Visual/Physical Check

NOTE: Use the connector test adapter kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the following items:
^ The PCM harness connectors
^ The electrical center fuse/relay cavities
^ The component terminals
^ The component harness connector

Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of connector terminals.

Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful visual/physical inspection. This can lead to correcting a problem without further inspections and can save valuable time. This inspection should include the following areas:
^ Inspect the PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper location. Refer to The PCM grounds, refer to Power Distribution Schematics, and Ground Distribution Schematics. in Diagrams.
^ Inspect vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections, as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Inspect thoroughly for any type of leak or restriction. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram.
^ Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged areas, looseness, improper installation, or leaking especially between the MAF sensor and the throttle body.
^ Inspect for air leaks at throttle body mounting area, Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and intake manifold sealing surfaces.
^ Inspect the wiring harness for poor connections, pinches, cuts or other damage.
^ Inspect for loose, damaged or missing sensors/components.

Use the following tables when diagnosing a symptom complaint:
^ Hard Start Hard Start
^ Surges/Chuggles Surges/Chuggles
^ Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
^ Detonation/Spark Knock Detonation, Spark Knock
^ Hesitation, Sag, Stumble Hesitation, Sag or Stumble
^ Cuts Out, Misses Cuts Out, Misses
^ Poor Fuel Economy Poor Fuel Economy
^ Poor Fuel Fill Quality Poor Fuel Fill Quality
^ Backfire Backfire
^ Dieseling, Run-On Dieseling, Run-On
^ Backfire Backfire
^ Restricted Exhaust System Check Component Tests and General Diagnostics