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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSPONTIAC1983J2000/SUNBIRD L4-121 2.0LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSEXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATIONTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSBY SYMPTOMSTARTING PROBLEMSENGINE - HARD STARTING, ROUGH IDLE, BLACK SMOKE
1983 Pontiac J2000/Sunbird L4-121 2.0L
Engine - Hard Starting, Rough Idle, Black Smoke
1983 Pontiac J2000/Sunbird L4-121 2.0LSECTION Engine - Hard Starting, Rough Idle, Black Smoke
Number 83-I-148 Section 6 Date 09/83
Subject: HARD STARTING, ROUGH IDLE, BLACK SMOKE, OR INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - 1983 2000 MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L L-4 ENGINE
VEHICLES AFFECTED
This information applies to all 1983 2000 models equipped with engine driven vacuum pumps.. This includes all vehicles equipped with cruise control and all early production vehicles having vehicle identification numbers with the last eight characters less than D7273693. Vehicles built after this breakpoint were equipped with the same vacuum bleed valve which is a part of this bulletin..
CONDITION
Some complaints of hard starting, rough idle, black smoke, and/or intermittent check engine light accompanied by a Code 33 (MAP sensor) can be attributed to the EGR valve binding in the wide open position after engine shutdown.

DIAGNOSIS
To determine if the EGR valve and related systems are functioning properly, follow the diagnostic chart shown on the reverse side.
The following is recommended as a replacement for the Correction Section in this bulletin:
CORRECTION
1. If the EGR valve is closed with the key on and the engine off, the EGR valve is functioning properly. Install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541) and proceed to the MAP sensor diagnostics.
2. If the EGR valve fails to close with the key on and the vacuum signal line removed, replace the EGR valve and install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541).
3. If the EGR valve closes with the key on when the vacuum signal is removed, inspect the EGR solenoid valve for proper function (refer to Chart 8 in the EFI Diagnostic Section of the Service Manual) and install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541).
Use applicable labor operation.
Subject: HARD STARTING, ROUGH IDLE, BLACK SMOKE, OR INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - 1983 2000 MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L L-4 ENGINE
VEHICLES AFFECTED
This information applies to all 1983 2000 models equipped with engine driven vacuum pumps.. This includes all vehicles equipped with cruise control and all early production vehicles having vehicle identification numbers with the last eight characters less than D7273693. Vehicles built after this breakpoint were equipped with the same vacuum bleed valve which is a part of this bulletin..
CONDITION
Some complaints of hard starting, rough idle, black smoke, and/or intermittent check engine light accompanied by a Code 33 (MAP sensor) can be attributed to the EGR valve binding in the wide open position after engine shutdown.
EGR VALVE DIAGNOSTIC CHART:
DIAGNOSIS
To determine if the EGR valve and related systems are functioning properly, follow the diagnostic chart shown on the reverse side.
The following is recommended as a replacement for the Correction Section in this bulletin:
CORRECTION
1. If the EGR valve is closed with the key on and the engine off, the EGR valve is functioning properly. Install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541) and proceed to the MAP sensor diagnostics.
2. If the EGR valve fails to close with the key on and the vacuum signal line removed, replace the EGR valve and install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541).
3. If the EGR valve closes with the key on when the vacuum signal is removed, inspect the EGR solenoid valve for proper function (refer to Chart 8 in the EFI Diagnostic Section of the Service Manual) and install a vacuum bleed valve (part number 14079541).
Use applicable labor operation.
RENDER: 1.0x
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.