Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Driver Complaint Sheet
Engine performance problem (odor, surge, fuel economy)
Emission problem
If the "check engine" light is not on, normal checks that would be performed on cars without CCC should be done first.
If generator or coolant light is on with the check engine light, they should be diagnosed first.
Inspect for poor connections at coolant sensor, M/C solenoid, etc., and poor or loose vacuum hoses and connections. Repair as necessary.
- Intermittent check engine light but no trouble code stored -
- Check for intermittent connection in circuit from:
- Distributor module terminal R to ECM terminal 10.
- Battery to ECM terminals C and R.
- ECM terminal U to engine ground.
- Loss of long terminal memory Grounding dwell lead for 10 seconds with "test" lead ungrounded should give code 23. It should be retained after engine is stopped and ignition turned to run position. If it is not, ECM is defective.
- Check for intermittent connection in circuit from:
- Stalling, Rough Idle or Improper Idle Speed - See idle speed control.
- Poor Performance and/or Fuel Economy - See EST diagnosis.
- Poor Full Throttle Performance - See Chart 5 (if equipped with TPS)
- All Other Complaints - Make system performance check on warm engine (upper radiator hose hot)
The system performance check should be performed after any repairs to the CCC system have been made.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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