Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Steady
pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more pronounced
as engine load increases. This condition is not
normally felt above 1,500 RPM or 48 km/h (30 mph). The
exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle or
low speed.
|
Preliminary
|
• | Check the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean,
tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to
Engine Controls Schematics
. |
|
Fuel
System
|
• | Check items that cause an engine to run rich long term fuel trim
near -13 percent. For a rich condition, refer to
DTC P0132 or P0152
. |
• | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean, long term fuel
trim near 24 percent. For a lean condition, refer to
DTC P0131 or P0151
. |
|
Sensor/System
| Use a scan
tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark
retard activity.
|
Ignition System
|
• | 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 water. |
• | Check for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792
Spark Tester . |
• | Remove the spark plugs and check for the following: |
• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem.
Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. Refer
to
Spark Plug Replacement
. |
• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark
plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to
Spark Plug Inspection
for diagnosis of fouled
spark plugs. |
• | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle
in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a cylinder can be located
with a misfire, refer to
Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis
for diagnosis. |
• | Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the
following: |
- | Ignition wires arcing to ground |
- | Ignition wires for proper engagement to spark plug |
- | Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking |
|
Engine
Mechanical
|
• | Check engine mechanical for the following: |
- | Sticking or leaking valves |
• | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts: |
Refer to
Symptoms - Engine Mechanical
in Engine Mechanical.
|
Additional Checks
|
• | Inspect the following components of the exhaust system for possible
restrictions: |
- | The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes |
- | The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall |
- | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure |
- | The three-way catalytic converters for possible plugged conditions--Compare
the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. |
• | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can
cause an engine miss condition. A sudden increase in indicated RPM with
little change in actual engine RPM change indicates
EMI is present. Check for high voltage components near
ignition control circuits if a problem exists. |
• | Check the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for
casting flash. |
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