Cuts Out, Misses. Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2002

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Monte Carlo 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Cuts Out, Misses

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine speed, usually more pronounced as engine load increases.

Preliminary

•	Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls .

•	Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.

•	Refer to Visual/Physical Checks.

•	Search for bulletins.

Fuel System

•	Test system fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Test the fuel injectors using the following tests:

-	Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

-	Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .

•	Test for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Inspect items which can cause an engine to run rich, long term fuel trim significantly in the negative range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 .

•	Inspect items that can cause an engine to run lean, long term fuel trim significantly in the positive range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .

•	Inspect for fuel in the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose.

Sensor/System

•	Inspect for conditions which cause an incorrect idle speed.

-	Throttle body tampering, excessive deposits, or damage

-	Restricted air intake system--Refer to Air Intake System Description .

-	Large vacuum leak

•	Test the TP sensor and related circuit wiring. Refer to DTC P0123 .

•	Test the EGR system for proper operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .

•	Test the PCV valve for proper operation.

•	Test the transaxle range switch input with the vehicle in drive and the gear selector in drive or overdrive.

•	Inspect the following for damage:

-	Bent harmonic balancer interrupter rings

-	Damaged crankshaft position sensor

Ignition System

•	Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:

-	Clip the J 26792 Spark Tester to engine ground.

-	Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the J 26792 . Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.

-	Connect another spark plug wire between the remaining tower of the coil being tested and ground.

-	Crank the engine while observing the J 26792 . A spark should be observed.

-	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 secondary 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
9,840 ohms (3,000 ohms per ft)

Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent condition. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

-	Defective module

-	Ignition system wiring--Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring

•	Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:

-	Fouled plugs

Cracks

Wear

-	Improper gap

-	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.

•	Test for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:

-	Intermittent CKP 18X signal

-	Intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor

-	Intermittent 3X reference signal

-	Intermittent camshaft position signal

Engine Mechanical

•	Test and inspect engine mechanical for the following:

-	Test compression

-	Sticking or leaking valves

-	Worn camshaft lobes

-	Valve timing

-	Bent push rods

-	Worn rocker arms

-	Broken valve springs

-	Excess oil in combustion chamber--Inspect for leaking valve seals.

-	Low cylinder compression

•	Inspect for incorrect engine parts, such as the following basic components:

Camshaft

-	Cylinder heads

-	Pistons, etc.

Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

•	Test exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following:

-	The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.

-	The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.

-	For possible plugged three-way catalytic converter--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 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 routing of secondary ignition wires, high voltage components near ignition control circuits.

•	Inspect for intake and exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.

•	Inspect for faulty motor mounts.