For 1990-2009 cars

Inspections | Action
--- | ---
DEFINITION: The condition is not currently present but is indicated in DTC history. OR There is a customer concern, but the symptom cannot currently be duplicated, if the condition is not DTC related.
Preliminary |

• | The fault must be present to locate a problem using the DTC table. If a condition is intermittent, the use of DTC tables may result in the replacement of good parts.

• | Inspect the engine control system grounds for being clean, tight, and in the correct locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics . Ensure the resistance between the engine control module (ECM) housing and the battery negative cable is less than 0.5 ohms.

Visual/Physical | This step is an important aid for locating a condition without extensive testing. Perform a thorough inspection of the following items:

• | Inspect the wiring harness for damage.

• | Inspect for a mis-routed harness that is too close to high voltage or high current devices such as the following:

- | Secondary ignition components

- | Motors and generators--These components may induce electrical noise on a circuit which can interfere with normal circuit operation.

• | Inspect the vacuum hoses for splits or kinks. Verify that the connections and routing are as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .

• | Inspect for air leaks at the throttle body mounting and intake manifold sealing surfaces.

• | Inspect for air leaks at the air cleaner outlet resonator and verify the correct installation of the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

• | Verify that the ECM grounds and the body grounds are clean, tight, and in the correct locations. Ensure the resistance between the ECM housing and the battery negative cable is less than 0.5 ohms.

• | Verify that the ECM and ECM bracket fasteners are at the correct torque.

• | Verify the battery connections are clean and tight.

• | Test the charging system for the correct operation. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Electrical .

Harness/Connector Inspection |

• | Many intermittent conditions occur with harness/connector movement caused by vibration, engine torque, rough pavement, or component operation. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents .

• | Excessive circuit resistance can cause a component to be inoperative. If a component does not respond to a scan tool command, test the related circuits for excessive resistance. Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with NO DTCs | The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and no DTCs:

• | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by a malfunctioning relay, ECM controlled solenoid, or switch.

• | The incorrect installation of non-factory or aftermarket add-on accessories such as cellular phones, alarms, lights, or radio equipment.

• | The MIL control circuit is intermittently shorted to ground.

• | The ECM grounds are loose.

Temperature Sensitivity |

• | An intermittent condition may occur only when the component is cold or only when the component is hot. The heat that affects the circuit can be engine generated or due to a poor connection in the circuit or a high electrical load.

• | Information from the customer may help to determine if the condition follows a pattern that is temperature related. The Freeze Frame/Failure Records or Snapshot data may help with this type of intermittent condition, where applicable.

• | If the intermittent is related to heat, review the data for a relationship with the following:

- | High ambient temperatures

- | Underhood/engine generated heat

- | Circuit generated heat due to a poor connection or high electrical load

- | Higher than normal load conditions (towing, etc.)

• | If the intermittent is related to cold, review the data for the following:

- | Low ambient temperatures--In extremely low temperatures, ice may form in a connection or component. Inspect for water intrusion.

- | The condition only occurs on a cold start.

- | The condition goes away when the engine warms up.

Duplicating Failure Conditions |

• | Attempt to duplicate and/or capture the failure conditions. Freeze Frame/Failure Records data contains the conditions that are present when a DTC sets.

- | Operate the vehicle within the same conditions that you observed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. The vehicle must also be operating within the Conditions for Running the DTC. Refer to Conditions for Running the DTC in the supporting text of the DTC being diagnosed.

- | Monitor DTC Status for the DTC being tested. The scan tool will indicate Ran when the enabling conditions have been satisfied long enough for the DTC to run. The scan tool will also indicate whether the DTC Passed or Failed.

• | The scan tool can be set up to take a snapshot of parameters. The Snapshot function records live data over a period of time. The recorded data can be played back and analyzed. The scan tool can also graph parameters individually or in a combination with other parameters for comparison. The Snapshot can be triggered manually at the time the symptom is noticed, or set up in advance to trigger when the DTC sets.

| An abnormal value captured in the recorded data may point to a system or component that requires further investigation.

| Refer to scan tool user instructions for more information on the Snapshot function.

• | An alternate method is to drive the vehicle with a DMM connected to a suspected circuit. An abnormal reading on the DMM when the problem occurs may help you locate the problem.

Additional Inspections | Some electrical components and circuits are sensitive to EMI or other types of electrical noise. Inspect for the following conditions:

• | A mis-routed harness that is too close to high voltage and high current devices such as secondary ignition components, motors, generator--These components may induce electrical noise on a circuit that could interfere with normal circuit operation.

• | Electrical system interference caused by a relay, ECM driven solenoid, or switch--The component can cause a sharp electrical surge. Normally, the condition occurs when the component is operating.

• | Incorrect installation of non-factory, aftermarket, add-on accessories such as lights, 2-way radios, amplifiers, electric motors, remote starters, alarm systems, cell phones

• | Test for an open diode across the A/C compressor clutch and for other open diodes. Some relays may contain a clamping diode or resistor.

• | Test the generator for a faulty rectifier bridge that may allow AC noise into the electrical system. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Electrical .