Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Engine
runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or vehicle may shake. Engine
idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall
the engine.
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Preliminary Checks
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| • | Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations. |
| • | Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted.
Replace as necessary. |
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Fuel System
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| • | Perform injector balance test. |
| • | Check for restricted fuel filter. |
| • | Check for incorrect minimum idle speed. |
| • | Check each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder
according to the firing order. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary. |
| • | Check for injectors that are shorted internally. Compare injector
resistance. |
| • | Check for foreign material accumulation in the throttle bore,
coking on the throttle valve or on the throttle shaft. Also inspect for throttle
body tampering. |
| • | 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%). |
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Sensor/System
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| • | Check Crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place
finger over inlet hole in valve end several times. Valve should snap back.
If not, replace valve. |
| • | Using a Scan Tool, monitor TP sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage
should be less then 0.9 volts at rest. If the TP sensor voltage is greater
than 0.9 volt, inspect the throttle body and accelerator cables for binding. |
| • | Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for excessive spark retard
activity. |
| • | Check the EGR system for proper operation. |
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Ignition System
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| • | Remove spark plugs and check for the following: |
| • | 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. |
| • | Visually/Physically inspect Secondary ignition for the following: |
| - | Ignition wires for cross firing. |
| - | Ignition wires arcing to ground. |
| - | Ignition wires for proper routing. |
| - | Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking. |
| • | Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray
bottle may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look/listen for
arcing or misfiring as water is applied. |
| • | Check for loose ignition control module ground. |
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Engine Mechanical
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| • | Check engine mechanical for the following: |
| - | Sticking or leaking valves. |
| - | Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. |
| - | Low cylinder compression. |
| • | For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following: |
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Additional Checks
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| • | Check exhaust system for possible restrictions. Check for the
following: |
| - | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
| - | Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
| - | For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converters by comparing
exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust
in Engine Exhaust. |
| • | An engine miss condition can be caused by Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI) on the reference circuit. EMI can usually be detected by monitoring
engine RPM with a scan tool. A sudden increase in RPM with little change
in actual engine RPM change, indicates EMI is present. If a problem exists,
check routing of secondary ignition wires, high voltage components (Near
Ignition Control circuits). |
| • | Check PNP switch circuit and be sure the scan tool indicates vehicle
is in drive with gear selector in drive or overdrive. |
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