Preliminary Checks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, and 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the on-vehicle diagnostics are working by performing ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK in the BASIC TESTING - 2.4L article.
Ensure PCM and MIL are functioning properly.
Ensure there are no diagnostic trouble codes stored, or only intermittent codes are present.
Ensure fuel control system is operating properly. See the BASIC TESTING - 2.4L article.
Perform fuel system pressure test in BASIC TESTING - 2.4L article.
Perform a careful visual inspection of all systems.

After all checks have been performed, verify customer complaint and locate correct symptom. Check items indicated under that symptom. Not all items listed under each symptom apply to all models and systems. These procedures will normally recommend testing of a specific system or component, such as EGR, ignition, TCC, etc. See the SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article for test procedures.

NOTE: If PCM displays data but engine fails to start, proceed to NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY in BASIC TESTING - 2.4L article.