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.
2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check
- Perform battery inspection test. See BATTERY TESTING & INSPECTION under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. Go to next step.
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located below left side of instrument panel. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. If scan tool powers up, go to next step. If scan tool does not power up, perform TEST A: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT POWER UP under SYSTEM TESTS in BODY CONTROL MODULES - CAMARO & FIREBIRD article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
- Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using scan tool, attempt communication with Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If scan tool communicates with IPC and PCM, go to next step. If scan tool does not communicate with IPC and PCM, perform TEST B: SCAN TOOL DOES NOT COMMUNICATE WITH CLASS 2 DEVICE under SYSTEM TESTS in BODY CONTROL MODULES - CAMARO & FIREBIRD article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
- Select DISPLAY DTCs function for each module. Record all displayed DTCs, DTC status, and module which set the DTC. If scan tool displays DTCs, go to next step. If scan tool does not display DTCs, repair charging system by symptom. See SYMPTOM INDEX table under SYSTEM TESTS.
- If scan tool displays DTCs which begin with "U", perform appropriate test in accordance with DTC retrieved. See BODY CONTROL MODULES - CAMARO & FIREBIRD article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. If scan tool does not display DTCs which begin with "U", go to next step.
- If scan tool displays DTC B1000, see BODY CONTROL MODULES - CAMARO & FIREBIRD article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. If scan tool does not display DTC B1000, perform appropriate test in accordance with DTC retrieved. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS .
Factory Service Tools
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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.