How to Troubleshoot a 1997 Chevy Lumina

Chevrolet Lumina series

The Chevrolet Lumina is a series of vehicles produced by General Motors. It comes in three variants: a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and an all-purpose van. They typically have gasoline V-6 motors and three-speed automatic transmissions with an overdrive gear. High-performance models include the Z-34 coupe, which came with a 3.4-liter motor and exterior decals. The average backyard mechanic can diagnose a Lumina problem in about 20 minutes.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight

1. Listen for noises. The first sign of most automotive problems is an odd noise. If the Lumina runs, listen for clunks, whirring, slapping metal sounds or clicking that may indicate a problem. The noise can also tell the mechanic where the problem is located. A loud clunk when the car is put into gear can indicate a transmission problem, while a recurring slapping sound from the front of the car could be an obstruction or problem with the belt system. Clicking or tapping sounds from the engine could indicate internal motor issues.

2. Check the SES light codes. The Service Engine Soon light, also called a "Check Engine" light, is designed to tell the driver when there is a problem with the motor. This SES system uses a series of sensors that will trip the computer's codes when activated, and these codes can be read by a scan tool. Most auto parts stores will check these codes for free, since they can then sell parts to fix the problem. Some early versions of Luminas will also flash the light in sequence when the ignition is turned a number of times from off to on, and the number of flashes will designate a particular code. The service manual gives a list of codes and which part is at fault.

3. Check the fluids. Oftentimes the fluids are a great indicator of problems with the engine or transmission. Lumina cars and vans use multicore radiators, which circulate the oils through the radiator to cool them, and these can sometimes leak into the coolant. The oil may have water in it, or the coolant could have oil in it, both indicators of an intake manifold gasket leak or even more serious head gasket leak. The V-6 motors used in these cars must be maintained, like any other, but Chevrolet used cork gaskets in some early models that wear out much quicker than later composites.

4. Inspect parts for damage. The Lumina braking system is prone to more intense wear than other systems, due to the fact that the brakes are heated and cooled often and are fundamentally hydraulic/mechanical. A small amount of wear on a part can cause major damage if left unchecked, and the Lumina's disk brake system was notoriously undersized for stopping the car while fully loaded. Other parts that can wear quickly are fan belts, ignition wires and hoses.

Tips & Warnings

• Luminas share common parts with other Chevrolet models.

• Do not touch moving parts. Use protective equipment when working on a Lumina.

Resources

• Motor Bookstore: Chevy Lumina repair manuals