Diagnostic Procedures

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Diagnostic Procedures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? If yes, go to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data for this DTC. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Did the DTC fail this ignition cycle? If yes, go to next step. If no, see INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  3. Turn ignition OFF. Disconnect the respective ignition coil. Start the engine. Measure the frequency at the IC circuit using the DVOM set to DC Hertz. Is the frequency 3-20 Hz? If yes, go to step  7. If no, go to next step.
  4. Measure the voltage between the IC circuit and a good ground. Is the voltage more than 1 V? If yes, go to step  13. If no, go to next step.
  5. Turn ignition OFF. Disconnect the PCM connector. Test the IC circuit between the ignition coil connector and the PCM connector for continuity. If circuit test okay, go to next step. If no, go to step  14.
  6. Test the respective IC circuit for a short to ground. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  17. If no, go to step  10.
  7. Turn ignition ON, with engine OFF. Probe the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the ignition coil with a test light connected to ground. Does the test light illuminate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  11.
  8. Probe the ground circuit of the ignition coil with a test light connected to voltage. Does the test light illuminate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  12.
  9. Test for an intermittent and/or poor connections at the ignition coil. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  17. If no, go to step  15.
  10. Test for an intermittent and/or poor connections at the ignition coil. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  17. If no, go to step  16.
  11. Repair the open in the ignition 1 voltage circuit. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  12. Repair the open in the ground circuit for the ignition coil. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  13. Repair the IC circuit for a short to voltage. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  14. Repair open in the IC circuit. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  15. Replace ignition coil. See IGNITION COILS under IGNITION SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CORVETTE article. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  16. Replace PCM. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE under COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CORVETTE article. Did you complete the replacement? If yes, go to next step.
  17. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Did the DTC fail this ignition? If yes, go to step  2. If no, go to next step.
  18. Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? If yes, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS . If no, 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.