GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) times the intervals between each pulse of the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and compares each time interval with the other 7 to determine when an excessive change in crankshaft speed has occurred. This pulse is generated from a 4X reluctor wheel located on the front of the crankshaft. If the crankshaft speed is less than an expected amount, the PCM will increase the amount of fuel needed to correct the misfire. If the amount of fuel exceeds the calibrated value, the PCM will interpret this as a misfire and set the DTC. The misfire diagnostic is used only to identify a weak cylinder needing additional fuel.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 56°C (132°F).
    • The engine is idling for a total of 90 seconds.
    • The fuel adjustment is more than the calibrated value (internal to PCM).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Multiple engine misfires detected.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The scan tool can be used to control the suspected cylinder (Inj. Balance Test).

The most likely cause for this DTC is the following the following conditions:

    • A mechanical failure causing low cylinder compression in more than one cylinder.
    • A fuel leak at the high pressure fuel injection lines or injection nozzles.
    • A fuel injection nozzles stuck closed.

After the repair has been performed, the vehicle may take approximately 30 seconds to return to a stable idle.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step helps identify a suspected cylinder.

  2. This step identifies an area with the mostly likely cause of failure.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for reference. The data in the control module is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Connect the scan tool.
  2. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to cut out the suspected cylinder (Inj. Balance).

Is there an RPM drop in the suspected cylinder?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

The DTC is intermittent. If no additional DTCs are stored, refer to diagnostic aids. If any additional DTCs were stored, refer to the applicable DTC tables first.

Are there any DTCs stored?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Inspect for basic engine mechanical or fuel delivery problems in suspected cylinder. Inspect for the following conditions:
  2. • Low compression or valve train problems
    • An injection nozzle stuck closed
    • Restricted high pressure fuel injection lines
  3. Repair the condition as needed.

Did you perform a repair?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the fuel injection pump. Refer to Fuel Injection Pump Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches the normal operating temperature.
  4. Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number that was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK