6E–89 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
The valve or valve seat within the fuel pressure
regulator.
The fuel injector(s).
4. Fuel pressure that drops off during acceleration,
cruise, or hard cornering may case a lean condition.
A lean condition can cause a loss of power, surging,
or misfire. A lean condition can be diagnosed using
a Tech II Tech 2. If an extremely lean condition
occurs, the oxygen sensor(s) will stop toggling. The
oxygen sensor output voltage(s) will drop below 500
mV. Also, the fuel injector pulse width will increase.
IMPORTANT:Make sure the fuel system is not
operating in the “Fuel Cut-Off Mode.”
When the engine is at idle, the manifold pressure is
low (high vacuum). This low pressure (high vacuum)
is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm.
The low pressure (high vacuum) will offset the
pressure being applied to the fuel pressure regulator
diaphragm by the spring inside the fuel pressure
regulator. When this happens, the result is lower fuel
pressure. The fuel pressure at idle will vary slightly as
the barometric pressure changes, but the fuel
pressure at idle should always be less than the fuel
pressure noted in step 2 with the engine “OFF.”
16.Check the spark plug associated with a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation in order to
determine if that particular fuel injector is leaking. If
checking the spark plug associated with a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation does not
determine that a particular fuel injector is leaking,
use the following procedure:
Remove the fuel rail, but leave the fuel lines and
injectors connected to the fuel rail. Refer to
Fuel Rail
Assembly
in On-Vehicle Service.
Lift the fuel rail just enough to leave the fuel injector
nozzles in the fuel injector ports.
CAUTION: In order to reduce the risk of fire and
personal injury that may result from fuel spraying on
the engine, verify that the fuel rail is positioned over
the fuel injector ports and verify that the fuel injector
retaining clips are intact.
Pressurize the fuel system by connecting a 10 amp
fused jumper between B+ and the fuel pump relay
connector.
Visually and physically inspect the fuel injector
nozzles for leaks.
17.A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure
being above 376 kPa (55 psi). A rich condition may
cause a DTC P0132 or a DTC P0172 to set.
Driveability conditions associated with rich
conditions can include hard starting (followed by
black smoke) and a strong sulfur smell in the
exhaust.20.This test determines if the high fuel pressure is due
to a restricted fuel return line or if the high fuel
pressure is due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
21.A lean condition may result from fuel pressure
below 333 kPa (48 psi). A lean condition may
cause a DTC P0131 or a DTC P0171 to set.
Driveability conditions associated with lean
conditions can include hard starting (when the
engine is cold ), hesitation, poor driveability, lack of
power, surging , and misfiring.
22.Restricting the fuel return line causes the fuel
pressure to rise above the regulated fuel pressure.
Command the fuel pump “ON” with Tech 2. The fuel
pressure should rise above 376 kPa (55 psi) as the
fuel return line becomes partially closed.
NOTE: Do not allow the fuel pressure to exceed 414 kPa
( 6 0 p s i ) . F u e l p r e s s u r e i n e x c e s s o f 4 1 4 k P a ( 6 0 p s i ) m a y
damage the fuel pressure regulator.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire and personal
injury:
It is necessary to relieve fuel system pressure
before connecting a fuel pressure gauge. Refer to
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure, below.
A small amount of fuel may be released when
disconnecting the fuel lines. Cover fuel line
fittings with a shop towel before disconnecting, to
catch any fuel that may leak out. Place the towel in
an approved container when the disconnect is
completed.
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure
1. Remove the fuel cap.
2. Remove the fuel pump relay from the underhood
relay center.
3. Start the engine and allow it to stall.
4. Crank the engine for an additional 3 seconds.
Fuel Gauge Installation
1. Remove the shoulder fitting cap.
2. Install fuel gauge 5-8840-0378-0 to the fuel feed line
located in front of and above the right side valve train
cover.
3. Reinstall the fuel pump relay.
6E–347 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
the secondary ignition circuit to flow through the spark
plug to the ground.
TS24047
Ignition Control PCM Output
The PCM provides a zero volt (actually about 100 mV to
200 mV) or a 5-volt output signal to the ignition control (IC)
module. Each spark plug has its own primary and
secondary coil module (”coil-at-plug”) located at the spark
plug itself. When the ignition coil receives the 5-volt signal
from the PCM, it provides a ground path for the B+ supply
to the primary side of the coil-at -plug module. This
energizes the primary coil and creates a magnetic field in
the coil-at-plug module. When the PCM shuts off the
5-volt signal to the ignition control module, the ground
path for the primary coil is broken. The magnetic field
collapses and induces a high voltage secondary impulse
which fires the spark plug and ignites the air/fuel mixture.
