Diagnostic Instructions
Circuit/System Description
This procedure is used for emission systems not equipped with P0300. An engine misfire is variations in the crankshaft rotation speed due to a cylinder misfire event. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause 3-way catalytic converter damage.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Special Tools
J 26792
Spark Tester
Circuit/System Verification
- Engine running at the normal operating temperature.
- Verify there is no abnormal engine noise.
- Verify the following DTCs are not set: P0261, P0262, P0264, P0265, P0267, P0268, P0270, P0271, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0351, or P0352
- Engine running, disconnect one fuel injector connector at a time to isolate the misfiring cylinder. The engine speed should change when an injector is disconnected.
- Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
- Verify the following conditions do not exist:
• | Vacuum hose splits, kinks, and incorrect connections |
• | Crankcase ventilation system for vacuum leaks |
• | Exhaust system restrictions |
⇒ | If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary. |
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the spark plug wire from the misfiring cylinder.
- Install the
J 26792
to the boot of a spark plug wire and a good ground.
Important: An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.
- Attempt to start the engine and observe the
J 26792
Spark Tester. The spark tester should spark.
⇒ | If there is no spark, test the spark plug wire for less than 1,000 ohms per cm (per foot). Replace the spark plug wire if more than the specified value. If the spark plug wire test normal, refer to
Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for diagnosis of the ignition coil. |
- Ignition OFF, remove the spark plug from the misfiring cylinder. Verify that the following conditions do not exist with the spark plug:
• | Gas, coolant, or oil fouled |
• | Cracked, worn, incorrectly gapped |
⇒ | If there is a condition with the spark plug, replace the spark plug. |
- Exchange the suspected spark plug with another cylinder that is operating correctly.
- Engine running, disconnect the injector that corresponds to the misfiring cylinder. The engine speed should change.
⇒ | If the engine speed changes, replace the spark plug. |
- If all conditions test normal, test or inspect for an engine mechanical condition. Refer to
Symptoms - Engine Mechanical.
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.