Checks
| Action
|
DEFINITION: Engine power variation under steady throttle
or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down with no
change in the accelerator pedal.
|
Preliminary
|
| • | Refer to Important Preliminary Checks in
Symptoms
. |
| • | Refer to Visual/Physical Checks in
Symptoms
. |
| • | Be sure driver understands transmission torque converter clutch,
and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform customer
how TCC and the A/C clutch operates. |
|
Sensor/System
|
| • | Check the heated oxygen sensors. The heated oxygen sensors should
respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the HO2S for
silicon or other contaminants from fuel or use of improper RTV
sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon
contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich
exhaust indication). The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered
to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Refer to
Information Sensors/Switches Description
- Heated
oxygen sensors. |
| • | Check MAF sensor and related wiring. |
|
Fuel System
|
| • | Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. |
| • | Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (Long Term FT
is significantly in the negative range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich
. |
| • | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (Long Term FT
is significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean
. |
|
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.
|
| - | Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground
connection, or damaged system wiring. |
| • | Remove spark plugs and check for the following: |
| - | Check the spark plugs for carbon tracking on the porcelain and
pitting on the plug wire contact. |
| - | Burned or damaged electrodes |
| - | Improper heat range or reach |
| • | If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. |
|
Additional Checks
|
| • | Check exhaust system for possible restriction: |
| - | Inspect exhaust system for damaged to collapsed pipes. |
| - | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
|
