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For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to the Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       - Intermittent crankshaft position (CKP) Sync or CKP 18X signal
       - Intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
       - Intermittent 3X reference signal
       - Intermittent camshaft position signal
    • Inspect the throttle body inlet screen for foreign objects or damage that can affect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor airflow sample.

Fuel System

    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Ensure each injector harness connector is connected to the correct injector. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Ignition System

    • Test for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the J 26792 Spark Tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester, leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
       - Connect another spark plug wire between the remaining coil tower on the coil being tested and ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the spark tester, a spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coils, test for the following conditions:
       - Coils--Evidence of carbon tracking or arcing, cracks in the coils, or a resistance value outside the specified range:

Coil Secondary Resistance
5000-8000 ohms (5K-8K ohms)

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent condition. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

       - Spark plug wires--Inspect for the following conditions:
   • Evidence of arcing
   • Evidence of cross firing
   • Cracks
   • Carbon tracking
   •  Plug boot damage
   • Pinched wires
   •  Incorrect routing
       - Spark plug wires--Inspect for a resistance value more than the specified value:

Spark Plug Wires Resistance
9840 ohms per meter (3000 ohms per ft)

       - Malfunctioning ignition control module (ICM).
       - Ignition system wiring--Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Incorrect gap
       - Burned or damaged electrodes
       - Incorrect heat range
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

Test for the following:

    • Engine compression
    • Sticking or leaking valves
    • Worn camshaft lobes
    • Valve timing
    • Bent push rods
    • Worn rocker arms
    • Broken valve springs
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Inspect for evidence of leaking valve seals
    • Low cylinder compression
    • For incorrect engine parts, inspect the following basic parts:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons
    • Refer to Base Engine Misfire without Internal Engine Noises in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Tests

    • Inspect the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash.
    • Test torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-4L60-E.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for a possible restriction in the following components:
       - Damaged or collapsed pipes
       - Heat distress or possible internal failure in the muffler
       - Plugged three-way catalytic converter--Test for possible plugged conditions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.