GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Backfire Symptom

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

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

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to

Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Perform a bulletin search.
  2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 3

3

Was visual/physical check performed?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to

Important Preliminary Checks

4

  1. Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with the spark plug jumper wires J 36012 and the spark tester J 26792.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Remove the spark plugs and check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
  2. Notice: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, determime the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark plugs.

  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Perform the Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test (ECT Within 10C-35C (50F-95F) and Fuel Injector Balance Test .
  2. Replace any injector malfunctioning.

Were any injector(s) replaced?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Check engine mechanical for the following conditions. Refer to Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.
  2. • Low compression.
    • Sticking or leaking valves.
    • Worn camshaft lobe(s).
    • Incorrect valve timing.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Check the Intake and exhaust manifold(s) for casting flash. Refer to Engine Mechanical .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
  2. If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the following items:
  3. • Visual/physical inspection.
    • Scan tool data.
    • All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Check for Service Bulletins

11

Operate vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was noted.

Does the system now operate properly?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2