Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSPONTIAC1998FIREBIRD V8-5.7L VIN GREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSTESTING AND INSPECTIONCOMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICSPCM CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSIS
1998 Pontiac Firebird V8-5.7L VIN G
PCM Control Module Diagnosis
1998 Pontiac Firebird V8-5.7L VIN GSECTION PCM Control Module Diagnosis
The approved procedure for diagnosing all powertrain control system faults is included in the Strategy Based Diagnostics. Testing and Inspection
The preliminary checks and the Powertrain On-board Diagnostic System Check must be performed to successfully diagnose and repair the powertrain systems. To read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, use a scan tool.
Testing and Inspection
Use a scan tool to clear diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM memory. Diagnostic trouble codes can also be cleared by turning OFF the ignition and disconnecting the battery power from the PCM for 30 seconds, but this method will also cause all diagnostic information in the PCM memory to be cleared and all the diagnostic tests will have to be re-run.
Since the PCM can have a failure which may affect only one circuit, following the approved diagnostic procedures will determine which circuit has a problem and where it is. If a diagnostic table indicates that the PCM connections or PCM is the cause of a problem and the PCM is replaced. but does not correct the problem, one of the following conditions may exist:
- There is a problem with the PCM terminal connections. The diagnostic table will indicate that the PCM connections or PCM is the problem. The terminals may have to be removed from the PCM connector in order to check them properly.
- The EEPROM program is not correct for the application. Incorrect components may cause a malfunction and may or may not set a DTC.
- The problem is intermittent. This means that the problem is not present at the time the system is being checked. In this case, refer to the Symptoms portion of the manual and make a careful visual and physical inspection of all suspected components and wiring associated with the affected system.
- There is a shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness. Solenoids and relays are turned ON and OFF by the PCM using internal electronic switches called drivers. Each driver is part of a group of seven called output driver modules. A shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness will not damage the PCM but will cause the solenoid or relay to be inoperative. The J 34636 tester, or equivalent, provides a fast, accurate means of checking for a shorted coil or a short to battery voltage.
The preliminary checks and the Powertrain On-board Diagnostic System Check must be performed to successfully diagnose and repair the powertrain systems. To read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, use a scan tool.
Testing and Inspection
Use a scan tool to clear diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM memory. Diagnostic trouble codes can also be cleared by turning OFF the ignition and disconnecting the battery power from the PCM for 30 seconds, but this method will also cause all diagnostic information in the PCM memory to be cleared and all the diagnostic tests will have to be re-run.
Since the PCM can have a failure which may affect only one circuit, following the approved diagnostic procedures will determine which circuit has a problem and where it is. If a diagnostic table indicates that the PCM connections or PCM is the cause of a problem and the PCM is replaced. but does not correct the problem, one of the following conditions may exist:
- There is a problem with the PCM terminal connections. The diagnostic table will indicate that the PCM connections or PCM is the problem. The terminals may have to be removed from the PCM connector in order to check them properly.
- The EEPROM program is not correct for the application. Incorrect components may cause a malfunction and may or may not set a DTC.
- The problem is intermittent. This means that the problem is not present at the time the system is being checked. In this case, refer to the Symptoms portion of the manual and make a careful visual and physical inspection of all suspected components and wiring associated with the affected system.
- There is a shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness. Solenoids and relays are turned ON and OFF by the PCM using internal electronic switches called drivers. Each driver is part of a group of seven called output driver modules. A shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness will not damage the PCM but will cause the solenoid or relay to be inoperative. The J 34636 tester, or equivalent, provides a fast, accurate means of checking for a shorted coil or a short to battery voltage.
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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.