1997 Chevrolet Venture LSFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Engine Control System - System/Component Tests: Introduction

Before testing separate components or systems, perform procedures in the BASIC TESTING article. Since many computer-controlled and monitored components set a trouble code if they malfunction, also perform procedures in the TESTS W/CODES article.

NOTE: Testing individual components does not isolate shorts or opens. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure. Use ohmmeter and refer to the WIRING DIAGRAMS article to isolate wiring harness shorts or opens.

The following table provides the location of commonly used diagnostic information.

GENERAL MOTORS REFERENCE

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