GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks.
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Test for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       - An intermittent CKP 18X signal
       - An intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or to the camshaft position sensor
       - An intermittent 3X reference signal
       - An intermittent camshaft position signal
    • Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor conditions. Ensure that the MAF sensor honeycomb is not damaged.

Fuel System

    • Test for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) . Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .
    • Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector and cylinder.

Ignition System

Test for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:

  1. Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
  2. 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.
  3. Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
  4. Crank the engine while observing the spark tester; a crisp blue spark should be observed.
  5. Repeat the above steps for each coil.
  6. If spark is not present at the coils, test for the following conditions:
  7.  - The coils--Inspect for cracks, for carbon tracking or arcing, or for a secondary resistance value that is outside the specified range.

    Coil Resistance
    5,000-8,000 ohms (5K- 8K ohms)

     - The spark plug wires--Inspect for signs of arcing or cross-firing, for cracks, for carbon tracking, for plug boot damage, for pinches, for improper routing, or for resistance value that is outside the specified range.

    Spark Plug Wire Resistance
    600 ohms per ft.

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

     - A defective module
     - The ignition system wiring--Inspect for a loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or for damaged system wiring.
  8. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
  9.  - Fouled plugs
     - Cracks
     - Wear
     - Improper gap
     - Burned or damaged electrodes
     - Improper heat range or reach

If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, you must determine the cause of the fouling before you replace the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

  • Test and inspect for the following engine mechanical conditions:
   • 

Improper compression

   • 

Sticking or leaking valves

   • 

Worn camshaft lobes.

   • 

Improper valve timing

   • 

Bent push rods

   • 

Worn rocker arms.

   • 

Broken valve springs

   • 

Excessive oil in the combustion chamber caused by leaking valve seals

   • 

Low cylinder compression

    •  Inspect the following engine components:
       - The camshaft
       - The cylinder heads
       - The pistons
       - Other engine components, as applicable
    • Refer to Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical 3.8L for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Checks

    • Inspect the intake and the exhaust manifolds for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection refer to in Engine Mechanical.
    • Test the TCC operation. Refer to DTC P1571 Traction Control Torque Request Circuit .
    • Test the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following conditions:
       - Damaged or collapsed pipes
       - Heat distress or possible internal failure of the muffler
       - A plugged 3-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check in Engine Exhaust.