GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cuts Out, Misses

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: A steady pulsation or jerking that follows the engine speed. When the engine load increases, the condition is usually more pronounced.

Preliminary

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

Fuel System

    • Inspect the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • Inspect for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the fuel filter for being plugged or restricted.
    • Inspect the items which can cause an engine to run rich, with a long term fuel trim significantly in the negative range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 .
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean, with a long term fuel trim significantly in the positive range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .
    • Ensure proper operation of the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system.
    • Inspect for fuel in the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect the oxygen sensor (O2S 1). The O2S 1 should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, inspect the O2S 1 for silicon or for other contaminants from the fuel, or from the use of improper room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false O2S 1 signal voltage, indicating a rich exhaust condition. The powertrain control module (PCM) will reduce the amount of fuel that is delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem.
    • Ensure proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
    • Ensure proper operation of the throttle position (TP) sensor.
    • Ensure proper operation of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Ignition System

    • Ensure proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester or equivalent.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Wet or fuel fouled spark plugs
       -  Cracks on the spark plugs
       -  Wear
       - Improper spark plug gap
       - Burned electrodes or heavy deposits
    • If the spark plugs are fuel or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.
    • Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
    • Inspect the spark plug wires for proper resistance and condition.

Engine Mechanical

    • Inspect for the following conditions:
       - Incorrect compression
       - Sticking or leaking valves
       - Worn camshaft lobes
       - Incorrect valve timing
       - Bent push rods
       - Worn rocker arms
       - Broken valve springs
       - Excessive oil in combustion chamber due to leaking valve seals
       - Low cylinder compression
    • Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft
       - The cylinder heads
       - The pistons
       - Other basic engine parts, as appropriate
    • Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical 2.2L.

Additional Checks

    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following conditions:
       - For damaged or collapsed pipes
       - The mufflers for heat distress or for possible internal failure
       - For a possible plugged three-way catalytic converter (TWC)--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    •  An engine miss condition can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit. EMI can usually be detected by monitoring engine revolution per minute (RPM) with a scan tool. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change, indicates EMI is present. If a condition exists, inspect the routing of the secondary ignition wires, and inspect for high voltage components near the ignition control (IC) circuits.
    • Inspect the intake and exhaust manifold passages for casting flash. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.
    • Inspect for malfunctioning engine mounts. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical 2.2L.