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.
1988 Chevrolet Spectrum ExpressFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Code 32 (EGR System Control)
- With engine off and ignition on, jumper ALDL and check for additional codes. Repair other codes first. If only code 32 is present, continue with test.
- With engine at normal operating temperature, raise RPM to 3000 and check for movement of EGR valve diaphragm. If EGR is operating, go to step 5).
- If EGR is inoperative, shut off engine and disconnect vacuum hose from Back Pressure Transducer (BPT) to EGR valve. Connect vacuum gauge to BPT. Start engine and run at 3000 RPM. If vacuum is present, replace EGR valve.
- If vacuum is not present in step 3), check VSV by applying battery voltage to Blue/Yellow wire terminal while grounding White/Green wire terminal of VSV. If VSV operates when voltage is applied, VSV is good. Start engine and check vacuum signal to VSV. Correct if improper. Check for faulty BPT or bad hoses.
- If EGR operation was proper in step 2), stop engine and remove EGR Gas Temperature Sensor (GTS) from EGR valve. Heat the sensing portion of the GTS and check resistance. See EGR GTS SENSOR RESISTANCE table. If GTS values are improper, replace GTS.
- If GTS check good, check for clogged exhaust passage. If exhaust passage is clear, replace ECM.
EGR GTS SENSOR RESISTANCE
| Temperature | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 32°F (0°C) | 8,200,000 |
| 122°F (50°C) | 635,000 |
| 212°F (100°C) | 85,300 |
| 392°F (200°C) | 5000 |
Factory Service Tools
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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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