Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Pinpoint Tests



Pinpoint Tests

NOTE: These Pinpoint Tests are designed to take the technician through a step-by-step diagnosis procedure to determine the cause of a condition. It may not always be necessary to follow the chart to its conclusion. Carry out only the Pinpoint Test steps necessary to correct the condition. Then check operation of the system to make sure the condition is corrected.

After verifying that the condition has been corrected, make sure all components removed have been installed.

A : HIGH-SPEED SHAKE

A1 : Neutral coast

1. Carry out the neutral coast test.
- Does the vibration disappear during the neutral coast test?
-> Yes
CHECK and INSTALL new engine/gearbox/transfer box mounts as necessary. REPEAT Road Test.
-> No
Goto [D1]

B : TIP-IN MOAN

B1 : Check the air cleaner
1. Check the air cleaner.
Check the air cleaner, inlet tube, outlet tube, resonators and all other components associated with the air induction system for correct installation and tightness of all connections.
- Are the components OK?
-> Yes
Goto [B2]
-> No
CORRECT the condition. REPEAT the Road Test.

B2 : Check the exhaust system
1. Carry out the exhaust system neutralizing procedure.
- Is the exhaust system OK?
-> Yes
Goto [B3]
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. RESTORE vehicle. REPEAT the Road Test.

B3 : Check the power steering
1. Remove the auxiliary drive belt and test for tip-in moan.
- Is the tip-in moan OK?
-> Yes
REPAIR the power steering as necessary.
-> No
CHECK and INSTALL new engine/gearbox/transfer box mounts as necessary. REPEAT Road Test as outlined.

C : IDLE BOOM/SHAKE/VIBRATION/SHUDDER

C1 : Check cable/hoses
1. Check the engine compartment for any component that may be grounding between the engine and body or chassis. Example: air conditioning (A/C) hoses.
- Are the components OK?
-> Yes
Goto [C2]
-> No
CORRECT the condition. REPEAT the Road Test.

C2 : Check the steering wheel damper.
1. Remove the driver air bag module and visually inspect the steering wheel damper for correct installation or any touch condition.
- Is the damper OK?
-> Yes
Goto [C3]
-> No
CORRECT the condition. REPEAT the Road Test.

C3 : Check the cooling radiator
1. Check the engine cooling radiator mountings and bushings for security and condition. Check the radiator installation for any component that may have a touch condition.
- Are the installation and bushings OK?
-> Yes
Goto [C4]
-> No
CORRECT the condition. REPEAT the Road Test.

C4 : Check the exhaust system
1. Carry out the exhaust system neutralizing procedure.
- Is the exhaust system OK?
-> Yes
CHECK and INSTALL new engine/gearbox/transfer box mounts as necessary. REPEAT Road Test.
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. REPEAT Road Test.

D : WHEEL END VIBRATION ANALYSIS

D1 : Inspect the tires
1. Inspect the tires.
Raise and support the vehicle.
inspect the tires for:
correct tire size
tire/wheel compatibility
wear or damage
tire beads correctly seated
- Are the tires OK?
-> Yes
Goto [D2]
-> No
INSPECT the wheels.

D2 : Inspect wheel bearings
1. Inspect the wheel bearings.
- Are the wheel bearings OK?
-> Yes
Goto [D3]
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. REPEAT the Road Test.

D3 : Inspect the rear wheel drive half shaft joint boots
1. Inspect the rear wheel drive half shaft joint boots.
spin the rear tire by hand
inspect for evidence of cracks, tears, splits or splattered grease
- Are the rear wheel drive half shaft joint boots OK?
-> Yes
Goto [D4]
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. REPEAT the Road Test.

D4 : Inspect the front wheel drive half shaft joint boots
1. inspect the front wheel drive half shaft joint boots
spin the front tire by hand
inspect for evidence of cracks, tears, splits or splattered grease
- Are the front wheel drive half shaft joint boots OK?
-> Yes
Goto [D5]
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. REPEAT the Road Test.

D5 : Inspect wheel and tire runout
1. Inspect the wheel and tire runout.
Carry out the Wheel and Tire Check procedure.
- Is the wheel and tire runout OK?
-> Yes
Balance the wheels and tires. Refer to the wheel balance equipment manufacturers instructions.
-> No
REPAIR as necessary. REPEAT the Road Test.

E : NON-AXLE NOISE

E1 : Inspect vehicle trim
1. Check the grille and trim mouldings to see if they are the source of the noise.
- Are the vehicle trim components causing the noise?
-> Yes
INSTALL new trim or REPAIR as necessary.
-> No
Goto [E2]

E2 : Check the a/c system for noise
1. Check the A/C system components for noise by turning the A/C system on and off.
- Is the A/C system causing the noise?
-> Yes
Diagnose the A/C system.
-> No
Goto [E3]

E3 : Check non-factory accessories
1. Inspect any accessories for being the source of the noise. Example: grounding body-to-frame, antennas, visors, bug deflectors and fog lights?
- Are the accessories the cause of the noise?
-> Yes
ADJUST, REPAIR or INSTALL new accessories or fasteners as required.
-> No
Verify the customer concern