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 MANUALSCHEVROLET1996CAMARO RS, 2D COUPE, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM - BASIC ENGINE TESTING - 3.8LPRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTSPCM REPLACEMENT CHECK
1996 Chevrolet Camaro RS, 2D Coupe, Standard
Pcm Replacement Check
1996 Chevrolet Camaro RS, 2D Coupe, StandardSECTION Pcm Replacement Check
Many test procedures and test charts in ENGINE PERFORMANCE lead to conclusion that PCM is faulty. Before replacing PCM, check driven circuits and PCM Quad-Drivers (QDR) using following procedures and accompanying flow chart. See Fig 1 .
- Using a DVOM, backprobe PCM drive circuit in question and measure pin voltage with ignition on. If system voltage is present, go to next step. If system voltage is not present, turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM connector. Measure voltage on connector terminal for suspect circuit. If low voltage is measured, check circuit for an open or short to ground. Repair as necessary. If system voltage is measured, PCM is defective.
- With DVOM still backprobing PCM at suspect circuit, ground DLC "test" terminal. Monitor voltage drop on circuit for at least 2 minutes. Voltage drop should not be greater than .5 volt. Some circuits may have low voltage until DLC "test" terminal is grounded. A "switching" operation should occur. Some Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) systems have pressure switches in series with TCC solenoid. On these applications, complete this circuit by disconnecting transmission connector and using a test light in series between transmission connector terminals.
- If voltage drops and then floats back up, this occurs when QDR circuit is going into current limiting. Check circuit current flow (.75 amp maximum, except as noted in QDR check chart). See Fig 1 .
NOTE:
For PCM-equipped vehicles, transmission functions can only be energized through use of TECH 1 scan tool. Shift solenoids on these models will not energize when DLC is grounded.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.