Engine Controls - Basic Diagnostic Procedures - 6.5L Diesel (G Series): Introduction

1997 Chevrolet Chevy Express G3500, Van Cargo, 6.5 FSECTION Introduction

The following diagnostic steps help prevent overlooking simple problems. This is also where to begin diagnosis for no-start condition.

The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint by test driving vehicle under the conditions in which the problem reportedly occurred.

Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.

NOTE: Unless otherwise instructed in test procedures, perform all voltage tests using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance.
GENERAL MOTORS REFERENCE

System Or Component Diagnostic Information Location
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
DLC & MIL On Steady See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
No Scan Tool Data See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK 
No-Start Diagnosis See NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY 
Injector Circuit Diagnosis See BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS 
Fuel Pump Relay See MODULES, MOTORS, RELAYS & SOLENOIDS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Fuel System Diagnosis See BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS 
Injector Balance Test See FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
MAP Sensor See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Transmission Range Switch See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
IAC Valve See IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM under FUEL SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Fuel Evaporation Control See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Ignition Control Circuit See IGNITION SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Knock Sensor Check See IGNITION SYSTEM in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
EGR System See EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Torque Converter Clutch (1) See MISCELLANEOUS PCM/VCM CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Manual Trans. Shift Lights (1) See MISCELLANEOUS PCM/VCM CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
A/C Clutch Control See MISCELLANEOUS PCM/VCM CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
Elec.Cooling Fan Control (2) See MISCELLANEOUS PCM/VCM CONTROLS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article
(1) Complete coverage in TRANSMISSION SERVICING article.
(2) Covered in entirety in A/C-HEATER SYSTEM article.
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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.