The circuit between the PCM and the ignition coil is
monitored for open circuits, shorts to voltage, and shorts
to ground. If the PCM detects one of these events, it will
set one of the following DTCs:
P0351: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #1
P0352: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #2
P0353: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #3
P0354: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #4
P0355: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #5
P0356: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #6
Knock Sensor (KS) PCM Input
The knock sensor (KS) system is comprised of a knock
sensor and the PCM. The PCM monitors the KS signals
to determine when engine detonation occurs. When a
knock sensor detects detonation, the PCM retards the
spark timing to reduce detonation. Timing may also be
retarded because of excessive mechanical engine or
transmission noise.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM is responsible for maintaining proper spark and
fuel injection timing for all driving conditions. To provideoptimum driveability and emissions, the PCM monitors
the input signals from the following components in order
to calculate spark timing:
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
PRNDL input from transmission range switch.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) .
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequency fail at higher
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion of
the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow, and
white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These deposits
are normal combustion by-products of fuels and
lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wear will
also occur. Engines which are not running properly are
often referred to as “misfiring.” This means the ignition
spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the proper time.
While other ignition and fuel system causes must also be
considered, possible causes include ignition system
conditions which allow the spark voltage to reach ground
in some other manner than by jumping across the air gap
at the tip of the spark plug, leaving the air/fuel mixture
unburned. Misfiring may also occur when the tip of the
spark plug becomes overheated and ignites the mixture
before the spark jumps. This is referred to as
“pre-ignition.”
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, excessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring occurs
before the recommended replacement interval, locate
and correct the cause.
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry, black
carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark plug in
the cylinder. Excessive idling and slow speeds under
light engine loads can keep the spark plug temperatures
so low that these deposits are not burned off. Very rich
fuel mixtures or poor ignition system output may also be
the cause. Refer to DTC P0172.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the normal
red-brown, yellow or white deposits of combustion by
products become sufficient to cause misfiring. In some
c a s e s , t h e s e d e p o s i t s m a y m e l t a n d f o r m a s h i n y g l a z e o n
the insulator around the center electrode. If the fouling is
found in only one or two cylinders, valve stem clearances
or intake valve seals may be allowing excess lubricating
ENGINE ELECTRICAL 6D – 3
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
BATTERY CHARGING
Observe the following safety precautions when
charging the battery:
1. Never attempt to charge the battery when the fluid
level is below the lower level line on the side of the
battery. In this case, the battery must be replaced.
2. Pay close attention to the battery during the
charging procedure.
Battery charging should be discontinued or the rate
of charge reduced if the battery feels hot to the
touch.
Battery charging should be discontinued or the rate
of charge reduced if the battery begins to gas or
spew electrolyte from the vent holes.
3. In order to more easily view the hydrometer blue
dot or ring, it may be necessary to jiggle or tilt the
battery.
4. Battery temperature can have a great effect on
battery charging capacity.
5. The sealed battery used on this vehicle may be
either quick-charged or slow-charged in the same
manner as other batteries.
Whichever method you decide to use, be sure that
you completely charge the battery. Never partially
charge the battery.
JUMP STARTING
JUMP STARTING WITH AN AUXILIARY
(BOOSTER) BATTERY
CAUTION: Never push or tow the vehicle in an
attempt to start it. Serious damage to the emission
system as well as other vehicle parts will result.
Treat both the discharged battery and the booster
battery with great care when using jumper cables.
Carefully follow the jump starting procedure, being
careful at all times to avoid sparking.
WARNING: Failure to carefully follow the jump
starting procedure could result in the following:
1. Serious personal injury, particularly to your
eyes.
2. Property damage from a battery explosion,
battery acid, or an electrical fire.
3. Damage to the electronic components of one or
both vehicles.
Never expose the battery to an open flame or electrical
spark. Gas generated by the battery may catch fire or
explode. Remove any rings, watches, or other jewelry
before working around the battery. Protect your eyes by
wearing an approved set of goggles.
Never allow battery fluid to come in contact with your
eyes or skin.
