GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2000 🢒 Catera 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81) 🢒 Symptoms

Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting

Before using this section, perform Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check and verify all of the following conditions:

    • The engine control module (ECM) and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) are operating correctly.
    • There are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored.
    • The scan tool data is within the normal operating range. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
    • Verify the customer concern and locate the correct symptom. Inspect the items indicated under that symptom.
    • Several of the symptom procedures ask for a careful visual/physical check. This step is extremely important, and can lead to correcting a condition without further checks and can save valuable time.
    • If the intermittent condition exists as a start and then stall, inspect for any DTCs related to the theft deterrent system. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • Verify the proper installation of any of the following non-original equipment accessories:
      • Lights
      • Cellular phone
      • Remote starter system
      • Non-factory installed alarm
  1. Use the following tables when diagnosing a symptom concern:
    2. •  Poor Fuel Fill Quality
    •  Hard Start
    •  Surges/Chuggles
    •  Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
    •  Detonation/Spark Knock
    •  Hesitation, Sag, Stumble
    •  Cuts Out, Misses
    •  Poor Fuel Economy
    •  Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling
    •  Excessive Exhaust Emissions or Odors
    •  Dieseling, Run-On
    •  Backfire
  2. If the condition can not be isolated using the appropriate table, refer to Intermittent Conditions for further diagnosis.