Inspection/Test
| Action
|
DEFINITION: Engine power variation under steady
throttle or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down
with no change in the accelerator pedal.
|
Preliminary
|
| • | Be sure driver understands transmission torque converter clutch,
and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform customer
how TCC and the A/C clutch operates. |
|
Sensor/System
|
Notice: Contamination of the oxygen sensor can result from the use of an inappropriate
RTV sealant (not oxygen sensor safe) or excessive engine coolant or oil consumption.
Remove the HO2S and visually inspect the portion of the sensor exposed to
the exhaust stream in order to check for contamination. If contaminated, the
portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream will have a white powdery
coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage
(rich exhaust indication). The control module will then reduce the amount
of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Eliminate
the source of contamination before replacing the oxygen sensor.
| • | Monitor the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The HO2S should respond quickly
to different throttle positions. If not, inspect the HO2S for
silicon or other contaminants from fuel or use of improper RTV sealant.
The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination
causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust
indication) The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered
to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Refer
to
Information Sensors/Switches Description
. |
| • | Inspect MAF Sensor and related wiring. |
| • | Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged areas,
looseness, improper installation, or leaking especially between the MAF
sensor and the throttle body. |
| • | Monitor the 24X Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Position Sensors
on scan tool. If both are not responding, test the sensor feed circuit. Both
sensors use a separate feed circuit but are internally connected to power.
Test all 24X and CMP sensor circuits for intermittents. Refer to
Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Monitor the 3X parameter on the scan tool. If the 3X is not responding,
inspect the 7X CKP Sensor and circuits for intermittents. Inspect the IC circuit,
Bypass circuit, 3X Reference High Circuit, and the 3X Reference Low circuit
for intermittents. If these circuits become open, or shorted may not set
a DTC immediately, but are capable of causing driveability complaints. Refer
to
Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
in Wiring Systems. |
|
Fuel System
|
| • | Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. |
| • | Inspect any items which can cause an engine to run rich (long
term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to
DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich
. |
| • | Inspect any items that can cause an engine to run lean (long
term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to
DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean
. |
|
Ignition System
|
| • | Inspect for proper ignition voltage output using the following
steps: |
| 1. | Attach the J 26792
spark tester to engine ground. |
| 2. | Connect the spark plug end of the spark plug wire to the J 26792
spark tester; leave the
other end of the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested. |
| 3. | Connect the spark plug end of the companion spark plug wire to
ground. |
The companion spark plug wire is the wire attached to the corresponding
coil tower.
| 4. | Crank the engine while observing the J 26792
spark tester; a spark should be observed. |
| 5. | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |
| • | If spark is not present at the coils, inspect for the following
conditions: |
| - | Coils--Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value
outside the specified range. |
Coil Resistance
5000-8000ohms (5K-8Kohms) | - | Spark Plug wires--signs of arcing, cross firing, cracks,
carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance
value outside the specified range. |
Spark Plug Wire Resistance
600ohms per foot (1 968ohms per meter).
| | Important: : Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may
help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition voltage will arc to ground when
a secondary component is faulty.
|
| - | Defective ignition 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 |
| - | Improper heat range or reach |
| • | If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. |
|
Additional
|
| • | Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions in the following
areas: |
| - | The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes |
| - | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure |
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