Inspection/Test
| Action
|
DEFINITION: Steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually
more pronounced as the engine load increases.
|
Preliminary
|
• | Inspect the intake air system for the following conditions: |
- | Dirty or damaged air filter element |
- | Damaged or disconnected intake air ducting |
|
Sensor/System
|
• | Inspect mass air flow (MAF) sensor and connections. |
• | Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted
in value. Connect the scan tool and compare the engine coolant temperature (IAT)
with the intake air temperature on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT should be within
±3°C (5°F) of each other. Check the resistance of the ECT
sensor if the temperature is out of range with the IAT sensor. Refer to
Temperature Versus Resistance
for specifications. |
• | Inspect throttle position (TP) sensor and connections. Refer to
DTC P0121
. |
• | Inspect for throttle body tampering, excessive deposits, or damage. |
|
Fuel System
|
• | Inspect for fuel in the fuel pressure regulator. |
Inspect the following that may cause the engine to run rich:
Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section. • | Any water intrusion in the HO2S connector. |
• | Engine oil contaminated by fuel. |
• | An EVAP canister purge condition. |
• | A leaking fuel pressure regulator. |
• | Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor. |
• | Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections. |
• | The air intake duct for being collapsed or restricted. |
Inspect the following that may cause the engine to run lean:
Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section. • | Any water intrusion into the HO2S connector. |
• | An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to
Exhaust Leakage
in Engine Exhaust. |
• | An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor. |
• | Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections. |
|
Ignition System
|
• | Test crankshaft position (CKP) sensor A and B for proper operation. |
• | Inspect the ignition control (IC) circuits at each ignition module assembly
for poor connections, damage, misrouting. |
• | Inspect the ignition coils for damage. |
• | Inspect the spark plug boots for misalignment, and damage. |
• | Inspect for a damaged or missing ground spring at each ignition module
assembly. |
|
Engine Cooling
|
• | Inspect the engine coolant level for being too low. Refer to
Loss of Coolant
in Engine Cooling. |
• | Inspect for an incorrect, damaged, or malfunctioning thermostat. Refer
to
Thermostat Diagnosis
in Engine Cooling. |
|
Engine Mechanical
|
- | Sticking or leaking valves |
- | Excessive oil in the combustion chamber, leaking valve seals. |
• | Inspect the following for incorrect basic engine parts: |
|
Additional
|
• | Inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, proper routing and connections,
and/or damage. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. |
• | Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust
in Engine Exhaust. |
• | An engine miss condition can be caused by electromagnetic interference
(EMI). EMI can usually be detected by monitoring the engine RPM with a scan tool.
A sudden increase in RPM with little change in the actual engine RPM, indicates
EMI is present. |
|