Diagnostic Procedures

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION Diagnostic Procedures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? If yes, go to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. NOTE: The cooling fans are commanded ON when certain ECT DTCs are set.
  3. Is cooling system low on coolant? If yes, locate and repair source of coolant loss and refill system. If no, go to next step.
  4. Test and verify the proper operation of the thermostat. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  14. If no, go to next step.
  5. Disconnect the ECT sensor. Inspect for corrosion on ECT sensor terminals, improper or corroded terminals at the ECT harness connector, or loose terminals in ECT harness connector. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  14. If no, go to next step.
  6. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the ECT sensor to a good ground with a DVOM. Is the voltage within 4.8-5.2 volts? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  8.
  7. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the ECT sensor to the low reference circuit of the ECT sensor with a DVOM. Is the voltage within 4.8-5.2 volts? If yes, go to step  9. If no, go to next step.
  8. Test the ECT sensor low reference circuit for high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  14. If no, go to step  11.
  9. Test the ECT sensor signal circuit for high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  14. If no, go to step  11.
  10. Turn ignition off. Remove the ECT sensor. Place sensor on a work surface away from any heat source. Allow the sensor to reach the ambient air temperature for 30-60 minutes. Observe and record the ambient air temperature of the vehicle environment using an accurate thermometer. DO NOT hold the ECT sensor by the probe. Measure the resistance of the ECT sensor and record the value. Compare the resistance measurement of the ECT sensor to the ambient air temperature on the Temperature vs. Resistance table. Refer to SENSOR OPERATING RANGE CHARTS - TRUCKS article. Is resistance measurement of the ECT sensor within the specified range? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  12.
  11. Install the ECT sensor. After replacing sensor, check for intermittent conditions. See INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 3.4L AZTEK & RENDEZVOUS article.
  12. Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  14. If no, go to step  13.
  13. Replace ECT sensor. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - AZTEC & RENDEZVOUS article. After repairs, go to step  14.
  14. Replace PCM. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - AZTEC & RENDEZVOUS article. Reprogram PCM. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE  under PROGRAMMING. After repairs, go to next step.
  15. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. Start engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. See CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING DTC . You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Did the DTC fail this ignition? If yes, go to step  2. If no, go to next step.
  16. Observe the stored information, Capture Info with a scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? If yes, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS . If no, system is okay.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.