Trouble Code Determination (Hard Or Intermittent)

1983 Pontiac Grand Prix Base, 5.0 HSECTION Trouble Code Determination (Hard Or Intermittent)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 28 other vehicles, including the 1984 Pontiac Phoenix, 1984 Pontiac Parisienne, 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1984 Pontiac Firebird, and 1984 Pontiac Bonneville. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

During any diagnostic procedure, you must decide between "hard failure" codes and "intermittent failure" codes. Diagnostic charts will not usually help analyze "intermittent failure" codes. To determine "hard failure" codes and "intermittent failure" codes, proceed as follows:

  1. Enter diagnostic mode. Read and record all stored trouble codes. Exit diagnostic mode and clear trouble codes.
  2. Apply parking brake and place transmission in Neutral (man. trans.) or "P" (auto. trans.). Block drive wheels and start engine. "CHECK ENGINE" light should go out. Run warm engine at specified curb idle for 2 minutes and note "CHECK ENGINE" light.
  3. If "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on, enter diagnostic mode. Read and record trouble codes. This will reveal "hard failure" codes. Codes "13", "15", "24", "44", "45" and "55" may require a road test to reset "hard failure" after trouble codes were cleared.
    NOTE: Anytime codes "51," "52," "54" or "55" are displayed with another code, start with "50-series" code first, then proceed to lowest numbered code.
  4. If "CHECK ENGINE" light does not come on, all stored trouble codes were "intermittent failures". Exceptions are noted under Diagnostic Procedure.
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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.