psi)

380 kPa (55 psi)

Second Reading

215 kPa (31 psi)

201 kPa (29 psi)

230 kPa (33 psi)

215 kPa (31 psi)

Amount Of Drop

165 kPa (24 psi)

179 kPa (26 psi)

151 kPa (22 psi)

165 kPa (24 psi)

Average Range: 156-176 kPa (22.5-25.5 psi)

Injector OK

Fuel Injector - Too Much Pressure Drop

Faulty Injector - Too Little Pressure Drop

Injector OK

Circuit/System Description

The scan tool is first used to energize the fuel pump relay. The fuel injector tester is then used to pulse each injector for a precise amount of time, allowing a measured amount of fuel into the manifold. This causes a drop in system fuel pressure that can be recorded and used to compare each injector.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Monitoring the misfire current counters, or misfire graph, may help to isolate the fuel injector that is causing the condition.
    • Operating the vehicle over a wide temperature range may help isolate the fuel injector that is causing the condition.
    • Perform the fuel injector balance test within the conditions of the customers concern. A fuel injector condition may only be apparent at a certain temperature, or under certain conditions.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Description and Operation

Fuel System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

J 39021 Fuel Injector Coil and Balance Tester

Component Testing

Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool

  1. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool engine coolant temperature (ECT) parameter is less than 94°C (201°F).
  2. If greater than the specified range, allow the engine to cool before proceeding.
  3. Ignition OFF, install the fuel pressure gage.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the fuel pressure is within 380-402 kPa (55-58 psi).
  5. If not within the specified range, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis for further diagnosis of the fuel system.
  6. Monitor the fuel pressure gage for 1 minute. Verify the fuel pressure does not drop greater than 34 kPa (5 psi).
  7. If greater than the specified range, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis for further diagnosis of the fuel system.

    Notice: Do Not repeat any portion of this test before running the engine in order to prevent the engine from flooding.

  8. Connect the J 39021 to a fuel injector with the amperage supply selector switch on the fuel injector tester to the Balance Test 0.5-2.5 amp position.
  9. Command the fuel pump relay ON with a scan tool and record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gage after the fuel pressure stabilizes. This is the first pressure reading.
  10. Important: 

       • Repeat this step for each fuel injector in order to obtain a pressure drop value for each fuel injector.
       • The fuel pressure may rise after the fuel injector stops pulsing. Record the fuel pressure value immediately after the fuel injector stops pulsing. DO NOT record the higher fuel pressure value.

  11. Energize the fuel injector by depressing the Push to Start Test button on the fuel injector tester. Record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gage after the fuel injector has stopped pulsing. This is the second pressure reading.
  12. Add all of the individual pressure drop values in order to calculate the total pressure drop. Divide the total pressure drop by the number of fuel injectors in order to calculate the average pressure drop. The difference between any individual pressure drop and the average pressure drop should not be greater than 20 kPa (3 psi).
  13. If greater than the specified range, replace the fuel injector.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Fuel Injection Fuel Rail Assembly Replacement