GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses information from the ignition control (IC) module and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring the variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder the PCM is able to detect individual misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) to overheat under certain conditions. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for the TWC overheating are present.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0105, P0107, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0130, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0171, P0172, P0325, P0336, P0502, P0503, P0506, P0507, P0601, P0602, P1133, P1137, P1138, P1171, P1336, or P1621 are not set.
    • The engine speed is between 469-5,900 RPM.
    • The battery voltage is between 9-17 volts.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -7 to +123°C (20-254°F).
    • The engine has been running more than 5 seconds.
    • The throttle position (TP) has not increased more than 8 percent in 1 second.
    • The TP has not decreased more than 1.5 percent in 1 second.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire rate sufficient to cause emissions levels to exceed mandated standard.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent DTC can also be the result of a defective reluctor wheel. Remove the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and inspect the reluctor wheel through the CKP sensor mount hole. Check the porosity and the condition of the reluctor wheel.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The misfire is considered random on all cylinders if, while viewing the misfire counters in the misfire data list, the misfire seems to move to different cylinders.

  2. The misfire is considered consistent if the misfire is occurring on the same cylinders consistently.

  3. When checking the spark at the spark plug wires, the spark should be consistent. A few sparks then nothing, is no spark.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, record the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for reference with a scan tool. This data will be lost when you use the Clear DTC information function.

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Install the scan tool.

Are there any other DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Monitor the Misfire current parameter in the misfire data list with a load on the engine. Refer to Freeze Frame data.

Is the Misfire counter increasing?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Use a spray bottle filled with water in order to wet down the secondary ignition system.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Monitor the misfire current parameter in the misfire data list with a load on the engine.

Does the scan tool indicate a misfire is present?

--

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

Go to Step 18

5

Is the misfire random on all cylinders?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Is the misfire consistent on specific cylinders?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the J 26792 Spark Tester to the spark plug wires of the cylinders indicating a misfire.
  3. Start and idle the engine.

Does the tester indicate spark is consistent on all tested spark plug wires?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

8

  1. Remove the spark plugs from the cylinders that indicate a misfire. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
  2. Inspect the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Install the spark plugs in the cylinders that were not indicating a misfire.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Monitor the Misfire current parameter in the misfire data list.

Did the misfires change cylinders?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Perform the fuel system diagnostic. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  2. Repair as necessary.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

11

Perform the Fuel Injector Balance Test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 17

12

  1. Connect the J 34730-405 Injector Test Lamp on the injector harness connector, on the PCM side.
  2. Crank the engine.

Does the injector test lamp flash for each injector?

--

Go to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test

Go to Step 13

13

Check the injector harness for a short to voltage between the PCM connector and the injector connector that failed the Balance Test using a DMM.

Is the voltage above the specified value?

0-1 V

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

14

Repair the short to voltage on the injector control circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

15

Replace the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

16

Physically and visually check for these conditions in the following order:

  1. Contaminated fuel
  2. Fouled or damaged spark plugs--refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
  3. Ignition coil and connections
  4. Restricted exhaust system--refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
  5. PCM grounds

Repair as necessary.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 17

17

  1. Check for engine mechanical problems. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical 2.2L (L43).
  2. Repair as necessary.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Diagnostic Aids

18

Perform the CKP system variation learn procedure. Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 2

20

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK