Engine Controls - Strategy Based Engine Diagnosis

2002 Chevrolet Malibu
Powertrain Diagnostics & Repair / Engine Performance / Fault Isolation / ENGINE

CONTROLS - STRATEGY BASED ENGINE DIAGNOSIS
Strategy Based Diagnosis

The goal of Strategy Based Diagnostics is to provide guidance when you create a plan of action for each specific diagnostic situation.
Following a similar plan for each diagnostic situation, you will achieve maximum efficiency when you diagnose and repair vehicles.
Although each of the Strategy Based Diagnostics boxes is numbered, you are not required to complete every box in order to successfully
diagnose a customer concern. The first step of your diagnostic process should always be, verify the Customer Concern box . The final step
of your diagnostic process should be Repair and verify the Fix box 7. Refer to the following chart for the correct Strategy Based
Diagnostics.
Fig. 1: Strategy Based Diagnosis
1. Verify the Customer Concern: The first part of this step is to obtain as much information as possible from the customer. Are there
aftermarket accessories on the vehicle? When does the condition occur? Where does the condition occur? How long does the
condition last? How often does the condition occur? In order to verify the concern, the technician should be familiar with the normal
operation of the system and refer to the owner or service manual for any information needed.
2. Preliminary Checks: Conduct a thorough visual inspection. Review the service history. Detect unusual sounds or odors. Gather
diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information in order to achieve an effective repair.
3. Perform Published Diagnostic System Checks: One or more DTCs may not support a system. System checks verify the proper
operation of the system. This will lead the technician in an organized approach to diagnostics.
4. Check Bulletins and Other Service Information: Use videos, newsletters, and the Pulsat programs.
5. 5.1 Stored DTCs: Follow the designated DTC table exactly in order to make an effective repair.
5.2 Symptom No DTC: Select the symptom from the symptom tables. Follow the diagnostic steps or suggestions in order to
complete the repair, or refer to the applicable component/system check.
5.3 No Published Diagnostics: Analyze the Concern. Develop a plan for the diagnostics. The service manual schematics will
help you to see system power, ground, input and output circuits. You can also identify splices and other areas where multiple
circuits are tied together. Look at component locations to see if components, connectors or harnesses may be exposed to
extreme temperature, moisture, road salt or other corrosives battery acid, oil or other fluids. Utilize the wiring diagrams,
system description and operation, and system circuit description.
5.4 Intermittents: An intermittent condition is one that does not occur continuously and will occur when certain conditions are
met. Generally, intermittents are caused by faulty electrical connections and wiring, malfunctioning components,
electromagnetic/radio frequency interference, and aftermarket equipment. Combine technician knowledge with efficient use
of the available service information. Evaluate the symptoms and conditions described by the customer. Use a check sheet or
other method in order to identify the component. Follow the suggestions for intermittent diagnosis found in the service
manual. The Tech 1 and Tech 2 scan tools, and the J 39200 (Fluke 87) have data capturing capabilities that can assist in
detection of intermittents.
5.5 Vehicle Operates as Designed: This condition exists when the vehicle is found to operate normally. The condition
described by the customer may be normal. Verify against another like vehicle that is operating normally under the same
conditions described by the customer. Explain your findings and the operation of that system to the customer.
6. Re-examine the Concern: If a technician cannot successfully find or isolate the concern, a re-evaluation is necessary. Re-verify the
concern. The concern could be an intermittent or normal.
7. Repair and Verify Fix: After isolating the cause, make the repairs and validate for proper operation. Verify that the symptom has
been corrected, which may involve road testing the vehicle.
Created/Modified Date: 2/17/2012 9:30:03 PM

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2002 Chevrolet Malibu

Powertrain Diagnostics & Repair / Engine Performance / Fault Isolation / ENGINE

Strategy Based Diagnosis

Fig. 1: Strategy Based Diagnosis

Created/Modified Date: 2/17/2012 9:30:03 PM

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