GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DIESEL LOW POWER BLACK SMOKE OPERATION OR EPR VALVE

THE FOLLOWING IS SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR BULLETIN 81-I-101.

A MALFUNCTIONING EXHAUST PRESSURE REGULATOR (EPR) SYSTEM CAN CAUSE BLACK SMOKE AND LOW POWER. CHECK TO SEE IF THE EPR VALVE IS OPERATING PROPERLY BY FLASHING THE THROTTLE AND OBSERVE THE EPR SHAFT TO SEE IF THERE IS MOVEMENT. IF THERE IS NO MOVEMENT, IT INDICATES A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. REFER TO THE DIAGNOSTIC SECTION OF THE SERVICE MANUAL, SECTION 6A5.

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.