Diagnostic Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Fuel Pipe Shut-Off Adapters (J-37287) are required for this procedure.
- If diagnostic system check has already been performed, go to next step. If diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 4.0L AURORA article.
- Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Does fuel pump operate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS .
- Turn ignition off. Turn off all accessories. Install Fuel Pressure Gauge (J-34730-1A). See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE . Place bleed hose from fuel pressure gauge into an approved gasoline container. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Bleed air out of fuel pressure gauge. It may be necessary to command the fuel pump on several times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure. DO NOT start engine. Observe fuel pressure gauge, with fuel pump commanded on. Is fuel pressure within 41-47 psi (284-325 kPa). If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 12 .
- Monitor fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does fuel pressure drop more than 5 psi (34 kPa)? If yes, go to step 9 . If no, go to next step.
- Relieve fuel pressure to 10 psi (69 kPa). Monitor fuel pressure gauge for 5 minutes. Does fuel pressure drop more than 2 psi (14 kPa). If yes, go to step 25 . If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off for 15 seconds. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. Start engine. Does fuel pressure drop 3-10 psi (21-69 kPa) when engine is started? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 8 .
- Operate vehicle within the conditions of the customer's concern. Monitor fuel related parameters using a scan tool. Do any of the scan tool parameters indicate a lean condition? If yes, go to step 17 . If no, see TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 4.0L AURORA article.
- Disconnect vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator. Operate engine at idle. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. Using a hand-held vacuum pump, apply 12-14 Hg. (304-355 mm) to fuel pressure regulator. Does the fuel pressure drop 3-10 psi (21-69 kPa) when vacuum is applied? If yes, go to step 22 . If no, go to step 24 .
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Inspect for fuel leak from fuel pressure regulator vacuum port. Is fuel pressure regulator leaking fuel? If yes, go to step 24 . If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel feed hose and fuel return hose from fuel rail pipes. Install Fuel Pipe Shut-Off Adapters (J-37287)between the fuel hoses and fuel rail pipes. Open valves on the fuel pipe shut-off adapters. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Bleed air from fuel pressure gauge. Command the fuel pump on and then off. Close fuel feed pipe shut-off valve. Monitor fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does the fuel pressure remain constant? If yes, go to step 19 . If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Open fuel feed pipe shut-off valve. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on and then off using a scan tool. Close the fuel return pipe shut-off valve. Monitor fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does fuel pressure remain constant? If yes, go to step 24 . If no, go to step 20 .
- Is fuel pressure greater than 62 psi (427 kPa)? If yes, go to step 14 . If no, go to next step.
- Is fuel pressure greater than zero psi (0 kPa)? If yes, go to step 16 . If no, go to step 17 .
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel return hose from fuel rail pipe. Attach a length of flexible fuel hose to fuel rail outlet passage. Place open end of fuel hose into an approved gasoline container. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Monitor fuel pressure gauge while fuel pump is operating. Is fuel pressure within 41-47 psi (284-325 kPa)? If yes, go to step 23 . If no, go to next step.
- Inspect fuel return pipe and fuel rail outlet passage for restriction. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 26 . If no, go to step 24 .
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel return hose from fuel rail pipe. Install Fuel Pipe Shut-Off Adapters (J-37287) between fuel return pipe and fuel rail. Open valve in fuel pipe shut-off adapter. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on using scan tool. Bleed air from fuel system. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. Slowly close the valve in fuel return pipe shut-off adapter. Command fuel pump on using scan tool. Does the fuel pressure rise to more than 47 psi (325 kPa)? If yes, go to step 24 . If no, go to next step.
- Check for restriction in fuel filter and fuel feed pipe. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 26 . If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the harness connectors and ground circuits of fuel pump for poor connections. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 26 . If no, go to next step.
- Remove fuel sender assembly. Inspect fuel pump flex hose for damage, in-tank fuel pump harness connectors for poor connections, fuel strainer for a restriction or contaminates in fuel tank. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 26 . If no, go to step 25 .
- Turn ignition off. Raise fuel rail with fuel lines connected. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Locate and replace leaking fuel injector(s). After repairs, go to step 26 .
- Position the fuel rail assembly over the intake manifold ports. Reinstall the fuel rail retaining bolts by hand. Turn ignition ON, with the engine OFF. Observe the fuel pressure gauge. Allow the fuel pressure to drop to 15 psi (103 kPa). Raise the fuel rail in order to locate and replace the leaking fuel injector. After repairs, go to step 26 .
- Repair vacuum source to fuel pressure regulator. After repairs, go to step 26 .
- Locate and repair the restricted fuel return line. After repairs, go to step 26 .
- Replace fuel pressure regulator. After repairs, go to step 26 .
- Replace fuel pump. After repairs, go to next step.
- Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step 3 .
NOTE:
Inspect fuel system for damage or external leaks before proceeding with this diagnostic procedure.
NOTE:
Ensure there is adequate fuel in fuel tank before proceeding with this diagnostic procedure.
NOTE:
Fuel pressure may vary slightly when fuel pump stops running. After fuel pump stops running, fuel pressure should stabilize and remain constant.
NOTE:
DO NOT allow the fuel pressure to exceed 75 psi (517 kPa). Excessive pressure may damage the fuel system.
NOTE:
Ensure that the fuel injectors are fully seated in the fuel rail before proceeding with this step.
NOTE:
Inspect for a missing, or damaged, fuel pressure regulator "O" ring seal before replacing the fuel pressure regulator.