Buick Regal: Symptoms - Engine Cooling
Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting
Before using the Symptom diagnosis, perform the following:
- Perform Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle and verify all of the
following items:
- Engine control module (ECM) and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) are
operating correctly.
- There are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored.
- Scan tool data is within a normal operating range.
- Verify the customer concern.
- Perform the Visual/Physical Inspection. The visual/physical inspection
is extremely important, and
can lead to correcting a condition without additional testing. It may also
help reveal the cause of an
intermittent condition.
- Locate the correct symptom. Perform the relevant tests and inspections
associated with the symptom.
Review the entire cooling system operation in order to familiarize yourself
with the system functions.
Refer to Cooling Fan Description and Operation and Cooling System Description
and Operation.
Visual/Physical Inspection
CAUTION: Use the connector test adapter kit EL-35616-F for any test
that requires
probing the following items:
- The control module harness connectors
- The electrical center fuse/relay cavities
- The component terminals
- The component harness connector
Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of
connector terminals.
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful visual and physical
inspection. This can lead to
correcting a condition without further tests and can save time. This inspection
should include the
following:
- Ensure that the control module grounds are clean, tight, and correctly
located.
- Inspect cooling system hoses and pipes for splits, kinks, and improper
connections. Inspect
thoroughly for any type of leak or restriction.
- Inspect for a dirty or restricted radiator or HVAC condenser.
- Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the
cooling system.
- Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious
damage or conditions which
could cause the symptom.
- Inspect the coolant recovery reservoir for proper coolant level.
Identifying Intermittent Conditions
Many intermittent conditions occur with harness or connector movement due to
engine torque, rough
pavement, vibration or physical movement of a component. Refer to the following
for a list to help isolate
an intermittent condition:
- Water intrusion in connectors, terminals, or components
- Poor connector mating
- Terminal contact
- High circuit or component resistance - High resistance can include any
resistance, regardless of the
amount, which can interrupt the operation of the component.
- Harness' that are routed too tight, or chaffed circuits
- High or low ambient temperatures
- High or low engine coolant temperatures
- High underhood temperatures
- Heat build up in components or circuits due to circuit resistance, poor
terminal contact, or high
electrical load
- High or low system voltage
- High vehicle load conditions
- Rough road surface
- Electro-magnetic interference (EMI) /circuit interference from relays,
solenoids or other electrical
surge
- Incorrect installation of non-factory, aftermarket, or after factory add
on accessories
If an intermittent fault is detected, refer to Testing for Intermittent
Conditions and Poor Connections
for specific strategies in diagnosing intermittent conditions.
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to
diagnose the symptom:
- Engine Overheating
- Loss of Coolant
- Thermostat Diagnosis
- Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature
READ NEXT:
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this
diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic
approach.
Diag
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this
diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic
approach.
Diag
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this
diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic
approach.
Diag
SEE MORE:
SPECIFICATIONS
FASTENER SPECIFICATIONS
Reusable Threaded Fastener Tightening Specifications
NOTE:
All fasteners listed in this table can be reused after removal.
SCHEMATIC WIRING DIAGRAMS
SIR WIRING SCHEMATICS
Power, Ground, Serial Data, and Indicator
Passenger Presence System
Frontal Impact Sens
1.
WARNING: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.
CAUTION: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components
Caution.
With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained by
wheel lug nuts, visually
inspect the caliper piston dust boot (2) sealing area to ensure