GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Fuel System

    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder according to the firing order. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect the air intake system and the crankcase for air leaks.
    • Test the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over inlet hole in valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.
    • Inspect for proper calibration of the speedometer. Connect the J 33431-B signal generator to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector. Turn ON the ignition, the tester, and monitor the speedometer. The speedometer should indicate 86 km/h (54 mph). If not, refer to Gauge System Check.
    • Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to Knock Sensor (KS) System Description .

Ignition System

    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 spark tester.
    • Inspect for an intermittent ignition system malfunction in the following circuits:
       - Ignition control circuit
       - Use the Snapshot feature on the scan tool in order to help locate an intermittent ignition failure.
    • Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • An improper spark plug gap causes a driveability concern. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool.
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 1 or DTC P0175 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 2 for diagnosis of the rich condition.
    • Visually and physically inspect secondary ignition for the following:
       - Ignition wires arcing to ground
       - Ignition wires for proper routing
       - Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking
    • Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply the water.
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System

    • Inspect the engine coolant level for being low.
    •  Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and correct heat range.

Engine Mechanical

    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following:
       - Test 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
    • For incorrect basic engine parts, inspect the following components:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder head
       - Pistons, etc.

Additional Checks

    • Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Inspect the following exhaust system components for possible restrictions:
       - The exhaust system for physical damage
       - The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall
       - The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure
       - The three-way catalytic converters (TWC) for possible plugged pipes by comparing the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Check back pressure by removing HO2S near exhaust manifolds.
    • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change, may indicate that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect for high voltage components near ignition control circuits.
    • Inspect for faulty engine mounts.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.