GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C4/C5 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Backfire

Inspections

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

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting 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 incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • Test 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.
    • Test the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over the inlet hole in the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.
    • Inspect for an inaccurate speedometer. Refer to Speedometer and/or Odometer Inaccurate or Inoperative in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
    • Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity with a scan tool. Refer to Knock Sensor (KS) System Description .

Ignition System
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with a J 26792 spark tester .
    • Test for an intermittent ignition system malfunction in the following circuits:
       - Intermittent ignition control circuit.
       - Use the scan tool's Snapshot feature in order to help locate an intermittent ignition failure.
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection :
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • An improper spark plug gap may cause a driveability problem. 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 if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection for diagnosis of fouled spark plugs.
    • Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following:
       - Spark plug wires arcing to ground
       - Spark plug wires for proper routing
    • Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water.
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System
    • Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
    • Test 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:
       - Test engine 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--Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical .
    • Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts. Refer to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.

Additional
    • 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 following components of the exhaust system for possible restrictions:
       - The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes
       - The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall
       - The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure
       - Malfunctioning exhaust brake valve--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust Brake in Engine Exhaust.
       - Compare 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 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.
    • Inspect the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation.
    • Inspect for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical .
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash