check engine PONTIAC FIERO 1988 Service Repair Manual

6E3-C6-6 5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
AIR MANAGEMENT CHECK (PEDES)
5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) "F" SERIES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
Air management is controlled by a pressure operated port valve and a converter valve, each with an ECM
controlled solenoid. When the solenoid is grounded by the ECM, AIR pressure will activate the valve and allow
pump air to be directed as follows:
@ Cold Mode - The port solenoid is energized which in turn opens the port valve and allows flow to the
exhaust ports.
@ Warm Mode - The port solenoid is de-energized and the converter solenoid energized which closes the
port valve and keeps the converter valve seated, thus forcing flow past the converter valve and to the
converter.
@ Divert Mode - Both solenoids are de-energized, which opens the converter valve, allowing air to take the
path of least resistnance,
i.e., out the di~ertl~elief tube to atmosphere.
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled
numbers on the diagnostic chart.
1. This is a system functional check. Air is directed
to ports during "Open Loop" and all engines start
in "Open Loop" even on a warm engine. Since the
air to the ports may be very short, prepare to
observe port air prior to engine start up. This can
be done by squeezing a hose.
2. This should normally set a Code 22. When any
code is set, the ECM opens the ground to the
converter solenoid and allows air to divert. This
checks for ECM response to a fault. A ground in
the control valve circuit to the ECM would prevent
divert action.
3. This checks for a grounded circuit to the ECM.
Test light
"OFF" is normal and would indicate the
circuit is not grounded.
4. Checks for an open in the solenoid control circuits.
Grounding the test terminal should ground both
solenoid circuits. Normally, the test light should
be
"ON", which indicates the problem is not in the
ECM or wiring but at the solenoid connections or
valve itself.
5, Checks for a grounded solenoid circuit. Test light
"OFF" would indicate the circuit is normal and
fault is in the valve.

NEGATIVE BACKPRESSURE EGR VALVE
The valve on this engine is called a negative
backpressure valve. It varies the amount of exhaust
gas flow into the manifold depending on manifold
vacuum and variations in exhaust backpressure.
The diaphragm on this valve (shown in Figure
C7-2) has an internal vacuum bleed hole which is held
closed by
a small spring when there is no exhaust
backpressure. The amount of vacuum to the valve is
controlled by the
ECM controlling a solenoid.
Engine vacuum opens the EGR valve against the
pressure of
a large spring. When manifold vacuum
combines with negative exhaust backpressure, the
vacuum bleed hole opens and the EGR valve closes.
EGR VALVE AIR BLEED
EXHAUST GAS HOLE
INTAKE AIR SMALL
SPRING
VACUUM PORT LARGE
SPRING
Figure C7-2 - Negative Backpressure EGR Valve
EGR VALVE IDENTIFICATION
@ Negative backpressure EGR valves will have an
"N" stamped on the top side of the valve after the
part number (Figure
C7-3).
@ Positive backpressure EGR valves will have a "P"
stamped on the top side of the valve, after the part
number.
@ Port EGR valves have no identification stamped
after the part number.
When replacing an
EGIE valve, always check for
correct part number in the parts catalog or
supplemental bulletin.
Figure C7-3 - EGR Valve Identification
RESULTS OF INCORRECT OPERATION
Too much EGR flow tends to weaken combustion,
causing the engine to run roughly or stop. With too
much EGR flow at idle, cruise, or cold operation,
aliy
of the following conditions may happen:
@ Engine stops after cold start.
@ Engine stops at idle after deceleration.
@ Car surges during cruise.
@ Rough idle.
If the EGR valve should stay open all of the time,
the engine may not idle.
Too little or no EGR flow allows combustion
temperatures to get too high during acceleration and
load conditions. This could cause:
@ Spark knock (detonation).
@ Engine overheating.
@ Emission test failure.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of the EGR system is covered in CHART C-7
at the end of this section.
EGR VALVE
Remove or Disconnect
1. Plenum (See Plenum R&R).
2. Vacuum line.
3. Retaining bolts.
4. EGR valve.
Install or Connect
1. Reinstall valve or replacement EGR valve on
intake manifold using new gasket.
2. Bolts and tighten to 18 N.m (14 Ib. ft.).
3. Vacuum line to valve.
4. I'lenum.

