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.
Diagnostic Procedures
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Diagnostic Procedures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Perform diagnostic system check - engine controls. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. After performing diagnostic system check - engine controls, go to next step.
- Attempt to start the engine. Will the engine start? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to appropriate NO-START DIAGNOSIS in BASIC DIAGNOSTICS PROCEDURES - CARS - EXCEPT METRO & PRIZM.
- Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. Start engine. Operate vehicle within the conditions for Running the DTC. See CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING DTC . Operate vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Does the DTC fail this ignition? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to next step. If yes, go to step 5 .
- With the engine running, wiggle the electrical connectors of the PCM, IC module and CKP components and related circuits, while listening for the engine to stumble. Does the engine stumble? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to step 7 .
- Operate any non-engine related electronic component on the vehicle. Observe the Med. Resolution Resync Counter with the scan tool. Does the Med. Resolution Resync Counter on the scan tool increment while operating any non-engine related electronic components? If yes, go to step 9 . If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Check for a poor electrical terminal connection or replace the terminal in the circuit which caused the engine to stumble. Repair the electrical connection or the terminal in the circuit as necessary. After repairs, go to step 13 .
- Did the MIL illuminate in step 3 ? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13 .
- Turn ignition off. Check for rubbed-through wire insulation or for wiring being pinched in the PCM, IC module or CKP sensor. Repair the wiring as necessary. Was repair necessary? If yes, go to step 13 . If no, go to step 10 .
- Turn ignition off. Repair the circuitry of the malfunctioning or interfering component. Move any wiring that is causing the interference away from the CKP and IC module wiring harness. After repairs, go to step 13 .
- Replace CKP sensor. Idle engine for 5 minutes or until the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) turns ON. Did the MIL illuminate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13 .
- Turn ignition off. Replace the IC module. Start and idle engine for 5 minutes or until the MIL turns ON. Did the MIL illuminate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13 .
- Replace PCM. Perform PCM relearn procedure. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE under PROGRAMMING. Operate engine at idle for 5 minutes or until the MIL turns ON. Did the MIL illuminate? If yes, see DIAGNOSTIC AIDS . If no, go to next step.
- Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. See CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING DTC . Does the DTC run and pass? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 2 .
- Using scan tool, observe stored information and Capture Info. If scan tool displays any undiagnosed DTCs, diagnose affected DTCs. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS . If no other DTCs are displayed, system is okay.
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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.