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For 1990-2009 cars only

Inspection/Test

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

Preliminary

    •  Refer to Intermittent Conditions .
    •  Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System

    •  Inspect for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       -  Monitor the 24X crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensors on a scan tool. If neither sensor is responding, test the sensor feed circuit. Both sensors use a separate feed circuit but are internally connected to power. Test the 24X sensor circuits and the CMP sensor circuits for intermittents. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
       -  Monitor the 3X parameter on the scan tool. If the 3X is not responding, inspect the 7X CKP sensor and the circuits for intermittents. Inspect the ignition control (IC) circuit, the bypass circuit, the 3X reference high circuit, and the 3X reference low circuit for intermittents. If these circuits become open or shorted a DTC may not set immediately, but the sensors are capable of causing driveability complaints. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    •  Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Ensure that the MAF sensor honeycomb is not damaged.

Fuel System

    •  Test for a low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    •  Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    •  Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector and cylinder.

Ignition System

    •  Inspect for the proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
        1.  Attach the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground.
        2.  Connect the spark plug end of the spark plug wire to the J 26792 spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested.
        3.  Connect the spark plug end of the companion spark plug wire to ground.

The companion spark plug wire is the wire attached to the corresponding coil tower.

        4.  Crank the engine while observing the J 26792 spark tester. A spark should be observed.
        5.  Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    •  If spark is not present at the coils, inspect for the following conditions:
       -  Check the coils for cracks, carbon tracking or arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Resistance
5,000-8,000 ohms

       -  Check the spark plug wires for signs of arcing, cross-firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinching, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Spark Plug Wire Resistance
1 968 ohms per meter (600 ohms per foot)

    Important: :  Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. The ignition voltage will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

       -  Test for a faulty ignition module.
       -  Inspect the ignition system wiring for a loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    •  Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       -  Fouling
       -  Cracks
       -  Wear
       -  Improper gap
       -  Burned or damaged electrodes
       -  Improper heat range or reach
    •  If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Visual Diagnosis in Engine Electrical.

Engine Mechanical

Inspect or test for the following engine mechanical conditions:

    • An incorrect compression
    •  Any sticking or leaking valves
    •  Any worn camshaft lobes
    •  An improper valve timing
    •  Any bent push rods
    •  Any worn rocker arms
    •  Any broken valve springs
    •  Any excessive oil in the combustion chambers or leaking valve seals
    •  Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts:
       -  The camshaft
       -  The cylinder heads
       -  The pistons, etc.
    •  Refer to Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Additional

    •  Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold for casting flash.
    •  Test the torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis in Automatic Transaxle.
    •  Inspect the exhaust system for restrictions:
       -  Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       -  Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or internal failure.
       - Inspect for a plugged catalytic converter.
       - Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .