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.
1998 Chevrolet Venture Base, Van Cargo ExtendedFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis (Primary Ignition Check)
- Perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check. See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK in TESTS W/CODES article. After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- If any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) is present, diagnose DTC(s). See TESTS W/CODES article. If DTC(s) is not present, go to next step.
- Start engine. If a no-start condition or hard-start condition is present, go to next step. If engine starts okay, go to step 5).
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect Ignition Control Module (ICM) connector C2. Turn ignition on. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at ICM connector C2 ignition battery voltage circuit. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If voltage is less than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is greater than 10 volts, go to NO START -ENGINE CRANKS OKAY under NO START DIAGNOSIS .
- Drive vehicle and note driveability problems such as miss, stumble or hesitation. If driveability problem is present, go to ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS (SECONDARY IGNITION CHECK). If driveability problem is not present, go to next step.
- If any other driveability problem is present, go to TESTS W/O CODES article. If no other driveability problems are present, go to step 8).
- Check ELEK IGN fuse located in underhood junction block. If fuse is blown, repair short to ground in ignition battery voltage circuit between fuse and ICM. Replace fuse. Check for open in ignition battery voltage circuit. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. Check for loose or corroded terminals and connections. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to next step. If circuit, terminals and connections are okay, go to TESTS W/O CODES article.
- Operate vehicle within conditions in which problem occurred. If driveability problem is present, perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check. See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK in TESTS W/CODES article. If driveability problem is not present, system is okay.
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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