GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

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Definition: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold, or in the exhaust system, making 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 crankshaft position (CKP) 18X Signal.
       - An intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the CKP sensor or the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
       - An intermittent 3X reference signal.
       - An intermittent CMP signal
    • Test 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 .
    • Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Ignition System

    • Test for proper ignition voltage output using the following procedure:
       - 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 connected 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. Spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coils, inspect for the following conditions:
       - Inspect the coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the 5000 - 8000 ohms range.
       - Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched wires, improper routing, or a resistance value other than 600 ohms per ft. (1968 ohms per meter).

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

       - Test for a defective module.
       - Inspect the ignition system wiring for a loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Improper heat range or reach
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

    • Test or inspect the following engine mechanical components for the following:
       - Test the compression.
       - Test for sticking or leaking valves.
       - Inspect for worn camshaft lobe(s).
       - Test the valve timing.
       - Inspect for bent push rods.
       - Inspect for worn rocker arms.
       - Inspect for broken valve springs.
       - Test for excessive oil in combustion chambers or leaking valve seals.
    • Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft
       - The cylinder heads
       - The pistons, etc.

Additional Checks

    • Inspect the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
    • Test the TCC operation.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - Test for a plugged 3-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check and Exhaust System Inspection in Engine Exhaust.