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For 1990-2009 cars only

Backfire

Tests/Inspections

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

Preliminary

    • Refer to Symptoms .
    • Search for service bulletins.

Fuel System

    • Test for a low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test .
    • Test for a contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure that each fuel injector harness is connected to the correct injector. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics Fuel Controls.

Ignition System

    • Test for the correct ignition voltage output.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Any wet or fuel fouled plugs
       - Any cracks
       - An incorrect gap
       - Any burnt electrodes or heavy deposits
    • If the spark plugs are fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the ignition control module (ICM) for a correct ground connection.
    • Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.

Engine Mechanical

    • Inspect for the following conditions:
       - A low compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
       - Any broken valve springs.
       - Any sticking or leaking valves.
       - Any worn camshafts lobes.
       - Refer to Valve Train Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
       - Any valve timing. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
       - Any excessive oil in a combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • Check for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshafts
       - The cylinder head
       - The pistons, etc.
       - Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications in Engine Mechanical.

Additional

    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifolds for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection and to Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical .
    • Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:
       - Any damaged or collapsed pipes
       - Any heat distress or internal failure of the muffler
       - A plugged 3-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .