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 System Check - Engine Controls: Description
The Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach to identifying a condition created by an electronic engine control system malfunction. The Diagnostic System Check must be the starting point for any driveability concern. The Diagnostic System Check directs the service technician to the next logical step in diagnosing the concern. Understanding the table and using the table correctly reduces diagnostic time and prevents the replacement of good parts.
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perform the following preliminary inspections:
Did you find and correct the condition? |
System OK | Go to Step 2Β |
| 2 |
|
Go to Step 3Β | Go to Scan Tool Does Not Power Up in Data Link Communications |
| 3 |
|
Go to Step 4Β | Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Class 2 Device in Data Link Communications |
| 4 |
IMPORTANT:
The engine may start during the following step. Turn OFF the engine as soon as you have observed the Crank power mode.
|
Go to Step 5Β | Go to Power Mode Mismatch in Body Control System |
| 5 | Attempt to start the engine. Does the engine crank? |
Go to Step 6Β | Go to Symptoms - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical |
| 6 | Did the engine start and idle? | Go to Step 7Β | Go to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run |
| 7 |
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT clear the DTCs unless instructed by a diagnostic procedure.
|
Go to Step 8Β | Go to Step 9Β |
| 8 | If there are any powertrain DTCs, select Capture Info to store the powertrain DTC information with a scan tool. Did you complete the action? |
Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) ListΒ for applicable diagnostic procedure | - |
| 9 | Is the customer's concern with Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing? | Go to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System Check | Go to Step 10Β |
| 10 | Are there any driveability symptoms observed? | Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls | System OK |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.