6E3-C7-4 5.OL (VIN F) €4 5.7L (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
CHART C-7
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION CHECK
5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) "F" SERIES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is controlled by a normally open pulse width modulated (PWM)
solenoid. The ECM turns the solenoid "OFF" to allow vacuum to pass to the EGR and turns the solenoid "ON"
to prohibit EGR operation. When EGR is commanded, the solenoid is turned "ON" and "OFF" many times a
second (duty cycle).
The duty cycle is calculated by the ECM based on information from the coolant, MAT, TPS, and MAF
sensors. Also, engine
rpm's and the PIN switch input affect EGR.
There should be no EGR when in park or
neutral, TPS below
a calibrated value or TPS indicating WOT.
With the ignition "ON" and engine stopped, the EGR solenoid is de-energized. The solenoid, however,
should be energized if the diagnostic terminal is grounded with the ignition "ON" and engine not running.
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled 2. As soon as back pressure is available at the EGR
numbers on the diagnostic chart.
valve, the bleed portion in the valve should open
1. This will test the solenoid value to determine if it
and cause the valve to go to its heated position.
is capable of closing off the manifold vacuum from
3. 'I'he EGR will be inoperative if the PIN switch is
the EGR valve. The vacuum may bleed off slowly
misadjusted or faulty. Use "Scan" tool and check
but this should not be considered a fault.
PIN switch. Refer to CHART C-1.

DWlVEABlLlTV AND EMISSIONS 5.01, QVIN F) & 5.71 (VIN 8) 6E3-C8-1
TRANSMISSION CONVERTER CLUTCH (KC) SYSTEM
AND MANUAL "TRANSMISSION SHlFT LBGH"O"=Ob ONLY
CONTENTS
................ GENERAL DESCRIPTION C8-1 DIAGNOSIS ....................... .. C8-1
........ PURPOSE ......................... CS-1 SHIFT LIGHT (MIT) DESCRIPTION C8-1
....................... OPERATION C8-1 DIAGNOSIS ......................... CS-1
OM-CAR SERVICE ..................... C8-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE
The transmission converter clutch (TCC) system
uses
a solenoid operated valve in the automatic
transmission to couple the engine flywheel to the
output shaft of the transmission thru the torque
converter. This reduces the slippage losses in the
converter, which increases fuel economy.
OPERATION
For the converter clutch to apply, two conditions
must be met:
e Internal transmission fluid pressure must be
correct. For information on internal transmission
operation, see Section
"7A". This section will
cover only the electrical operation of the TCC
system.
@ The ECM grounds a switch internally to turn
"ON" a solenoid in the transmission. This moves a
check ball, which will allow the converter clutch
to apply, if the hydraulic pressure is correct, as
described above.
The ECM controls the TCC apply solenoid by
looking at several sensors:
@ Speedo Buffer Sensor (also called Vehicle Speed
Sensor
(VSS) Speed must be above a certain value
before the clutch can apply.
@ Coolant Temperature Sensor Engine must be
warmed
LIP before clutch can apply about 65" C
(149°F).
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) After the
converter clutch applies, the ECM uses the
information
from the TPS to release the clutch
when the car is accelerating or decelerating at
a
certain rate.
The brake switch
is also part of the 'I'CC circuit as
it will remove battery voltage to the
'FCC solenoid
when the brake pedal is depressed.
@ Gear Select Switch The 4th gear switch is used to
send a signal to the ECM telling it when the
transmission is in 4th
gear
The ECM uses this information to vary the conditions
under which the clutch applies or releases. However,
the transmission does not have to be in fourth gear in
order for the ECM to turn the clutch "ON".
If the converter clutch is applied at all times, the
engine will stall immediately, just as in a manual
transmission with the clutch applied.
If the converter
clutch does not apply, fuel
ecomony may be lower than expected. If the vehicle
speed sensor fails, the TCC will not apply. If the 4th
gear switch does not operate, the TCC may not apply
at the right time.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of the TCC system is covered in
CHART C-$A. If the ECM detects a problem in the
system, a Code 24 should set. In this case, see Code 24
CHART.
SHIFT LIGHT (MR) DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the shift light is to provide a
display which indicates the optimum fuel economy
point for up shifting the manual transmission based
on engine speed and load. The display is
a lamp on the
instrument panel. Activation
of the ECM driver turns
the lamp "ON".
DIAGNOSIS
The shift light circuit can be checked using
CEIAR'I' C-8B.
ON-CAR SERVICE
See Section "8B" if the shift light bulb needs
replacement.
See Section
"GE" to repair wiring problem.
@ See Section "C- 1" if ECM is to be replaced.

