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.
2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check
- Ensure battery is fully charged. Load test battery. Replace as necessary. If battery passes load test, go to next step.
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn ignition on, with engine off. If scan tool powers up, go to next step. If scan tool does not power up, go to TEST A: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT POWER UP under SYSTEM TESTS in appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULES article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
- Attempt to communicate with Instrument Panel (I/P) cluster and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If scan tool communicates with modules, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with modules, go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS in appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULES article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
- Select DTC display function for each module. If using a Tech 2, use the CLASS 2 DTC CHECK feature to determine which modules have DTCs set. If DTCs are stored in any module, go to next step. If no DTCs are stored in any module, attempt to diagnose by symptom. See appropriate GENERATORS & REGULATORS or STARTERS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS.
- If scan tool does not display any DTCs that begin with "U", go to next step. If scan tool displays any DTCs that begin with "U", go to TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS in appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULES article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
- If scan tool displays DTC B1000, go to DTC B1000 under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULES article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. If scan tool displays any other DTCs, go to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS to identify and repair DTCs set in Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.