Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more
pronounced as engine load increases. This condition is not normally felt above 1,500
RPM or 48 km/h (30 mph). The exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed.
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Preliminary
|
| • | Check the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight,
and in the proper locations. Refer to
Engine Controls Schematics
. |
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Fuel System
|
| • | Check items that cause an engine to run rich long term fuel trim near -13 percent.
For a rich condition, refer to
DTC P0132 or P0152
. |
| • | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean, long term fuel trim
near 24 percent. For a lean condition, refer to
DTC P0131 or P0151
. |
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Sensor/System
| Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor system for excessive spark
retard activity.
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Ignition System
|
| • | Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle.
Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated
components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water. |
| • | Check for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792
spark
tester. |
| • | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the
spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. Refer to
Spark Plug Replacement
. |
| • | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if
the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to
Spark Plug Inspection
for
diagnosis of fouled spark plugs. |
| • | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the
conditions that the misfire occurred. If a cylinder can be located with a misfire,
refer to
Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis
for diagnosis. |
| • | Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following: |
| - | Ignition wires arcing to ground |
| - | Ignition wires for proper engagement to spark plug |
| - | Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking |
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Engine Mechanical
|
| • | Check engine mechanical for the following: |
| - | Sticking or leaking valves |
| • | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts. Refer
to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures: |
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Additional Checks
|
| • | Inspect the following components of the exhaust system for possible restrictions: |
| - | The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes |
| - | The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall |
| - | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure |
| - | The three-way catalytic converters for possible plugged conditions--Compare
the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust
in
Engine Exhaust. |
| • | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause
an engine miss condition. A sudden increase in indicated RPM with little change in
actual engine RPM change indicates EMI is present. Check for high voltage components
near ignition control circuits if a problem exists. |
| • | Check the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting
flash. |
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