6E3-C8-2 5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
15-WAY I.P. CONNECTOR
VEHICLE SPEED SIGNAL
SPEED INPUT
4TH GEAR SIGNAL
422
TANIBLK
4TH GEAR SW.
TRANSMISSION ALDL CONNECTOR
TCC APPLY SOLENOID
CHART C-8A
(Page 1 of 2)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) "F'" SERIES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
The purpose of the automatic transmission torque converter clutch feature is to eliminate the power loss of
the torque converter stage when the vehicle is in a cruise condition. This allows the convenience
of the
automatic transmission and the fuel economy of
a manual transmission. The heart of the system is a solenoid
located inside the automatic transmission which is controlled by the ECM.
When the solenoid coil is activated
("ON"), the torque converter clutch is applied which results in straight
through mechanical coupling from the engine to transmission. When the transmission solenoid is deactivated,
the torque converter clutch is released, which allows the torque converter to operate in the conventional manner
(fluidic coupling between engine
and transmission).
The ECM turns "ON" the TCC when coolant temperature is above
65" C (149" F), TPS not changing ,and
vehicle speed above
a specified value.
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled Diagnostic Aids:
nbers on the diagnostic chart.
When
a test light is connected from ALDL
terminal "F" to ground, a test light "ON" indicates
battery voltage is
OK and the TCC solenoid is
disengaged.
When the diagnostic terminal is grounded, the
ECM should energize the TCC solenoid and the
test light should go out.
A "Scan" tool only indicates when the ECM has
turned "ON" the TCC driver (grounded CKT
422) but
this does not confirm that the TCC has engaged. To
determine if TCC is functioning properly, engine rpm
should decrease when the "Scan" indicates the TCC
driver has turned "ON". To determine if the 4th gear
switch is functioning properly, perform the checks in
CHAW C-8A (Page 2 of 2). The switches will not
prevent TCC
from functioning but will affect TCC lock
and unlock points. If the 4th gear switch circuit is
always open, the TCC may engage as soon as
si~t'ficient oil pressure is reached.

6E3-C12-2 5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7b (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
FAN CONTROL
RELAY CONN.
DK GRNNVHT 335
TEMPERATURE
SENSOR SIGNAL.
TURNS ON PRIMARY
FAN AT
223OF (1 06'C)
CHART C-12
(Page 1 of 2)
COOLING FAN CONTROL CIRCUIT
5.8L (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) "F" SSERlES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
The primary cooling fan is totally controlled by the ECM based on inputs from the coolant sensor and
fan control switch. The fan should run, if coolant temperature is greater than 106°C
(223°F).
@ Battery voltage is supplied to the fan relay on terminal "En and ignition voltage to terminal "D".
@ Grounding CKT 335 (relay terminal "F") will energize the relay and supply battery voltage to the fan
motor. Once the fan relay is energized by the
ECM, it will remain "ON" for a minimum of 15 seconds.
@ 'I'he ECM will remove the ground to CKT 335 if vehicle speed is over 40 rnph unless the engine is
overheating.
@ 'I'he fan control switch, mounted in Lhe AIC high pressure line, will close when head pressure exceeds
233 psi (1600 kPa) and this input causes the ECM to ground CKT 335.
@ If a Code 14 or 15 sets, or if the ECM is operating in the fuel back-up mode, the ECM will turn "ON"
the cooling fan.
Diagnostic Aids:
If the owner complained of an overheating If
the engine is actually overheating and the gage
problem, it must be determined if the complaint was indicates
overheating, but
t,he cooling fan is not
due to an actual boil over or the hot light or coming
"ON", the
coolant sensor has probably shifted
temperature gage indicated overheating. out
of calibration and should be replaced.
If the gate or light indicates overheating, but no If
the engine is overheating, and the cooling fan is
boilover is detected, the gage circuit should be "ON", the cooling system should be checked.
checked. The gage accuracy can also be checked by
comparing the coolant sensor reading using
a "Scan.'
tool and comparing its reading with the gage reading.

