GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2005 🢒 CTS 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 Backfire

Inspections

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

Preliminary Inspections
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .

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

Sensor/System
    • Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
    • 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
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester .
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

Refer to Spark Plug Inspection and Ignition System Specifications .

    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection for diagnosis.
    • Inspect the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection .
    • Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply the water.
    • Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System
    • Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
    • Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following:
       - Compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.
       - Sticking or leaking valves
       - Worn camshaft lobes
       - Valve timing
       - Bent push rods
       - Worn rocker arms
       - Broken valve springs
       - Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • For incorrect, worn or damaged basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft--Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
       - The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
       - The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Inspections
    • Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection or Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect the following:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - Inspect for possible plugged catalytic converters. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.