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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1988SPECTRUM BASE, 2D HATCHBACK, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMTURBOCHARGER CONTROL SYSTEMDIAGNOSISCODE 31 - TURBOCHARGER WASTEGATE CONTROL FAILURE (OVERBOOST)
1988 Chevrolet Spectrum Base, 2D Hatchback, Automatic
Code 31 - Turbocharger WASTEGATE Control Failure (OVERBOOST)
1988 Chevrolet Spectrum Base, 2D Hatchback, AutomaticSECTION Code 31 - Turbocharger WASTEGATE Control Failure (OVERBOOST)
- Turn ignition key off and clear codes. After clearing codes, turn ignition key on. Ensure diagnostic terminal is not grounded.
- Disconnect rubber hoses from turbocharger to VSV and VSV to air duct. See Figure . Blow air to VSV pipe, passage should be closed. If not closed, check signal circuit for short to ground. If passage is closed, ground diagnostic terminal. Blow air to VSV pipe, passage should be open.
- If VSV pipe passage is not open, check for open signal circuit or faulty ECM. If VSV pipe passage is open, check turbocharger wastegate valve actuator. If not okay, replace turbocharger. If okay, proceed to next step.
- Check rubber hose or turbocharger signal pipe for restriction. If no restrictions was found, problem is intermittent. If restriction was found, clean or clear restriction or replace turbocharger.
NOTE:
For more information see 1.5L EFI TURBO and/or the EFI TURBO (Sprint) articles in the COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS section.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.