6E3-C12-4 5.8L (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
FAN CONTROL
SINGLE PIGTAIL RELAY CONN.
DK GRNNVHT 335
OPENS AT
185 TEMPERATURE SENSOR SIGNAL.
TURNS ON PRIMARY
FAN AT 223°F
(106°C)
CHART C-12
(Page 2 of 2)
COOLING FAN CONTROL CIRCUIT
5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) ""FYSERlES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
@ The primary cooling fan is totally controlled by the ECM based on inputs from the coolant sensor and
fan control switch. The fan should run, if coolant temperature is greater than 106°C
(223°F).
@ Battery voltage is supplied to the fan relay on terminal "En and ignition voltage to terminal "I)"
@ Grounding CKT 335 (relay terminal "F") will energize the relay and supply battery voltage to the fan
motor. Once the fan relay is energized by the ECM, it will remain "ON" for a mini~nuln of 15 seconds
@ The ECM will remove the ground to CKT 335 if vehicle speed is over 40 mph unless the engine is
overheating.
@ The fan control switch, mounted in the A/C high pressure line, will close when head pressure exceeds
233 psi (1600 kPa) and this input causes the ECM to ground CKT 335.
@ If a Code 14 or 15 sets, or if the ECM is operating in the fuel back-up mode, the ECM will turn "OX"
the cooling fan.
Diagnostic Aids:
If the owner complained of an overheating If the engine is actually overheating and the gage
problem, it must be determined if the complaint was indicates overheating, but the cooling fan is not
due to an actual boil over or the hot light or coming
"ON", the coolant sensor has probably shifted
temperature gage indicated overheating. out
of calibration and should be replaced.
If the gate or light indicates overheating, but no If the engine is overheating, and the cooling fan is
boilover is detected, the gage circuit should be "ON". the cooling system should be checked.
checked. The gage accuracy can also be checked
by
comparing the coolant sensor reading using a "Scan"
tool and comparing its reading with the gage reading.

DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) 6E3-C13-1
SECTION C13
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTlLATlON (PCV)
CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................ C13-1 FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF PCV VALVE .... C13-1
RESULTS OF INCORRECT OPERATION .... C13-1 ON-CARSERVICE ..................... C13-2
DIAGNOSIS
......................... C13-1 PARTS INFORMATION ................. C13-2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A "closed" crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is
used to provide more
cor~lplete scavenging of
crankcase vapors. Fresh air
from the air cleaner is
supplied to the crankcase, mixed with blow-by gases
and then passed through a positive crankcase
ventilation
(PCV) valve into the intake manifold
(Figure C13-I).
The primary control is through the PCV valve
(Figure
(213-2) which meters the flow at a rate
depending on manifold vacuum.
To maintain idle quality, the PCV valve restricts
the flow when intake manifold vacuum is high. If
abnormal operating conditions arise, the system is
designed to allow excessive amounts of blow-by gases
to back flow through the crankcase vent tube into the
engine air inlet to be consumed by normal combustion.
RESULTS OF INCORRECT OPERATION
A plugged valve or hose may cause:
@ Rough idle.
@ Stalling or slow idle speed.
@ Oil leaks.
@ Sludge in engine.
A leaking valve or hose would cause:
@ Rough idle.
@ Stalling.
@ High idle speed.
FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF PCV VALVE
If an engine is idling rough, check for a clogged
PCV valve or plugged hose. Replace as required. Use
the following procedure:
1. Remove PCV valve from rocker arm cover.
2. Run the engine at idle.
3. Place your thumb over end of valve lo check for
vacuum. If there is no vacuum at valve, check for
plugged hoses or manifold port, or
PCV valve.
Replace plugged or deteriorated hoses.
4. Turn "OFF" the engine and remove PCV valve.
Shake valve and listen for the rattle of check
needle inside the valve. If valve does not rattle,
replace valve.
With this system, any blow-by in excess of the
system capacity (from a badly-worn engine, sustained
heavy load,
etc.) is exhausted into the air cleaner and
is drawn into the engine.
a CLEAN AIR
VOLATILE OIL FUMES
--+- MIXTURE OF AIR AND FUMES
PCV VALVE
120 THROTTLE BODY
13 CRANKCASE VENT HOSE
1 PCV VALVE HOSE
I 150 INTAKE MANIFOLD I
Figure C13-1 PCV Flow

