The powertrain control module (PCM) uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensors and from the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine if engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring the variations in the crankshaft rotational speed for each cylinder, the PCM is able to detect individual cylinder misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause damage to the 3-way catalytic converter. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash if converter damaging conditions are present.
• | DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0128, P0335, P0336, P0341, P0343, P0502, P0503, P1114, P1115, P1120, P1220, P1221, or P1336 are not set. |
• | The engine speed is between 375 RPM and 5,001 RPM for automatic transmission. |
• | The engine speed is between 450 RPM and 5,001 RPM for manual transmission. |
• | The ignition voltage is between 10 volts and 18 volts. |
• | The ECT is between -7°C (19°F) to +130°C (+266°F). |
• | The fuel level is more than 10 percent. |
• | The TP sensor angle is steady within 1 percent. |
• | The antilock brake system (ABS) and the traction control system are not active. |
• | The transmission is not changing gears. |
• | The secondary air injection (AIR) diagnostic test is not in progress (RPO NC1 only). |
• | The A/C clutch is not changing states. |
• | The PCM is not in fuel shut-off or decel fuel cut-off mode. |
• | The ABS signal is not exceeding rough road thresholds. |
• | The PCM determines that an emission type misfire is present. |
• | The PCM determines that a catalyst damaging misfire is present. |
• | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
• | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
• | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
• | 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 emission related diagnostic. |
• | Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool. |
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Verify that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
• | Running the vehicle out of fuel causes sufficient misfire to set DTC P0300. A vehicle that is out of fuel may have fuel level DTCs also set. |
• | A restricted fuel filter can cause sufficient misfire to set DTC P0300. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . |
• | Excessive vibration from sources other than the engine can cause a misfire DTC. The following are possible sources of vibration: |
- | Variable thickness brake rotor |
- | Drive shaft not balanced |
- | Certain rough road conditions |
• | Observe, if more then one cylinder is misfiring, the scan tool may only display one cylinder misfiring. This will not be apparent until the repair is completed. Also, if an ignition coil ground circuit is open for one side of the engine, the scan tool may only display 2 or 3 cylinders misfiring. Inspect the ground circuit for the ignition coil on the cylinder bank of the engine that has more then one cylinder misfiring. |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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 the water.
If the Misfire Current counters are incrementing and there is no apparent misfire, an erratic CKP sensor signal could be the cause. Perform the diagnostic table for DTC P0335 first if this condition is suspected.
If a misfire is present and you suspect a fuel control problem, force the fuel system into Open Loop using the scan tool and allow the engine to run for a few minutes. If this eliminates the misfire, refer to any fuel control related DTCs which are set. If no other DTCs are set, refer to the Engine Scan Tool Data List.
A misfire may not be apparent at idle. The misfire may only occur above idle under a load. Road test the vehicle and monitor the misfire current counters.
If more than one cylinder is misfiring, the misfire current counters may only increment for one cylinder. Example: Cylinders 1 and 8 are both misfiring, yet only cylinder 8 increments on the misfire current counter.
If one of the injector fuses is open, only two or three misfire current counters may increment for the corresponding side of the engine.
The cylinder with the more significant misfire may cause another cylinder counter to increment only by a small amount.
If the engine misfire moves with the spark plug, this is good indication that you should replace the spark plug.
An engine mechanical problem can cause a spark plug to gas foul. Inspect for loose rockers, collapsed lifters, or worn camshaft lobes.
If the customer concern is the MIL flashing, this indicates that a Catalyst Misfire has occurred. Drive the vehicle in the conditions to run the catalyst diagnostic.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Important:
Are any of the Misfire Current counters incrementing? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Is only one misfire counter incrementing? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Inspect the following items:
Did any of the above checks isolate a condition requiring a repair? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 |
Important: Before disconnecting the injector harness, refer to Fuel Injection Fuel Rail Assembly Replacement . There is a special procedure for disconnecting the fuel injector harness connectors.
Does the injector test lamp flash? | -- | Go to Step 7 | Go to DTC P0200 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 |
Does the spark jump the tester gap and is the spark consistent? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 |
Is the resistance less than the specified value? | 700 ohms | Go to Step 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Remove the spark plugs from the cylinder that indicated a misfire. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement . Does the spark plug appear to be OK? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Important: If the Injector Coil Test Procedure is OK, refer to Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Internal Lower Engine Noises in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
Did the misfire move with the spark plug? | -- | Go to Step 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | Are the spark plugs oil fouled or coolant fouled? | -- | Go to Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Internal Lower Engine Noises in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L | Go to Step 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Important: If the fuel system is OK, refer to Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Internal Lower Engine Noises in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L. Are the spark plugs gas fouled? | -- | Go to Fuel System Diagnosis | Go to Step 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 |
Important: If the Injector Coil Test Procedure is OK, refer to Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Internal Lower Engine Noises in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L. Do the spark plugs show any signs of being cracked, worn, or improperly gapped? | -- | Go to Step 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Replace or re-gap the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement . If an improper gap is found, be sure to re-gap the spark plugs using a wire-type gauge. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | Replace the faulty spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Replace the faulty ignition wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
If the customer's concern is that the MIL was flashing, are any catalyst DTCs set? | -- | Go to DTC P0420 or P0430 | Go to Step 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 |
Does the DTC run and pass? | -- | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | System OK |