GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 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.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .

Fuel System
    • Test for correct 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 .
    • 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 .

Ignition System
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester.
    • If spark is not present , inspect for the following conditions:
       - The coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing
       - The spark plug wires for signs of arcing, cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range--Refer to Ignition System Specifications .
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Ignition System Specifications and Spark Plug Replacement .
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Visually and physically inspect secondary ignition for the following conditions:
       - Ignition coils arcing to ground
       - Ignition wires arcing to ground
    • 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 Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems.

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 conditions:
       - 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 basic engine parts, inspect the following components:
       - The camshaft--Refer to Camshaft and Bearings 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.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the TCC is commanded ON.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following conditions:
       - The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - For possible plugged catalytic converters--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change may indicate that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect for high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.