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
|
|
Fuel System
|
• | 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 |
- | Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections |
• | 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 hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections |
|
Sensor/System
|
• | 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
|
• | 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. |
|
Engine Mechanical
|
• | Inspect engine mechanical for the following conditions: |
- | Sticking or leaking valves |
• | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts. Refer to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures: |
• | 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: |
|
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 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. |
|