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Inspections

Action

DEFINITION: Engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or vehicle may shake. Engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.

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 and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Remove and inspect the air filter element for dirt or for being restricted. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.

Fuel System
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • 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 .
    • Ensure that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.
    • Inspect 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 HO2S connector
       - Engine oil contaminated by fuel
       - An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Rich fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
       - Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor--Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
       - Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections
       - The air intake duct for being collapsed or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Front Duct Replacement .
       - The air filter for being dirty or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Inspect the following 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 .
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Lean 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 for splits, kinks and proper connections

Sensor/System
    • Test the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor for correct operation. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
    • Test the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over the inlet hole of the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.
    •  Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.

Ignition System
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for procedure.
    • 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 will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage 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 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.
    • Ensure that battery voltage is present at the ignition coil. Inspect for a loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following conditions:
       - Inspect compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test .
       - 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 .
    • 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.
    • Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the CKP sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection . This could result in any of the following conditions:
       - A no start
       - A start and stall
       - Erratic performance

Additional
    • 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
       - Compare the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Refer to Restricted 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 engine speed parameter on the scan tool with little change in actual engine RPM indicates that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect for correct routing of secondary ignition wires or high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.
    • Inspect for faulty engine mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection .
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Inspect the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve stuck open or EGR pintle not seating properly. Inspect EGR valve gasket for leaks.