GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Intermittent failures in electronic systems may be very difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. For this reason, a thorough test drive is often needed in order to repeat a fault condition. If the system malfunction is not repeated during the test drive, a good description of the complaint may be useful in locating an intermittent malfunction. Faulty wires or connections cause most intermitting problems. When an intermitting condition is suspected, inspect the suspected circuits for the following conditions:

    • Poor mating of connector halves of backed out terminals
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Wire chafing
    • Poor wire to terminal connections
    • Dirty or corroded terminals
    • Connector body damage
    • Any condition which results in the interruption of battery/ignition power.
    • The battery or ignition voltage is out of range (below 9.0 volts or above 16.0 volts).
    • A loose or damaged ground.
    • An open or a short on the serial data line.

Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring and connectors, and occasionally to a component. Perform a thorough inspection of all related wiring and connectors pertaining to intermittent concerns.