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 MANUALSPONTIAC1987FIREBIRD FORMULA, 5.0 H, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMV6/V8 PFI COMPONENT TESTBASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula, 5.0 H, Automatic
Basic Diagnostic Procedure
1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula, 5.0 H, AutomaticSECTION Basic Diagnostic Procedure
NOTE:
Most computerized engine control problems are the result of mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged vacuum hoses. Before considering the computer system as a possible cause of problems, ignition high tension wires, fuel supply, electrical connections and vacuum hoses should be checked. Failure to do so may result in lost diagnostic time.
Diagnosis of the computerized engine control system should be performed in the following order:
- Make sure that all engine systems not related to the computer system are operating properly. Do not proceed with testing unless all other problems have been repaired.
- Perform appropriate DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUIT CHECK for that system. If trouble codes were displayed (other than Code 12), decide whether codes are "hard" or "intermittent" trouble codes. "Hard" codes will cause the "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light to illuminate continuously while engine is running. See ECM TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS table in the V6/V8 PFI TESTS/CODES article in this section.
- If no trouble codes were displayed, perform FIELD SERVICE MODE CHECK procedures.
- If no trouble is indicated by the FIELD SERVICE MODE check and/or a driveability problem exists, refer to SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS and/or SCAN TESTER USAGE in the TROUBLE SHOOTING procedures in the CEC TESTS W/O CODES article in this section. The comments there will send you to the proper component charts or tell you the most likely system/component to check.
- After any repairs are made, clear any trouble codes and perform FIELD SERVICE MODE check again. For code clearing procedures, refer to the V6/V8 PFI TESTS/CODES article in this section.
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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.