A Symptoms

IMPORTANT PRELIMINARY CHECKS

Before Starting
Before using this section, you should have performed the Diagnostic System Check-Computers and Controls Systems and determined that the following items are OK:
- The powertrain control module (PCM), malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), and check engine are operating correctly.
- There are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored.
- Scan tool data is within normal operating range. Refer to Scan Tool Data List. Scan Tool Data, Normal Values and Definitions

Verify the customer complaint, and locate the correct symptom in the table of contents. Check the items indicated under that symptom.

Visual/Physical Check
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful visual/physical check. The importance of this step cannot be stressed strongly enough. This step can lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can save valuable time. This check should include:
- PCM grounds for the following conditions:
- Clean connection
- Tight connection
- Proper location
Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Diagnostic Aids.
- Vacuum hoses for the following conditions:
- Splits
- Kinks
- Proper connections as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label-Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram.
- Leaks
- Restrictions
- Air leaks at the following components:
- Throttle body mounting
- Intake manifold sealing surfaces
- Wiring for the following conditions:
- Proper locations
- Pinches
- Cuts
- Use the following tables when diagnosing a symptom complaint:
- Hard Start
- Surges/Chuggles
- Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
- Detonation/Spark Knock
- Hesitation, Sag, Stumble
- Cuts Out, Misses
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Poor Fuel Fill Quality
- Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling
- Dieseling, Run-On
- Backfire
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On