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 2000 Pontiac Firebird, 2000 Chevrolet Corvette, and 2000 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system check. See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
- Ensure engine mechanical problem is not causing knock. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, review FREEZE FRAME and/or FAILURE RECORDS data and note parameters. Turn ignition off for about 15 seconds. Start engine and operate vehicle within conditions required for this diagnostic to run, and as close to conditions recorded in FREEZE FRAME/FAILURE RECORDS as possible. Select DTC function, then enter this DTC. If scan tool indicates that this test failed this ignition, go to next step. If scan tool does not indicate that this test failed this ignition, see DIAGNOSTIC AIDS .
- Disconnect KS harness connector. Using DVOM, check resistance between KS signal circuit and ground. If resistance is 93,000-107,000 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 93,000-107,000 ohms, go to step 6.
- Turn ignition off. Connect DVOM between KS and ground. Set DVOM to AC voltage scale. Tap on engine while observing signal on DVOM. If any signal is present, go to next step. If signal is not present, go to step 7.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM harness connector. Turn ignition on and check KS signal circuit between PCM and KS harness connector for open, short to voltage or short to ground. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 10. If circuit is okay, go to step 8.
- Remove intake manifold. Check for open or short to ground in signal circuit between KS jumper harness connector located at back of intake manifold. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 10. If circuit is okay, go to next step.
- Replace KS. After replacing sensor, go to step 10.
- Check KS signal circuit for poor terminal connection at PCM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 10. If terminal connection is okay, go to next step.
- Replace PCM. Program replacement PCM using required equipment. After replacing PCM, go to next step.
- Using scan tool, select DTC, CLEAR INFO function. Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Select DTC, SPECIFIC, then enter this DTC. Operate vehicle within conditions for setting this DTC. If scan tool indicates that this test ran and passed, go to next step. If scan tool does not indicate that this test ran and passed, repeat step 2.
- Using scan tool, select CAPTURE INFO, REVIEW INFO function. If any undiagnosed DTCs are displayed, go to applicable DTC test.
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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.