Section 14 (Engine Controls - Basic Diagnostic Procedures): Introduction
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2001 Pontiac Montana, 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada, and 2001 GMC Sonoma. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The following diagnostic steps help prevent overlooking simple problems. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition.
The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint by test driving vehicle under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.
NOTE:
Unless otherwise instructed in test procedures, perform all voltage tests using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance.