GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Tahoe - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Backfire

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DEFINITION: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold or in the exhaust system, making a loud popping noise.

Preliminary Checks
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Fuel System
    • Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Inspect that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder according to the firing order firing order: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

Sensor/System
    • Inspect the secondary air injection (AIR) system.
    • Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
    • Inspect the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over the inlet hole in the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.
    • Inspect for proper calibration of speedometer. Connect J 33431-B Signal Generator to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector. Ignition ON, tester ON and monitor the speedometer. The speedometer should indicate 86 km/h (54 mph).
    • Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to Knock Sensor (KS) System Description .

Ignition System
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 Spark Tester .
    • Inspect for an intermittent ignition system malfunction in the following circuits:
       - Intermittent ignition control circuit.
       - Use the scan tool's Snapshot feature in order to help locate an intermittent ignition failure.
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits

Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge 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 DTC P0172 or P0175 for diagnosis of the rich condition. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection for diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs.
    • Visually and physically inspect secondary ignition for the following:
       - Ignition wires arcing to ground
       - Ignition coils arcing to ground
    • 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 the water.
    • 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, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis.
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System
    • Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
    • Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect engine mechanical for the following:
       - Inspect compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
       - Sticking or leaking valves.
       - Worn camshaft lobes.
       - Valve timing .
       - Bent push rods.
       - Worn rocker arms.
       - Broken valve springs.
       - Excessive oil in combustion chamber--Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.
    • Refer to Engine/Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.

Additional Checks
    • Visually and physically check the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
    • Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the TCC is commanded ON. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-4L60-E or Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-4L80-E.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect the following:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall.
       - Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
       - Inspect for possible plugged three-way catalytic converters by comparing exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Check back pressure by removing AIR check valves near exhaust manifolds. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change may indicate that EMI is present. If a problem exists, check for high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.
    • Inspect the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Adjustment in Automatic Transmission-4L60-E.
    • Inspect for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
    • Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash