1993 CHEVROLET DYNASTY check engine light

FAILURE TO START TEST
This no-start test checks the camshaft position sen-
sor and crankshaft position sensor. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 8.0
volts to the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft
position sensor through one circuit. If the 8.0-volt
supply circuit shorts to ground, neither sensor will
produce a signal (output voltage to the PCM). When the ignition key is turned and left in the On
position , the PCM automatically energizes the auto shutdown (ASD) relay. However, the PCM de-energizes
the relay within one second because it has not received
a crankshaft position sensor signal indicating engine
rotation.
During cranking, the ASD relay will not energize
until the PCM receives a crankshaft signal. Secondly,
the ASD relay remains energized only if the PCM
senses a camshaft position sensor signal immediately
after detecting the crankshaft position sensor signal. (1) Check battery voltage. Voltage should approxi-
mately 12.66 volts or higher to perform failure to start
test. (2) Disconnect the harness connector from the coil
pack (Fig. 2). (3) Connect a test light to the B+ (battery voltage)
terminal of the coil electrical connector and ground.
The wire for the B+ terminal is dark green with a black
tracer. (4) Turn the ignition key to the ON position.The
test light should flash On and then Off. Do not turn
the Key to off position, leave it in the On position .
(a) If the test light flashes momentarily, the PCM
grounded the auto shutdown (ASD) relay. Proceed to
step 5. (b) If the test light did not flash, the ASD relay did
not energize. The cause is either the relay or one of
the relay circuits. Use the DRBII scan tool to test the
ASD relay and circuits. Refer to the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure Manual. Refer to
the wiring diagrams section for circuit information.
(5) Crank the engine. If the key was placed in the off
position after step 4, place the key in the On position
before cranking. Wait for the test light to flash once,
then crank the engine. (a) If the test light momentarily flashes during
cranking, the PCM is not receiving a camshaft posi-
tion sensor signal. Use the DRBII scan tool to test the
camshaft position sensor and sensor circuits. Refer to
the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure
Manual. Refer to the wiring diagrams section for
circuit information. (b) If the test light did not flash during cranking,
unplug the camshaft position sensor connector. Turn
the ignition key to the off position. Turn the key to
the On position, wait for the test light to momen-
tarily flash once, then crank the engine. If the test
light momentarily flashes, the camshaft position
sensor is shorted and must be replaced. If the light
did not flash, the cause of the no-start is in either the
crankshaft position sensor/camshaft position sensor
8.0-volt supply circuit, or the crankshaft position
sensor 5-volt output or ground circuits. Use the
DRBII scan tool to test the crankshaft position sen-
sor and the sensor circuits.
Fig. 6 Ignition Coil Electrical Connection
Fig. 7 Ignition Coil Terminal Identification
Fig. 8 Checking Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 37

(2) With engine running, move test probe along
entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8
inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there
will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area
to the probe. Cracked, leaking or faulty cables should
be replaced. Use the following procedure when removing the
high tension cable from the spark plug. First, remove
the cable from the retaining bracket. Then grasp the
terminal as close as possible to the spark plug. Ro-
tate the cover (boot) slightly and pull straight back.
Do not use pliers and do not pull the cable at an
angle. Doing so will damage the insulation, cable
terminal or the spark plug insulator. Wipe spark
plug insulator clean before reinstalling cable
and cover. Resistance cables are identified by the words Elec-
tronic Suppression .
Use an ohmmeter to check cables for opens, loose
terminals or high resistance. (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Remove cable from the coil tower.
(c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug
end terminal and the coil end terminal. Resistance
should be within tolerance shown in the cable re-
sistance chart. If resistance is not within tolerance,
replace cable assembly. Test all spark plug cables
in same manner.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
When replacing the spark plug cables, route the ca-
bles correctly and secure them in the appropriate re-
tainers. Incorrectly routed cables can cause the radio
to reproduce ignition noise. It can also cause cross ig-
nition of the spark plugs or short circuit the cables to
ground.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Always remove cables by grasping at boot, rotating
the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back in a
steady motion. (1) Prior to removing the spark plug spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. (2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert. (3) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in this section.
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge. If the
gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground
electrode (Fig. 6).
SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand. (2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft. lbs.)
torque. (3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
IDLE RPM TEST
WARNING: BE SURE TO APPLY PARKING BRAKE
AND/OR BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY ENGINE RUNNING TESTS.
Engine idle set rpmshould be tested and recorded
as it is when the vehicle is first brought into shop
for testing. This will assist in diagnosing complaints
of engine stalling, creeping and hard shifting on ve-
hicles equipped with automatic transaxle. Refer to the
Throttle Body Minimum Airflow procedures in Group
14.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
Ignition timing cannot be changed or set on Turbo
III, 3.3L or 3.8L engines. For diagnostic information,
refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual.
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Fig. 6 Setting Spark Plug GapÐTypical
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 41

shield washer fluid, door ajar for each door, and
trunk ajar. It also includes headlamp out, tail lamp
out, and brake lamp out warning lights (Fig. 3),
these lights are operated by a lamp outage module.
When there is no message center there is no door
ajar function.
TRAVELER
The traveler is a five function trip computer. It
uses vacuum fluorescent displays to display: trip
miles, instantaneous fuel economy, trip elapsed time,
trip average fuel economy and, estimate distance to
empty. It is located in the message center (Fig. 4).
WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
The mechanical instrument cluster assemblies
have warning lamps and indicator lights for ten dif-
ferent systems. These include left and right turn sig-
nals, low fuel level, low oil pressure, high beam indicator, seat belt reminder, brake system, malfunc-
tion indicator (check engine) lamp, check gauges, an-
ti-lock system and air bag system indicator. The low oil pressure indicator replaces the Check
Gauges indicator in the cluster assembly without a
tachometer. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, Check
Gauges indictor illuminates in a warning situation.
This will notify driver to check for a problem in cool-
ant temperature, oil pressure or electrical systems.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect battery cable. Before servic-
ing the instrument panel. Reconnect battery cable
when power is required for test purposes.
FUEL GAUGEÐFLEXIBLE FUEL
The flexible fuel vehicle uses a dampened fuel
gauge. Methanol fuel causes erratic gauge movement
if the proper gauge is not used. The unique fuel gauge may be identified by either
a green logo on the face of the gauge or by checking
the part number. Remove cluster from the instru-
ment panel and check the part number on top of the
cluster. Refer to Mechanical/Electronic Cluster Re-
moval for proper procedures. Refer to parts catalog
for proper part number.
Fig. 3 Message Center
Fig. 4 Traveler and Message Center
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

SENDING UNIT TEST
When a problem occurs with a cluster gauge, be-
fore disassembling the cluster to check the gauge,
check for a defective sending unit or wiring. (1) Sending units and wiring can be checked by
grounding the connector leads, at the sending unit,
in the vehicle. (2) With the ignition in the ON position; a
grounded input will cause the oil, fuel or tempera-
ture gauge to read at or above maximum.
LOW OIL PRESSURE/CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure/check gauges warning lamp
will illuminate when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position without starting the vehicle. In the cluster assembly without tachometer, the
low oil pressure lamp will illuminate if the engine oil
pressure drops below a safe oil pressure level. In the cluster assembly with tachometer, the Check
Gauges warning lamp illuminates when there is a
problem in oil pressure level, high engine tempera-
ture or low voltage. To test the system turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a broken
or disconnected wire at the oil pressure combination
unit, which is located at the front of the engine (Figs.
5 and 6). If the wire at the connector checks good,
pull connector loose from the switch terminal and
with a jumper wire ground connector to the engine
(Fig. 7). With the ignition key turned to the ON po-
sition check the warning lamp. If lamp still fails to
light, inspect for a burned out lamp or disconnected
socket in the cluster.
COMBINATION OIL UNIT TEST
The combination oil unit has two functions:
(1) The normal closed circuit keeps the oil pressure
warning/check gauges lamp on until there is oil pres-
sure (Fig. 7). (2) The sending unit provides a resistance that
varies with oil pressure. (3) To test the normally closed oil lamp circuit, dis-
connect the locking connector and measure the resis-
tance between the switch terminal and the metal
housing. The ohmmeter should read 0 ohms. Start
the engine. (4) If there is oil pressure, the ohmmeter should
read an open circuit. (5) To test the sending unit, measure the resis-
tance between the sending unit terminal and the
metal housing. The ohmmeter should read open.
Start the engine. (6) The ohmmeter should read between 30 to 55
ohms, depending on engine speed, oil temperature,
and oil viscosity. (7) If the above results are not obtained, replace
the switch.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken orFig. 5 Combination Oil Unit (2.5L)
Fig. 6 Combination Oil Unit (3.0L)
Fig. 7 Combination Oil Unit Test
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 3

disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START.To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
lamp. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig. 8 and 9).
CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to the Powertrain Di-
agnostic Test Procedures booklet.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
Fig. 8 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Fig. 9 Brake System Warning Lamp Diagnosis
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

MESSAGE CENTER
The message center is a car graphic warning lamp
module. This conventional warning system and lo-
cated above the headlamp switch.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time
keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
ferred to in the Owner's Manual supplied with the
vehicle.
AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint Systems.
MECHANICAL CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable, in en-
gine compartment, before servicing instrument
panel. When power is required for test purposes,
reconnect battery cable for the test only.
Disconnect negative battery cable after test and be-
fore continuing service procedures.
SENDING UNIT TEST
When a problem occurs with a cluster gauge, be-
fore disassembling the cluster to check the gauge,
check for a defective sending unit or wiring. (1) Sending units and wiring can be checked by
grounding the connector leads, at the sending unit,
in the vehicle. (2) With the ignition in the ON position; a
grounded input will cause the oil, fuel or tempera-
ture gauge to read at or above maximum.
CHECK GAUGES WARNING LAMP TESTS
The check gauges warning lamp is illuminated by
the low oil pressure sending unit switch or the body
controller when there is high temperature or charg-
ing system failure. To test the lamp, turn ignition key to the ON po-
sition without starting the vehicle. The low oil pres-
sure switch is grounded and the light will be on
indefinitely. If the lamp fails to light, pull the cluster and check
the following: (a) Continuity between ground and check gauge
pin J (Fig. 3). (b) Proper contact between the gauge pins and
wiring harness and printed circuit board pins. (c) If there is ground and proper pin contact, re-
place lamp. (d) If there is no continuity, check the low oil
pressure sending unit switch (Fig. 4 and 5).
To test the switch disconnect the switch electrical
connector. Attach positive lead of an ohmmeter to
the switch terminal for the gray (GY) wire and the
negative lead to an engine ground. With the engine
Fig. 3 Mechanical Cluster Connectors
8E - 24 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES Ä

off, there should be continuity in the system. Start
the engine. With the engine running, the ohmmeter
should show no continuity. If the above results are
not obtained, replace the switch.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP
The brake warning lamp illuminates when parking
brake is applied with ignition key turned ON. The
same lamp will also illuminate should one of the two
service brake systems fail when brake pedal is ap-
plied. To test system turn ignition key ON, and ap-
ply parking brake. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or
disconnected wire at switch. The lamp also lights
when the ignition switch is turned to START. To test service brake warning system, raise vehicle
on a hoist and open a wheel cylinder bleeder while a
helper depresses brake pedal and observes warning
light. If lamp fails to light, inspect for a burned out
lamp, disconnected socket, a broken or disconnected
wire at switch. If lamp is not burned out and wire continuity is
proven, replace brake warning switch in brake line
Tee fitting mounted on frame rail in engine compart-
ment below master cylinder (Fig.6 and 7). CAUTION: If wheel cylinder bleeder was opened
check master cylinder fluid level.
SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP
For testing of this system, refer to Group 8M, Re-
straint System.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (CHECK ENGINE) LAMP
For testing of this system, refer to the Powertrain
Diagnostic Test Procedure Manual.
MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER BEZELS REMOVAL
(1) Move gear selector to the low position.
(2) Remove five screws attaching upper bezel to in-
strument panel (Fig. 8). (3) Lift cluster bezel over steering wheel.
(4) Remove four screws attaching lower bezel to in-
strument panel. (5) Lift lower cluster bezel from instrument panel.
(6) For installation reverse above procedures.
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove cluster bezel.
(2) Remove trip reset knob by pulling straight
back. (3) Remove five screws attaching mask and lens to
cluster. (4) For installation reverse above procedures.
Fig. 4 Combination Oil Sending Unit
Fig. 5 Combination Oil Sending Unit Test
Fig. 6 Brake Warning Lamp Switch
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 25

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The electronic digital clock is in the radio. The
clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in
hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the ON or OFF po-
sition, or when the radio frequency is being dis-
played, time keeping is accurately maintained. The procedure for setting the clock varies slightly
with each radio. The correct procedure is described
under the individual radio operating instructions re-
ferred to in the Owner's manual supplied with the
vehicle.
WARNING LAMPS
The AG & AJ Body instrument clusters have warn-
ing lamps or indicators with the electronic cluster for
six different systems. These include low oil pressure,
check gauges, brake system, air bag, seat belt, mal-
function indicator (check engine) lamp.
CLUSTER AND GAUGE SERVICE AND TESTING
CAUTION: Disconnect negative battery cable, in en-
gine compartment, before servicing instrument
panel. When power is required for test purposes,
reconnect battery cable for test only. Disconnect negative battery cable after test and be-
fore continuing service procedures. It is not necessary to remove instrument cluster
from vehicle for gauge replacement. Gauges must be pulled straight out, when remov-
ing or pins may be damaged.
SWITCH POD ASSEMBLY REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Pry up edge of panel vent grille, using a
straight flat edge tool to disengage clips, then re-
move grille (Fig. 4). (3) Remove two screws located under panel vent
grille. (4) Remove two screws underneath switch POD as-
sembly. (5) With tilt steering adjust steering wheel to the
lowest setting. (6) Pull switch module rearward to remove module
and disconnect all wire connections. (7) For Installation reverse above procedures.
Tighten all screws to 2 N Im (20 in. lbs.) torque.
MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC CLUSTER REMOVAL
CLUSTER MASK AND LENS REMOVAL
(1) Remove switch pod assembly (Fig. 4).
(2) Remove tilt column lever if equipped.
(3) Remove steering column trim cover.
Fig. 4 Switch POD Assembly
Ä INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES 8E - 43