Cuts Out, Misses. Pontiac Vibe

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Vibe - FWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Cuts Out, Misses

Cuts Out, Misses Symptom

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: A steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more pronounced as the engine load increases. The exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle, low speed or on hard acceleration.

Preliminary Checks

•	Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls .

•	Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .

Sensor Checks

•

Check the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor using a scan tool to compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5°C (9°F) more or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit or in the sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

•	Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor operation. Run the engine to normal operating temperature. Turn OFF all accessories and observe the MAF sensor at idle with a scan tool. If the MAF sensor reading is more than 3.5 g/s refer to DTC P0101 .

Fuel System Checks

•	Check for a restricted fuel filter or an incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•

Check the fuel injectors. Perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test procedure and the Fuel Injector Balance Test procedure. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) , Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Outside 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .

•	Check for water contamination of the fuel.

Ignition System Checks

•	Check for an ignition system misfire:

Important: Do not perform this test for more than 2 minutes in order to prevent damage to the catalytic converter.

1.	Start the engine.

2.	Remove one ignition coil at a time using insulated pliers.

3.	If there is an RPM drop on all cylinders (equal to within 50 RPM), refer to Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling .

4.	Check for spark on the suspected cylinders with a J 26792 Spark Tester or equivalent if there is no RPM drop on one or more cylinders.

5.	If there is no spark, refer to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run .

6.	If there is spark, inspect the spark plugs for correct operation and good ignition system performance. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

•	Check the ignition system for moisture, dust, cracks, burns, etc.

Engine Mechanical Checks

•	Check for any of the following engine mechanical problems:

-	Faulty hydraulic lifter assemblies

-	Broken or weak valve springs

-	Incorrect valve timing

-	Incorrect or worn camshaft

•	Check the intake and exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.

•	Refer to the Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

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An engine miss condition can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit. EMI can usually be detected by monitoring the engine RPM with a scan tool. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in the actual engine RPM change indicates EMI is present. If a problem exists, check the routing of the secondary ignition wires and the high voltage components.

•	Verify the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .