GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1999 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.5L 🢒 Cuts Out, Misses

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more pronounced as engine load increases.

Preliminary
    • Refer to Symptoms , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations.
    • Remove and check the air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted. Replace as necessary.

Fuel System
    •  Perform an injector balance test.
    •  Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    •  Check for a restricted fuel filter.
    •  Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Fuel Quality Diagnosis .
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -99%).
    • Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 100%).

Sensor/System
    •  Using a scan tool, monitor the KS system for excessive spark retard activity.
    • Check the EGR system for proper operation.

Ignition System
    • Remove the spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       -  Cracks
       -  Wear
       -  Improper gap
       -  Burned electrodes
       -  Heavy deposits
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done using a wire gauge gap tool (J 41319). If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Check the plugs/coils for signs of arcing, cracks or carbon tracking.
    • Check for loose ignition control module grounds.
    • Check the spark plugs for proper heat range.
    • Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792. Refer to Secondary Ignition Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

Check for the following conditions:

    • Sticking or leaking valves.
    • Worn camshaft lobe(s)
    • Valve timing
    • Worn rocker arms
    • Broken valve springs
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals
    • Low cylinder compression.
    • incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.

Refer to Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis for diagnostic procedures.

Additional Checks
    • Check the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .
    • Check for improper harness routing. An engine miss condition can be caused by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) on some engine controls circuits. Use the scan tool to check for erratic sensor values or excessive changes in indicated RPM with little change in actual engine RPM. This may indicate EMI is present. If a problem exists, check for improper routing of the harness near high voltage components (Ignition Components) or high current components (alternator, motors, solenoids etc.).
    • Check the charging system. a bad diode in the alternator can allow AC noise to enter the electrical system. This may affect the engine controls system operation. Refer to Charging System Check .