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For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to the Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       - Intermittent CKP Sync or CKP 18X signal
       - Intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor.
       - Intermittent 3X reference signal
       - Intermittent camshaft position signal
    • Inspect the throttle body inlet screen for foreign objects or damage that can affect the MAF sensor airflow sample.

Fuel System

    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    • Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure each injector harness connector is connected to the correct injector. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Ignition System

    • Test for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester, leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
       - Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower, connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the spark tester, a spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coils, test for the following conditions:
       - Coils - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Secondary Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms)

       - Spark plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, incorrect routing, or a resistance value more than the specified value.

Spark Plug Wires Resistance
3280-4921 ohm/meter(1000-1500 ohms/ft).

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

       - Malfunctioning ignition control module
       - Ignition system wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Incorrect gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Incorrect heat range
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

Test for the following:

    • Engine compression
    • Sticking or leaking valves
    • Worn camshaft lobes
    • Valve timing
    • Bent push rods
    • 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 Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Tests

    • Inspect the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash.
    • Test TCC operation. Refer to A Diagnostic Starting Point in 4L60E Automatic Transmission.
    • Test the exhaust system for a possible restriction.
       - Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .