GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Excessive Exhaust Odors Symptom

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Vehicle has excessive rotten egg smell. Excessive odors do not necessarily indicate excessive emissions.

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Perform a bulletin search.
  2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 3

3

Was a thorough visual/physical check performed?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Visual /Physical check

4

  1. Check for vacuum leaks.Vacuum lines, EGR system, Intake manifold, Throttle body etc.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Were any vacuum leaks located?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Check the fuel cap for proper installation.
  2. Secure the fuel cap if necessary.

Was the fuel cap installed properly?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 18

6

  1. Check fuel pressure. Perform Fuel System Check.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Check for faulty, plugged, or incorrectly installed crankcase ventilation valve; also check crankcase ventilation system for being plugged.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Check the injector connections.
  2. If any of the injector connectors are connected to an incorrect cylinder, correct as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Perform Injector Flow/Voltage Drop Check.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Refer to Cooling and Radiator for cooling system diagnosis.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Check EVAP canister for fuel loading. Refer to Powertrain Emission System.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 12

12

Remove excessive carbon buildup with a top engine cleaner. Refer to instructions on top engine cleaner can.

Is the exhaust odor still present?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 18

13

Check items that can cause the engine to run rich. Make any necessary repairs.

Is the exhaust odor still present?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 18

14

Check items that can cause the engine to run lean. Make any necessary repairs.

Is the exhaust odor still present?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 18

15

  1. Check the EGR system. Refer to EGR Diagnosis.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

16

  1. Check for an engine mechanical problem. Perform a cylinder compression check. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

17

  1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
  2. If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the following:
  3. •  Visual/physical inspection.
    •  Scan Tool data.
    •  Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data.
    •  All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to the Powertrain (OBD) System Check

18

Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noted.

Is symptom still present?

--

Go to Step 3

Repair complete.