Diagnostic Procedures

1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, 2D Convertible, AutomaticSECTION Diagnostic Procedures
  1. Perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system check. See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS INTRODUCTION article. After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM harness connector. Turn ignition on. Using DVOM, check voltage between ground and A/C relay driver circuit terminal at PCM connector. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step  6.
  3. Using DVOM, set DVOM to 10-amp range. Measure current between ground and MIL driver circuit. Monitor reading for at least 2 minutes. If current is 0.1-1.5 amps, go to step  11. If current is not 0.1-1.5 amps, go to next step.
  4. Turn ignition off. Disconnect A/C relay. Using DVOM, check voltage between ground and A/C relay driver circuit. If voltage reading is zero volts, go to step  14. If voltage reading is not zero volts, go to next step.
  5. Locate and repair short to voltage in A/C relay driver circuit. After repairs, go to step  16.
  6. Remove and inspect fuse for A/C relay. If fuse is blown, go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step  8.
  7. Locate and repair short to ground in ignition feed circuit for A/C relay. After repairs, go to step  16.
  8. Disconnect A/C relay. Turn ignition on. Check voltage between ground and A/C relay ignition feed circuit. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step  13.
  9. Check for an open or short to ground in A/C relay driver circuit. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  16. If circuit is okay, go to next step.
  10. Check A/C relay driver circuit and ignition feed circuit for poor terminal connection at PCM connector. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  16. If connections are okay, go to step  14.
  11. Turn ignition off. Reconnect PCM harness connector. Disconnect A/C relay connector. Turn ignition on. Connect a test light between affected output driver circuit and ignition feed circuit terminals at A/C relay harness connector. Using scan tool, select OUTPUTS TEST function and cycle A/C relay on and off. If test light flashes, see DIAGNOSTIC AIDS . If test light does not flash, go to next step.
  12. Check A/C relay driver circuit for poor terminal connection at PCM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  16. If connection is okay, go to step  15.
  13. Locate and repair open in ignition feed circuit to A/C relay. After repairs, go to step  16.
  14. Replace A/C relay. After replacing relay, go to step  16.
  15. Replace PCM. Program replacement PCM using required equipment. After replacing PCM, go to next step.
  16. Using scan tool, select CLEAR INFO or CLEAR DTCs function to clear DTCs. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, review FREEZE FRAME data and note parameters. Start engine and operate vehicle within conditions required for setting this DTC, and as close to conditions recorded in FREEZE FRAME as possible. Monitor SPECIFIC DTC info for this DTC until DTC test runs. If scan tool indicates FAILED THIS IGN, repeat step  2. If scan tool does not indicate FAILED THIS IGN, repair is complete.
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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.