GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Tahoe - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Backfire

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

Preliminary Checks
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Fuel System
    • Check for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Check that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder according to the firing order firing order: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

Sensor/System
    • Check the secondary air injection (AIR) system.
    • Check the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
    • Check the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over the inlet hole in the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.
    • Check for proper calibration of speedometer. Connect J 33431-B Signal Generator to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector. Ignition ON, tester ON and monitor the speedometer. The speedometer should indicate 86 km/h (54 mph).
    • Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to Knock Sensor (KS) System Description .

Ignition System
    • Check for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester .
    • Check for an intermittent ignition system malfunction in the following circuits:
       - Intermittent ignition control circuit.
       - Use the scan tools Snapshot feature in order to help locate an intermittent ignition failure.
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to one of the following procedures:
       - For diagnosis of the rich condition, refer to DTC P0172 or P0175 .
       - For diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs, refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following:
       - Ignition wires arcing to ground
       - Ignition wires for proper routing
    • Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water.
    • Check for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System
    • Check the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
    • Check the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

Engine Mechanical
    • Check the engine for the following mechanical conditions:
       - 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. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical 8.1L .
       - Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical 8.1L.
    • Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.
    • Refer to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical 8.1L for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Checks
    • Visually and physically check the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Check the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Check the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the TCC is commanded ON. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-4L80-E or Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-Allison.
    • Inspect the following components of the exhaust system for possible restrictions:
       - The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes
       - The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall
       - The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure
       - The 3-way catalytic converters for possible plugged conditions--Compare the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Check back pressure by removing secondary air injection (AIR) check valves near exhaust manifolds. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change may indicate that EMI is present. If a problem exists, check for high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.
    • Check the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation.
    • Check for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical 8.1L.
    • Check the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.