Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting
Before using this section, perform
Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls 
 to verify the following items:
|     •  | The powertrain control module (PCM) and malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) are operating correctly. | 
 
|     •  | There are no DTCs stored. | 
 
|     •  | Ensure that the engine coolant temperature is not above 130°C
(266°F). This will cause the PCM to operate in the Engine Metal Overtemp
      mode. While in this state, the PCM will turn OFF four cylinders at a
 time      to prevent the engine coolant temperature from reaching damaging
 levels.     Engine Metal Overtemp can be perceived as a lack of power, engine
 miss,   or   rough  idle. If the engine is operating in the Engine Metal
Overtemp    mode,   refer  to 
DTC P1258 
. | 
 
|     •  | Verify the customers complaint to reference the correct symptom
table. | 
 
Visual/Physical Check
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful visual/physical
check. It can lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can
      save valuable time. This check includes the following items:
|     •  | PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper location. | 
 
|     •  | Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper routing and connections.
Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Check thoroughly
      for any type of leak or restriction. | 
 
|     •  | Intake air system for the following conditions: | 
 
|        -  | Dirty or damaged air cleaner element or housing. | 
 
|        -  | Damaged or collapsed intake air ducts. | 
 
|        -  | Poor intake air system connections. | 
 
|     •  | Air leaks at the throttle body and/or intake manifold. | 
 
|     •  | Throttle body contaminants or deposits. | 
 
|     •  | Accelerator cable binding or damage. | 
 
|     •  | Ignition system wiring for incorrect routing and/or poor connections. | 
 
|     •  | System wiring for routing near high frequency devices (EMI condition). | 
 
|     •  | Engine cooling system leaks. Refer to Engine Cooling. | 
 
The following Symptom tables are located in this section: