GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2006 🢒 GMC Sierra Denali 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 8.1L 🢒 Cuts Out, Misses

Inspections

Action

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
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Remove the air filter element and inspect for dirt and for restrictions. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.

Fuel System
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector
       - Engine oil contaminated by fuel
       - An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
       - Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
       - An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted--Refer Intake Air Resonator Replacement .
       - An air filter that is dirty or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust.
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Restricted fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - An inaccurate MAF sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

Sensor/System

Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.

Ignition System
    • 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 water.
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester .
    • Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       -  Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • An improper spark plug gap may cause a driveability problem. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool . Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    •  Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following conditions:
       - The ignition wires arcing to ground
       - The ignition wires for proper engagement to spark plug
       - The ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking
    • 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 .

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following conditions:
       - Inspect 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--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    •  For incorrect basic engine parts inspect the following:
       - 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 diagnostic procedures.

Additional Inspections
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - Inspect for possible plugged catalytic converters by comparing the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine misfire condition. A sudden increase in indicated RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change indicates EMI is present. Inspect for high voltage components near ignition control circuits if a condition exists.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.