Inspections 
 | 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 
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|     •  | Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations.  |  
  
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Fuel System 
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|     •  | Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich: |  
  
Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section. |        -  | Water intrusion in the HO2S connector |  
  
|        -  | Engine oil contaminated by fuel |  
  
|        -  | An EVAP canister purge condition |  
  
|        -  | An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor |  
  
|        -  | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected |  
  
|     •  | Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean: |  
  
Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section. |        -  | Water intrusion in the HO2S connector |  
  
|        -  | An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine. |  
  
|        -  | An inaccurate MAF sensor |  
  
|        -  | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected |  
  
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Sensor/System 
 | Use a scan
tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark
retard activity. 
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Ignition System 
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|     •  | Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water. |  
  
|     •  | Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 
 Spark Tester . |  
  
|     •  | Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following: |  
  
Refer to 
Spark Plug Inspection 
. 
|     •  | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. |  
  
|     •  |  Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following: |  
  
|        -  | The ignition wires arcing to ground |  
  
|        -  | The ignition wires for proper engagement to spark plug |  
  
|        -  | The ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking |  
  
|     •  | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to 
DTC P0300 
. |  
  
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Engine Mechanical 
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|     •  | Inspect engine mechanical for the following: |  
  
|        -  | Sticking or leaking valves  |  
  
|     •  |  For incorrect basic engine parts inspect the following: |  
  
 Refer to 
Symptoms - Engine Mechanical 
 in Engine Mechanical for diagnostic procedures. 
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Additional Inspections 
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|     •  | Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following: |  
  
|        -  | Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |  
  
|        -  | Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. |  
  
|        -  | Inspect for possible plugged three-way catalytic converters by comparing the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Inspect back pressure by removing secondary air injection (AIR) check valves near exhaust manifolds.  |  
  
|     •  | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine misfire condition. A sudden increase in indicated RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change indicates EMI is present. Inspect for high voltage components near ignition control circuits if a condition exists. |  
  
|     •  | Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.  |  
  
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