Backfire Symptom
Step 
 | Action 
 | Value(s) 
 | Yes 
 | No 
 | 
Definition: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold,
or in the exhaust system, making loud popping noise. 
 | 
1 
 | Was the Powertrain On-Board
Diagnostic(OBD) System Check performed? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 2
    
 | Go to the 
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check  
 | 
2 
 | 
- Perform a bulletin search.
 
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
 
 
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 3
    
 | 
3 
 | Was visual/physical check performed? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 4
    
 | Go to Visual/Physical Checks 
 | 
4 
 | 
- Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with spark tester J 26792 
:
 
|  -  | Clip the spark tester to engine ground. |  
  
|  -  | Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; connect
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 crisp blue
spark should be observed. |  
  
|  -  | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |  
  
- If adequate spark is not present at all coils, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 5
    
 | 
5 
 | 
- Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper
gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits. Refer to Electronic Ignition System.
 
Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to
avoid damage to the new spark plugs.
 - If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 |  
Go to Step 12
  
 |  
Go to Step 6
  
 | 
6 
 | 
- Visually/Physically inspect secondary ignition components. Check
for the following conditions:
 
| •  | Ignition wires for cross firing. |  
  
| •  | Ignition wires arcing to ground. |  
  
| •  | Ignition wires for improper routing. |  
  
| •  | Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking |  
  
 
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 faulty.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 7
    
 | 
7 
 | 
- Check for an intermittent ignition system malfunction:
 
| •  | Intermittent 7X CKP or CKP 24X signal. |  
  
| •  | Intermittent sensor feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the
crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensors |  
  
| •  | Intermittent 3X reference signal. |  
  
| •  | Intermittent Camshaft position signal. |  
  
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 8
    
 | 
8 
 | 
- Check fuel pressure. Refer to 
Fuel System Pressure Test 
.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 9
    
 | 
9 
 | 
- Check engine mechanical for the following conditions. Refer to
Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.
 
| •  | Sticking or leaking valves. |  
  
| •  | Incorrect valve timing.  |  
  
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 10
    
 | 
10 
 | 
- Check Intake and exhaust manifold(s) for casting flash. Refer
to Engine Mechanical.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | 
Go to Step 11
    
 | 
11 
 | 
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
 
- If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have
been found, review/inspect the following:
 
| •  | Visual/physical inspection. |  
  
| •  | Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data. |  
  
| •  | All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |  
  
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 12
    
 | Refer to Technical Service Bulletins 
 | 
12 
 | Operate the vehicle
to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noted. 
Is symptom still present? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 3
    
 | System OK 
 |