Catalytic converters must be warm before they can work properly. On a cold start the PCM provides a rich mixture to keep the cold engine running.
All that extra fuel goes into the catalytic converter. But the exhaust isn't very hot, because, ah, the engine is pretty cold. GM has employed several strategies to fire up the catalytic converter quicker and reduce cold start emissions. One way is to use a secondary air pump that pumps outside air directly into the catalytic converter.
A good starting point in your diagnosis is checking all system fuses and fusible links. This can be done using the DVOM on the voltage setting. You will want to test the fuses with circuits loaded. Some fuses will appear normal until a load is placed on their respective circuit; at which point they will fail. This has been the cause of many 'phantom malfunctions'. Consult your vehicle information source for fuse and fusible link locations. If all fuses are in working order, you may want to check TCM relay operation by swapping identical relays. Usually the horn relay, starter relay, fuel pump relay, air conditioning clutch relay, and controller relays are similar enough in design to swap for diagnostic purposes.
For egr flow out of self test range check engine light is perhaps the most troubling of lights because it could mean so many different things, from you didn't screw the gas cap on tightly enough to look out for pistons flying through the hood and into the stratosphere. The easiest way to find out what this light is telling you is to hook your vehicle up to a scan tool. P04A1 error code diagnostic tool looks a little like an oversized calculator and plugs into a communication port inside the car. After you instruct it to perform the scan, it speaks egr flow out of self test range with your car's computers to find out exactly what's prompting the light to turn on.
Difficulty Level (Expert)
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Repair Time (60 Min.)
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Cost Prediction : $ 25-45 |
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P04A1 is a kind of Powertrain Trouble Code
Powertrain of a modern automobile, comprising engine (with exhaust system), transmission, drive shaft, suspension and the wheels. In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant describes the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. |
You can view according P04A1 DTC for your car model. We selected several models to see obd2 solutions click and view it.