GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 1999 🢒 Eldorado 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.0L and 4.6L 🢒 Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

Checks

Action

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.

Preliminary Checks
    • Refer to Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • 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.

Fuel System
    • Perform injector balance test.
    • Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Check.
    • Check for restricted fuel filter.
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Fuel Quality Diagnosis.
    • 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 fuel in pressure regulator vacuum hose. If fuel is present, replace regulator assembly.
    • 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%).

Sensor/System
    • 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.

Ignition System
    • Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792. Refer to Secondary Ignition System Diagnosis for procedure.
    • Remove 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). Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical. 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.

Engine Mechanical
    • Check engine mechanical for the following:
       - Check compression.
       - 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.
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.

Refer to Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Checks
    • 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 System Check and Exhaust System.
    • 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.