GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

Definition: A mild to severe ping which is usually worse upon acceleration. The engine makes sharp metallic knocks which change with the throttle opening.

Preliminary Checks

    â€¢ Refer to Symptoms .
    â€¢ Make sure the vehicle has an actual problem.
    â€¢ Check the fuel quality. Refer to Specific Gravity Testing .

Cooling System Checks

    â€¢ Check for obvious overheating problems. Refer to the appropriate service manual.
    â€¢ Check for a low engine coolant level.
    â€¢ Check for a loose water pump belt.
    â€¢ Check for restricted air flow through the radiator, or restricted coolant flow.
    â€¢ Check for a malfunctioning or incorrect thermostat.
    â€¢ Check for a correct coolant solution. The solution should be a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water.

Sensor Check

Check the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. Use the Scan Tool in order to compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5° greater or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit or the sensor itself.

Fuel System Checks

    â€¢ Check for air leaks in the fuel supply to the injection pump. Refer to Fuel Supply System Check .
    â€¢ Check the injection pump static timing. Refer to Fuel Injection Pump Timing Adjustment .
    â€¢ Check the injection nozzles. Refer to Injection Nozzle(s) Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical Checks

    â€¢ Check for incorrect basic engine parts such as the cam, the heads, the pistons, etc.
    â€¢ Check for any excessive oil entering the combustion chamber.

Additional Checks

Check the Service Bulletins for control module software updates.