GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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DEFINITION: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold, or in the exhaust system, making loud popping noise.

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks in Symptoms
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks in Symptoms
    • Search for bulletins

Sensor/System

    • Check for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       - Intermittent CKP 18X signal
       - Intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor.
       - Intermittent 3X reference signal
       - Intermittent camshaft position signal
    • Check the mass air flow sensor conditions. Ensure that the MAF sensor honeycomb is not damaged.

Fuel System

    • Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) or Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder.

Ignition System

    • Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
       - Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower. Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the spark tester, a spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If spark is not present at the coils, check for the following conditions:

   Important: If carbon tracking is detected on a component, replace that component and its mate.

       - Coils - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a secondary resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms)

       - Spark Plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Spark Plug Wire Resistance
1000 to 1500 ohms/per ft.

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

       - Defective module.
       - Ignition system wiring - loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks

   Important: If carbon tracking is detected on a component, replace that component and its mate.

       - Check the spark plugs for carbon tracking on the porcelain and pitting on the plug wire contact.
       - Improper gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Improper heat range or reach
       - Refer to Maintenance Items
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

    • Check engine mechanical:
    • Check compression
    • Sticking or leaking valves
    • Worn camshaft lobes
    • Valve timing
    • Bent push rods
    • Worn rocker arms
    • Broken valve springs
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber-leaking valve seals
    • Low cylinder compression
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
    • Camshaft
    • Cylinder heads
    • Pistons, etc.
    • Refer to Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Checks

    • Check Intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash.
    • Check TCC operation. Refer to Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test in Automatic Transaxle.
    • Check exhaust system for possible restriction. Check the following:
       - Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check in Exhaust Systems.