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 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:
       - Intermittent 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 mass air flow 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) or Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .
    • Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder.

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 crisp blue spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If spark is not present at the coils, test for the following conditions:
       - Coils -- Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a secondary resistance value outside the specified range.

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

       - Spark plug wires -- Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value 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 locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

       - Defective module.
       - Ignition system wiring -- Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove 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 and inspect engine mechanical:
   • 

Check 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.

Additional Checks

    • Inspect intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
    • Test TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis in Automatic Transaxle.
    • Test exhaust system for possible restriction. Inspect the following:
       - 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 .