Checks 
 | Actions 
 | 
 DEFINITION: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold, or in
the exhaust system, making loud popping noise. 
 | 
 Preliminary Checks 
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Sensor/System 
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|     •  | Inspect for the following intermittent ignition system conditions: |  
  
|        -  | Intermittent CKP Sync or 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 |  
  
|     •  | Inspect the throttle body inlet screen for foreign objects or
damage that can affect the MAF sensor airflow sample. |  
  
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Fuel System 
 | 
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Ignition System 
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|     •  | Test 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 spark tester, leave
the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested. |  
  
|        -  | Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower,
connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground. |  
  
|        -  | Crank the engine while observing the spark tester, a spark should
be observed. |  
  
|        -  | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |  
  
|     •  | If adequate spark is not present at the coils, test for the following
conditions: |  
  
|        -  | Coils - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value
outside the specified range. |  
  
Coil Secondary Resistance 5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms) |        -  | Spark plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon
tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, incorrect routing, or a resistance value
   more than the specified value. |  
  
Spark Plug Wires Resistance 3280-4921 ohm/meter(1000-1500 ohms/ft). 
|     | Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may
help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground
   when a secondary component is malfunctioning.
 |  
 |        -  | Malfunctioning ignition control 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 |  
  
|     •  | If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. |  
  
 | 
Engine Mechanical 
 | Test for the following: 
|     •  | Sticking or leaking valves |  
  
|     •  | Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals |  
  
|     •  | Low cylinder compression |  
  
|     •  | For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following: |  
  
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Additional Tests 
 | 
|     •  | Inspect the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash. |  
  
|     •  | Test TCC operation.  Refer to A Diagnostic Starting Point in 4L60E
Automatic Transmission. |  
  
|     •  | Test the exhaust system for a possible restriction. |  
  
|        -  | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |  
  
|        -  | Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. |  
  
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