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For 1990-2009 cars only
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Inspections

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

Preliminary Inspections
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the engine control module (ECM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views and Engine Controls Schematics .

Fuel System
    • Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

Sensor/System
    • Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
    • Inspect the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for an inaccurate speedometer. Refer to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console .
    • 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
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester.
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Wet plugs.
       - Cracks.
       - Wear.
       - incorrect gap.
       - Burned electrodes.
       - Heavy deposits.

Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

    • An incorrect spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection for diagnosis.
    • Visually and physically inspect secondary ignition for the following:
       - Ignition wires arcing to ground.
       - Ignition coils arcing to ground.
    • Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply the water.
    • Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

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

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following:
       - Compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test .
       - Sticking or leaking valves.
       - Worn camshaft lobes.
       - Valve timing.
       - Bent push rods.
       - Worn rocker arms.
       - Broken valve springs.
       - Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft. Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The cylinder heads. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The pistons, etc. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Inspections
    • Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the TCC is commanded ON. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect the following:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - Inspect for possible plugged catalytic converters. Refer to Restricted 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, inspect for high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.
    • Inspect the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation.
    • Inspect for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection .
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.