6E3-C13-2 5.OL (VIN F) & 5.7L (VIN 8) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Figure C13-3 Positive Crankcase Ventilation System (5.7L)
CHECK VALVE AS 00686E
Figure C13-2 PCV Valve Cross Section
Proper operation of the PCV system is dependent
upon a sealed engine. If oil sludging or dilution is
noted, and the PCV system is functioning properly,
check engine for possible cause and correct to ensure
that system will function as intended.
ON-CAR SERVICE
An engine which is operated without any
crankcase ventilation can be damaged. Therefore, it is
important to replace the PCV valve at intervals shown
in Section
"OB".
Periodically, inspect the hoses and clamps and
replace any showing signs of deterio~ -a t' lon.
PARTS INFORMATION
PART NAME GROUP
Air Cleaner ......................... 3.402
.................. Breather, NC and Sil 3.410
................ Hose, CICase Vent Vlv 1.762
.................... Tube, CICase Vent 1.762
Valve Asm,
CICase Vent ............... 1.745

INDEX
SECTION PAGE
.................... Acceleration Mode C2-2
A/C On Signal
General Description
................. C1-4
......................... Diagnosis C1-5
Air Injection Check Valve
............... C6-4
Air Injection Control (Pedes) Valve
........ C6-1
Air Injection Reaction (A.I.R.) System
General Description
................. C6-1
......................... Diagnosis C6-2
Air Management Check (Pedes)
.......... C6-6
AirPump ........................... C6-2
........................... Service C6-3
...................... ALDL Connector A- 12
Automatic Transmission
Overdrive Switch Adjustment
.......... C8-3
Automatic Transmission Converter Clutch
(TCC) Electrical Diagnosis
.............. C8-6
Backfire
............................ B-5
Battery Voltage Correction Mode
......... C2-3
....................... Before Starting B-I
........................ Burnoff Relay C1-8
......................... Calpac Error 8-60
........................ Canister Hose C3-3
Canister Purge Solenoid
................ C3-3
Chart
A-1 :
.......... No Service Engine Soon Light A-1
0
Chart
A-2:
No ALDL Data. Or Won't Flash Code 12.
Or Service Engine Soon Light On Steady
. . A-1 2
Chart A-3:
Engine Cranks But Won't Run
.......... A-14
Chart A-7:
................ Fuel System Diagnosis A- 18
Chart A-9:
........... Cold Start Valve Circuit Test A-22
Chart
B-1:
Restricted Exhaust System Check ........ B-8
Chart
C-1A:
......... ParkINeutral Switch Diagnosis C1-10
Chart C-2A:
................. Injector Balance Test C2-18
Chart C-2C:
Idle Air Control (IAC) System Check ...... C2-20
SECTION PACE
Chart C-3:
........... Canister Purge Valve Check C3-4
Chart C-4:
................ Ignition System Check C4-4
Chart
6-5:
.......... Electronic Spark Control (ESC) C5-4
Chart C-6:
.............. Air Management Check C6-6
Chart C-7:
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
............. C7-4
Chart
C-8A:
Automatic Transmission Converter Clutch
............................. (TCC) C8-6
Chart C-8B:
Manual Transmission With Overdrive
.... C8-10
Chart C- 12
:
................. Cooling Fan Control C12-2
............................ Chuggle B-3
................... Clear Flood Mode.. C2-2
......................... Closed Loop C2-1
Code12
............................ C4-1
Code13
............................ A-24
Code14
............................ A-26
Code15
............................ A-28
Code21
............................ A-30
Code22
............................ A-32
Code23
............................ A-34
Code24
............................ A-36
Code25
............................ A-38
Code32
............................ A-40
Code33
............................ A-42
Code34
............................ A-44
Code36
............................ A-46
Code41
............................ A-48
Code42
............................ A-50 C4-2
Code43
............................ A-52
Code44
............................ A-54
Code45
............................ A-56
Code46
............................ A-58
Code54
............................ A-60
...................... Codes 51.52. 53 A-62
Cold Start Tube And Valve Assembly
...... C2-7
Cold Start Fuel
lnjection Sw~tch
.................. General Description C2-11
......................... Diagnosis A-22
.................. Component Location A-2
Coolant Temperature Sensor
.................. General Description C1-2
.......................... Diagnosis C1-4
A-26
........................... Service C1-7