For 1990-2009 cars

Checks | Action
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Engine performance diagnosis procedures are covered in Engine Controls. Consult Engine Controls for diagnosis of any driveability, emissions, or Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp (MIL) concerns. The following diagnosis covers common concerns and possible causes.

When the proper diagnosis is made, correct the condition by adjustment, repair or replacement as required.

Refer to the appropriate section of the service manual for each specific procedure.

This diagnostic table will assist in engine misfire diagnosis due to a mechanical condition such as a faulty camshaft, worn or damaged bearings or bent push rod.

This table will not isolate a crossed injector wire, faulty injector or any other driveability component failure that may cause a misfire.

First perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System checks.

When using this table in order to make a Base Engine Misfire diagnosis, begin with the preliminary information below and then proceed to the specific category.

Preliminary |

1. Perform DTC P0300 before proceeding with Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis information.

DTC P0300 will assist in determining which cylinder or cylinders are misfiring.

2. Perform a visual inspection for the following conditions:

• | A loose or improperly installed engine flywheel or crankshaft balancer

• | Worn, damaged, or misaligned accessory drive system components

3. Listen to the engine for any abnormal internal engine noises.
4. Inspect the engine for acceptable oil pressure.
5. Verify if the engine has excessive oil consumption.
6. Verify if the engine has excessive coolant consumption.
7. Perform a compression test on the engine.

Intake Manifold Leaks | An intake manifold that has a vacuum leak may cause a misfire. Inspect for the following conditions:

• | Improperly installed or damaged vacuum hoses

• | Faulty or improperly installed lower intake manifold and/or gaskets

• | A cracked or damaged lower intake manifold

• | Faulty or improperly install upper intake manifold and/or gaskets

• | A cracked or damaged upper intake manifold

• | An improperly installed or damaged throttle body or gasket

• | A warped intake manifold

• | A warped or damaged cylinder head sealing surface

Coolant Consumption | Coolant consumption may or may not cause the engine to overheat. Inspect for the following conditions:

• | External coolant leaks

• | A faulty cylinder head gasket

• | A warped cylinder head

• | A cracked cylinder head

• | A damaged engine block

• | An incorrect cylinder head bolt length

Oil Consumption |

1. Oil consumption may or may not cause the engine to misfire.
2. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for an oil fouled spark plug.
3. Perform a cylinder compression test or cylinder leakage test.
4. If the compression test indicates worn valves or valve guides, inspect for the following conditions:

• | Worn, brittle, or improperly installed valve stem oil seals

• | Worn valve guides

• | Worn valve stems

• | Worn or burnt valves or valve seats

5. If the test indicates worn or damaged piston rings, inspect for the following conditions:

• | Broken or improperly seated piston rings

• | Excessive piston ring end gap

• | Excessive cylinder bore wear or taper

• | Cylinder damage

• | Piston damage

Abnormal Internal Engine Noises |

1. With the engine running, determine if the noise is timed to camshaft speed or crankshaft speed.
2. Using a timing light, 2 knocks per flash is crankshaft speed, and 1 knock per flash is camshaft speed.
3. If the noise is timed to camshaft speed, inspect for the following conditions:

• | Missing or loose valve train components

• | Worn or loose valve rocker arms

• | Worn or bent push rods

• | Faulty valve springs

• | Bent or burnt valves

• | Worn camshaft lobes

• | Worn or damaged timing chain and/or sprockets

4. If the knock is timed to crankshaft speed, inspect for the following conditions:

• | Worn crankshaft main or connecting rod bearings

• | Piston or cylinder damage

• | A worn piston or piston pin

• | A faulty connecting rod

• | Excessive carbon build-up on the top of the piston

No Abnormal Internal Engine Noise |

1. Inspect for a worn or improperly installed timing chain and/or sprockets
2. Remove the valve rocker arm cover on the side of the engine with the cylinder that is misfiring.
3. Inspect for the following conditions:

• | Loose valve rocker arm bolts

• | Bent push rods

• | Faulty valve springs

• | Faulty valve lifters (bleeding down)

• | Worn or improperly seated valves

• | Worn camshaft lobes