GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder, the ECM is able to detect individual misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause 3-way catalytic converter damage. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for catalytic converter damage are preset. DTCs P0301-P0306 correspond to cylinders 1-6. If the ECM is able to determine that a specific cylinder is misfiring, the DTC for that cylinder will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0107, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0171, P0172, P0221, P0222, P0223, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0338, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0443, P0444, P0445, P0506, P0507, P0601 are not set.
    • The engine speed is between 520-6,520 RPM.
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is -30°C (-22°F).
    • The antilock brake system (ABS) and the traction control system are not active.
    • The transmission is not changing gears.
    • The air conditioning (A/C) clutch is not changing states.
    • The ECM is not in fuel shut-off or decel fuel cut-off mode.
    • The ECM is not receiving a rough road signal.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • 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.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • 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.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle or operate within the conditions listed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  3. Monitor all of the misfire counters with the scan tool.

Are any of the misfire current counters incrementing?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

Are any DTCs other than DTC P0300 set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Go to Step 4

4

Can any abnormal engine noise be heard?

--

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the harness connector of the affected ignition module assemblies.
  2. Important: The fuel injector test lamp will be dim, which is normal. If using a different fuel injector test lamp, the bulb resistance must be 4 ohms or less.

  3. Using jumper wires, connect the fuel injector test lamp J 34730-405 Injector Test Lamp (Noid Light) between the ignition voltage circuit and the affected cylinder ignition control (IC) 1 of the ignition module harness connector.
  4. Command the affected cylinder ignition coil ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel injector test lamp flash?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 6

6

Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

7

Was the customer concern the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) flashing?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Operate the vehicle at the specified value for 4 minutes.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC P0421 or P0431 as specified in the supporting text. Refer to DTC P0421 or P0431 .

Does the DTC run and pass?

2,500 RPM

Go to Step 9

Go to DTC P0421 or P0431

9

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 10

10

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK