GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 144
1. Isolate the circuit from
the vehicle's power source.
2. Ensure that the ignition key is OFF when disconnecting any components
or the battery.
3. Where necessary, also isolate at least one side of the circuit to be
checked, in order to avoid reading parallel resistances. Parallel circuit
resistances will always give a lower reading than the actual resistance of
either of the branches.
4. Connect the meter leads to both sides of the circuit (wire or component)
and read the actual measured ohms on the meter scale. Make sure the
selector switch is set to the proper ohm scale for the circuit being tested,
to avoid misreading the oh mmeter test value.
WIRE AND CONNECTOR REPAIR
Almost anyone can replace damaged wires, as long as the proper tools and
parts are available. Wire and terminals ar e available to fit almost any need.
Even the specialized weatherproof, mol ded and hard shell connectors are now
available from aftermarket suppliers.
Be sure the ends of all the wires are fitted with t he proper terminal hardware
and connectors. Wrapping a wire around a stud is never a permanent solution
and will only cause trouble later. Repl ace wires one at a time to avoid
confusion. Always route wires exac tly the same as the factory.
If connector repair is necessary, only atte mpt it if you have the proper tools.
Weatherproof and hard shell con nectors require special tools to release the pins
inside the connector. Attempting to r epair these connectors with conventional
hand tools will damage them.
BATTERY CABLES
DISCONNECTING THE CABLES
When working on any electrical component on the vehicle, it is always a good
idea to disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. This will prevent potential
damage to many sensitive electrical co mponents such as the Engine Control
Module (ECM), radio, alternator, etc.
Any time you disengage the battery cables, it is recommended that you
disconnect the negative (&mdash) battery cable first. This will prevent your
accidentally grounding the positive (+) term inal to the body of the vehicle when
disconnecting it, thereby prevent ing damage to the above mentioned
components.
Before you disconnect the cable(s), first turn the ignition to the OFF position.
This will prevent a draw on the battery which could cause arcing (electricity
trying to ground itself to the body of a vehi cle, just like a spark plug jumping the
gap) and, of course, damaging some com ponents such as the alternator diodes.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 147
SYSTEM OPERATION
The main portions of the SIR system
are the deployment loops and the
Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (D ERM). The main function of the
deployment loops is to supply current through the inflator module(s), which will
cause deployment of the air bag(s) in t he event of a frontal crash of sufficient
force. The arming sensor, SIR coil assembly (driver side only), passen\
ger
inflator module jumper (passenger side only), inflator module(s), passenger
compartment discriminating sensor and fo rward discriminating sensor make up
the deployment loops.
The DERM has two functions. One to supply the deployment loops with a 36
volt reserve to ensure sufficient energy is available to deploy the airbag(s) if the
battery voltage feed to the arming sensor is lost during a frontal crash. Another
function is SIR electrical system diagnostics.
The arming sensor switches power to th e inflator module(s) on the high side
(power side) of the deployment loops. Ei ther of the discriminating sensors can
supply ground to the inflator module(s) on the low side (ground side) of the loop.
The inflator module(s) ar e only supplied sufficient cu rrent to deploy when the
arming sensor and at least one of the two discriminating sensors are closed
simultaneously.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
DIAGNOSTIC ENERGY RESERVE MODULE
The DERM is designed to perform the following functions in the SIR system:
• Energy Reserve - Maintains 36 volt energy reserve(s) to provide
deployment energy when the vehicle volt age is low or lost in a frontal
impact
• Malfunction Detection - Performs diagnostic monitoring of the SIR
system electrical components
• Malfunction Recording - Provides diagnostic trouble code information
• Frontal Crash Recording - Record s the SIR system status during a
frontal crash
WARNING LAMP
The "INFL REST" or "AIR BAG" warning lamp is used to do the following:
• Verify lamp and DERM oper ation by flashing seven to nine times when
the ignition key is first turned ON
• Warn the driver of SIR electrical system faults which could potentially
affect the operation of the SIR system
• Provide diagnostic information by fl ashing the fault codes when the
diagnostic mode is enabled
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 151
ARMING THE SYSTEM
1. Turn the ignition key to the LO CK position and remove the key.
2. On vehicles with a passenger side ai r bag, reconnect the yellow two-way
connector assembly located near the yellow 24-way DERM harness
connector. Install the glov e box door assembly.
3. Connect the yellow two-way connector assembly at the base of the
steering column.
Always be sure to reinstall the Connec tor Position Assurance (CPA) device.
4. Install the left side trim panel and rein stall the fuse in the fuse block.
5. Turn the ignition key to the RUN posit ion and verify that the warning lamp
flashes seven to nine times and then turn s OFF. If it does not operate as
described, have the system repair ed by a qualified technician.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
BLOWER MOTOR
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If necessary, remove the diagonal
fender brace at the right rear corner of the engine compartment to gain
access to the blower motor.
2. Disconnect the electrical wiring fr om the blower motor. If equipped with
air conditioning, remove the blower relay and bracket as an assembly
and swing them aside.
3. Remove the blower motor cooling tube.
4. Remove the blower mo tor retaining screws.
5. Remove the blower motor and fan as an assembly from the case.
To install: 6. Position the blower motor into pl ace and install the retaining screws.
7. Install the blower motor cooling tube.
8. Connect all the electrical connections.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 316
1984-89 MODELS
1. Place the shifter lever in the P position. Remove the negative battery
cable.
2. Turn the key to RUN. Release the cable from the inhibitor switch by
inserting a screwdriver into the switch slot.
Fig. 2: Park/lock cable adjustment - 1984-89 models
3. Push the cable lock button to the UP position and remove the cable from
the park lever lock pin.
4. Depress the 2 cable connector latc hes at the shifter base and remove
the cable. Remove the cable clips.
To install: 5. Place the shifter lever into the P position and the ignition key to the RUN
position.
6. After installing the cable ends, push the cable connector nose toward th\
e connector as far as possible and push down the lock button.
7. Complete the installation by reversing the removal procedure.
1990-92 MODELS
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 317
1. Place the shifter lever in the
P position. Remove the negative battery
cable.
2. Turn the key to RUN.
3. Remove the left side instrument panel sound insulator and kick panels.
4. Remove the floor console.
5. Remove the cable nut and clip. Remove the cable from the bracket, move the button to the UP position and unsnap the cable end from the
lever lock pin.
6. Lower the steering column. Remove the cable clips.
To install: 7. Place the shifter lever into the P position and the ignition key to the RUN
position.
8. After installing the cable ends, push the cable connector nose toward th\
e connector as far as possible and push down the lock button.
9. Complete the installation by reversing the removal procedure.
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL (IN VEHICLE)
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
This seal controls transmission oil leakage around the driveshaft. Continued
failure of this seal usually indicates a worn output shaft bushing. If so, there will
be signs of the same wear on the driveshaft where it contacts the seal and
bushing. The seal is available and is fairly simple to install, with the proper tool.
1. Raise and safely support rear of t he vehicle to minimize transmission oil
loss when the driveshaft is removed.
2. Unbolt the driveshaft fr om the differential and center support bearing, if
equipped. Wrap tape around the bearing cu ps to keep them in place on
the universal joint and slide the sh aft out of the transmission.
3. Use a small pry tool to carefully pr y out the old seal. Be careful not to
insert the tool too far into the hous ing or the bushing will be damaged.
4. Use an oil seal installation tool to evenly drive the new seal into the
housing. Make sure the tool only cont acts the outer metal portion of the
seal.
5. Install the driveshaft. Torque the uni versal bearing cup retainer bolts to
15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm). Recheck fluid level.
TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Disconnect the negative batte ry cable at the battery.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.
3. Disconnect the throttle valve (TV) control cable at the carburetor.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 351
alternating current developed
within the stator windings to a direct (DC) current
at the output (BAT) terminal. Three of these diodes are negative and are
mounted flush with the end frame while t he other three are positive and are
mounted into a strip called a heat sink. The positive diodes are easily identified
as the ones within small cavities or depressions.
The alternator charging system is a negative (-) ground system which consists
of an alternator, a regulat or, a charge indicator, a storage battery and wiring
connecting the components, and fuse link wire.
The alternator is belt-driven from t he engine. Energy is supplied from the
alternator/regulator system to the rotati ng field through two brushes to two slip-
rings. The slip-rings are mounted on the rotor shaft and are connected t\
o the
field coil. This energy supplied to the ro tating field from the battery is called
excitation current and is used to init ially energize the field to begin the
generation of electricity. Once the alter nator starts to generate electricity, the
excitation current comes from its ow n output rather than the battery.
The alternator produces power in the form of alternating current. The alternating
current is rectified by 6 diodes into dire ct current. The direct current is used to
charge the battery and power the rest of the electrical system.
When the ignition key is turned ON, current flows from the battery, through the
charging system indicator light on the in strument panel, to the voltage regulator,
and to the alternator. Since the alternat or is not producing any current, the
alternator warning light comes on. When the engine is started, the alternator
begins to produce current and turns the alte rnator light off. As the alternator
turns and produces current, the current is divided in two ways: part to the
battery(to charge the battery and power the electrical components of the
vehicle), and part is returned to the alte rnator (to enable it to increase its
output). In this situation, the alternator is receiving current from the battery and
from itself. A voltage regulat or is wired into the current supply to the alternator
to prevent it from receiving too much cu rrent which would cause it to put out too
much current. Conversely, if the voltage regulator does not allow the alternator
to receive enough current, the battery will not be fully charged and will
eventually go dead.
The battery is connected to the alternator at all times, whether the ignition key is
turned ON or not. If the battery were shorted to ground, the alternator would
also be shorted. This woul d damage the alternator. To prevent this, a fuse link
is installed in the wiring between the battery and the alternator. If the battery is
shorted, the fuse link melts, protecting the alternator.
An alternator is better that a convent ional, DC shunt generator because it is
lighter and more compact, because it is designed to supply the battery and
accessory circuits through a wide range of engine speeds, and because it
eliminates the necessary maintenance of replacing brushes and servicing
commutators.
PRECAUTIONS
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 359
3. Disconnect all wiring from the star
ter solenoid. Replace each nut as the
connector is removed (as thread sizes differ from connector to
connector). Note or tag the wiring positions for installation.
4. Remove the bracket from the st arter and the two mounting bolts. On
engines with a solenoid heat shield, remove the front bracket upper bolt
and detach the bracket fr om the starter.
5. Remove the front bracket bolt or nut. Lower the starter front end first, and
then remove the unit from the car.
To install: 6. Position the starter into place and se cure it with the front bracket bolt and
nut. Torque the two mounting bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs.
CAUTION - If shims were removed, they must be replaced to ensure proper
pinion-to-flywheel engagement.
7. On engines with a solenoid heat shield, attach the bracket to the starter.
Install the bracket to the starter and the two mounting bolts. Install the
front bracket upper bolt.
8. Connect all wiring to the starte r solenoid and tighten the nuts.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
SOLENOID REPLACEMENT 1. Remove the screw and washer from the motor connector strap terminal.
2. Remove the two solenoid retaining screws.
3. Twist the solenoid housing clockwis e to remove the flange key from the
keyway in the housing. Then remove the housing.
4. To re-install the unit, place the re turn spring on the plunger and place the
solenoid body on the driv e housing. Turn counterclockwise to engage the
flange key. Place the two retaining screws in position and install the
screw and washer which secures the strap terminal. Install the unit on
the starter.
SENDING UNITS AND SENSORS
For additional information on engine sensors, refer to Engine Performance &
Tune-up and Engine Controls in this repair guide.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 656
8. Once the timing is set to specific
ation, tighten the distributor hold-down
clamp. Recheck the timing to make su re it did not change while the bolt
was being tightened.
9. Remove the jumper wire from the ALDL connector, if applicable, with the
engine still running. (Usually, if this is performed before the engine is
shut off, no trouble codes will be stored.)
10. Turn the engine OFF, then remove the timing light and tachometer.
Reconnect the number 1 spark plug wire, if disconnected.
11. Attach the 4-wire EST connector at the distributor, or reconnect the Set
Timing connector, if applicable.
12. Check for fault code 42, and clear, if necessary, by disconnecting the
negative battery cable for at least 30 seconds.
To prevent ECM damage, the key must be in the OFF position when
disconnecting or reconnecting battery cables.
1988-90 VEHICLES
When adjusting the timing, refer to the instructions on the emission control
sticker inside the engine compartment. If th e instructions on the label disagree
with the procedure listed below, follo w the instructions on the label.
1. Locate the timing marks on the cran kshaft pulley and the front of the
engine.
2. Clean off the marks and coat them with white paint or chalk, so that they
may be easily seen.
3. Run the engine until it reaches no rmal operating temperature, then shut
off the engine.
4. With the ignition OFF, connect a ta chometer to the distributor, and a
timing light with an inductive pickup lead to the No. 1 spark plug wire.
WARNING - Never pierce a secondary ignition wire in order to connect a timing
light. A pierced wire may lead to engine misfiring and driveability problems.
5. Start the engine. With the engine running and all accessories off, use a
jumper wire to connect diagnostic terminal B and ground terminal A of
the 12-terminal Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL), located under the
instrument panel.
If jumping the ALDL terminals does not prevent timing advance, the EST
bypass wire will have to be disconnected instead.
6. Aim the timing light at the timing mark. The line on the balancer or pulley
will line up with the timing mark. If a change in timing is necessary,
loosen the hold-down clamp bolt at t he base of the distributor. While
observing the timing mark, rotate the distributor slightly until the line
indicates the correct timing. Use t he timing specification on the emission
control label in the engine compartm ent. If this label is missing or
damaged, refer to the Tune- Up Specifications chart in this Section.