GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inspections

Action

DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected.

Preliminary

    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Inspect the air cleaner element, or the filter, for dirt or being plugged.
    • Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Discuss the driving habits with the owner for the following items:
       - The A/C is ON full time, or the defroster mode is ON
       - The tires for being at the correct air pressure
       - The wheel and tires are the correct size
       - Excessively heavy loads being carried
       - Aggressive driving habits
    • Suggest to the owner to fill the fuel tank and to inspect the fuel economy.
    • Suggest to the driver to refer to Important Facts on Fuel Economy in the owner manual.

Fuel System

    • Inspect the fuel type, quality, and alcohol content. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Test the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Ignition System

    • Inspect the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • Inspect for an open ignition control (IC) circuit.
    • Inspect the knock sensor (KS) system operation.

Cooling System

    • Inspect the engine coolant level.
    • Inspect the engine thermostat for always being open or for the wrong heat range.

Additional

    • Inspect the transmission shift pattern. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission .
    • Inspect the torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for proper calibration of the speedometer.
    • Inspect for dragging brakes. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes .