Inspection/Test
| Action
|
DEFINITION: Fuel
economy, as measured by an actual road test is noticeably lower than expected.
Also, economy is noticeably lower than it was on this vehicle
at one time, as previously shown by an actual road test.
|
Preliminary
|
| • | Observe the owners driving habits. |
| - | Is the A/C ON full time, defroster mode ON? |
| - | Are tires at correct pressure? |
| - | Are excessively heavy loads being carried? |
| - | Is acceleration too much, too often? |
|
Fuel
System
|
| • | Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. |
| • | Inspect for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum hose. |
|
Sensor/System
|
| • | Observe the 24X crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position
(CMP) sensors on the scan tool. If both are not responding, check the sensor
feed circuit. Both sensors use a common feed circuit. |
| • | Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks. |
| • | Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged areas,
looseness, improper installation, or leaking, especially between the mass
air flow (MAF) sensor and the throttle body. |
| • | Inspect for proper calibration of speedometer. Connect the J 33431-B
signal generator to
the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector. Ignition ON, tester
ON, and monitor the speedometer. |
|
Ignition
System
|
| • | Inspect for proper ignition voltage output using the following
steps: |
| 1. | Attach the J 26792
spark tester to engine ground. |
| 2. | Connect the spark plug end of the spark plug wire to the J 26792
. Leave the other end of
the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested. |
| 3. | Connect the spark plug end of the companion spark plug wire to
ground. The companion spark plug wire is the wire attached to the corresponding
coil tower. |
| 4. | Crank the engine while observing the J 26792
. A spark should be observed. |
| 5. | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |
| • | If spark is not present at the coils, inspect for the following
conditions: |
| - | Coils--Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value
outside the specified range |
Coil Resistance
5,000-8,000 ohms | - | Spark plug wires--Signs of arcing, cross firing, cracks,
carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance
value outside the specified range |
Spark Plug Wire Resistance
9868 ohms per meter (3000 ohms per foot)
| | Important: : Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may
help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition voltage will arc to ground when
a secondary component is faulty.
|
| - | Defective ignition module |
| - | Ignition system wiring--Loose ignition module feed or ground
connection, or damaged system wiring |
| • | Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions: |
| - | Burned or damaged electrodes |
| - | Improper heat range or reach |
| • | If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. Refer to
Spark Plug Inspection
. |
|
Engine
Cooling System
|
| • | Inspect the engine coolant level for correct level. |
| • | Inspect for incorrect or faulty engine thermostat. Refer to
Thermostat Diagnosis
in Engine Cooling. |
|
Engine
Mechanical
|
| • | Inspect the engine for the following conditions: |
| - | Sticking or leaking valves |
| - | Excessive oil in combustion chamber--Leaking valve seals |
| • | For incorrect basic engine parts--Inspect for the following
components: |
|
Additional
|
| • | Test torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Refer to torque
converter clutch (TCC) in transaxle diagnosis. |
| • | Inspect exhaust system for possible restriction: |
| - | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
| - | Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
| - | For possible plugged catalytic converter |
|
