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 Procedure (Without Feedback Fuel System)
- Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? If yes, go to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 5.7L CORVETTE article.
- Did you perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test? If yes, go to next step. If no, see FUEL INJECTOR COIL TESTΒ .
- Install fuel pressure gauge. Turn ignition ON, with the engine OFF. Command fuel pump relay ON with a scan tool. Observe the fuel pressure gauge, with fuel pump relay commanded ON. Is the fuel pressure 55-62 psi (380-427 kPa)? If yes, go to next step. If no, see appropriate FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS under FUEL SYSTEMS in BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - 5.7L CORVETTE article.
- Monitor fuel pressure gauge for 1 minute. Does fuel pressure decrease by more than 5 psi (34 kPa)? If yes, see appropriate FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS under FUEL SYSTEMS in BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - 5.7L CORVETTE article. If no, go to next step.
-
- Select the FUEL INJECTOR BALANCE TEST function with a scan tool.
- Select an injector to be tested.
- Press ENTER. This will prime the fuel system.
- Record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge after the fuel pressure stabilizes. This is the 1st pressure reading.
- Energize the fuel injector by depressing the PULSE INJECTOR BUTTON on the scan tool. This will energize the injector and decrease the fuel pressure.
- Record the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge after the fuel injector has stopped pulsing. This is the 2nd pressure reading.
- Press ENTER again to bring you back to the SELECT INJECTOR screen.
- Repeat for each fuel injector.
- Subtract the 2nd pressure reading from the 1st pressure reading for one fuel injector. The result is the pressure drop value.
- Obtain a pressure drop value for each fuel injector.
- Add all of the individual pressure drop values. This is the total pressure drop.
- Divide the total pressure drop by the number of fuel injectors. This is the average pressure drop.
Is the difference between any individual pressure drop and the average pressure drop more than 1.5 psi (10 kPa)? If yes go to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 5.7L CORVETTE article.
- Replace affected fuel injector. See FUEL RAIL & INJECTORS under FUEL SYSTEMS in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - CORVETTE article. After repair is complete, go to next step.
- Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 5.7L CORVETTE article.
The fuel pump relay may need to be commanded ON a few times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure. DO NOT start the engine.
Record the fuel pressure value immediately after the fuel injector stops pulsing. The fuel pressure may rise after the fuel injector stops pulsing. DO NOT record the higher fuel pressure value.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.