Never allow battery fluid to come in contact with fabrics
or painted surfaces.
Battery fluid is a highly corrosive acid.Should battery fluid come in contact with your eyes,
skin, fabric, or a painted surface, immediately and
thoroughly rinse the affected area with clean tap water.
Never allow metal tools or jumper cables to come in
contact with the positive battery terminal, or any other
metal surface of the vehicle. This will protect against a
short circuit.
Always keep batteries out of the reach of young
children.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. Set the vehicle parking brake.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in the “PARK”
position.
If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission place the shift lever in the “NEUTRAL”
position.
Turn “OFF” the ignition.
Turn “OFF” all lights and any other accessory
requiring electrical power.
2. Look at the built-in hydrometer.
If the indication area of the built-in hydrometer is
completely clear, do not try to jump start.
3. Attach the end of one jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery.
Attach the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the discharged battery.
Do not allow the vehicles to touch each other.
This will cause a ground connection, effectively
neutralizing the charging procedure.
Be sure that the booster battery has a 12 volt rating.
4. Attach one end of the remaining cable to the
negative terminal of the booster battery.
Attach the other end of the same cable to a solid
engine ground (such as the A/C compressor
bracket or the generator mounting bracket) of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
This ground connection must be at least 450 mm
(18 in) from the battery of the vehicle whose battery
is being charged.
WARNING: Never attach the end of the jumper
cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead
battery.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery.
Make sure that all unnecessary electrical
accessories have been turned “OFF”.
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
7. To remove the jumper cables, follow the above
directions in the reverse order.
Be sure to first disconnect the negative cable from
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
6E–45 4JX1–TC ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
No Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
2Attempt to start the engine.
Does the engine start?
—Go to Step 3Go to Step 6
3Check the meter fuse for the instrument cluster ignition
feed circuit.
Is the fuse OK?
—Go to Step 4Go to Step 16
4Ignition “ON,” probe the ignition feed circuit at the
cluster connector with a test light to ground.
Is the test light “ON?”
—Go to Step 5Go to Step 13
51. Ignition “OFF.”
2. Disconnect the ECM.
3. Jumper the MIL driver circuit at the ECM connector
to ground.
4. Ignition “ON.”
Is the MIL “ON?”
—Go to Step 10Go to Step 11
6Check the ECM ignition feed and battery feed fuses (15
A engine fuse and 15 A ECM fuse).
Are both fuses OK?
—Go to Step 7Go to Step 15
71. Ignition “OFF.”
2. Disconnect the ECM.
3. Ignition “ON.”
4. Probe the ignition feed circuit at the ECM harness
connector with a test light to ground.
Is the test light “ON?”
—Go to Step 8Go to Step 12
8Probe the battery feed circuit at the ECM harness
connector with a test light to ground.
Is the test light “ON?”
—Go to Step 9Go to Step 14
9Check for a faulty ECM ground connection.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 10
10Check for damaged terminals at the ECM.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 17
11Check for an open MIL driver circuit between the ECM
and the MIL.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 18
12Substitute a known “good” relay for the ECM main
relay.
Was the malfunction fixed?
—Verify repairGo to Step 13
13Repair the open in the ignition feed circuit.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
14Locate and repair the open ECM battery feed circuit.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (4L30–E)7A1–27
DTC P0560 System Voltage Malfunction
D07RW030
Circuit Description
Circuit WHT is the battery voltage feed for the PCM.
Circuit RED/BLU is the ignition voltage feed for the PCM.
This DTC detects a low voltage or a high voltage. This is a
type “C” DTC.
Conditions For Clearing The DTC
System Voltage Low:
Engine speed is greater than 1,000 rpm.
System voltage is less than 10 volts at a maximum
transmission temperature of 150
C (302F).
System voltage is less than 7.3 volts at a minimum
transmission temperature of –40
C (–40F).
All conditions met for 4 seconds.
System Voltage High:
System voltage is greater than 16 volts for 2 seconds.
Action Taken When The DTC Sets
Fixed to 4th gear.
Maximum line pressure.
Inhibit TCC engagement.
The PCM will illuminate the CHECK TRANS Lamp.
Conditions For Clearing The DTC
The DTC can be cleared from the PCM history by
using a scan tool.
The PCM will turn off the CHECK TRANS Lamp after
three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure
reported.
The DTC will be cleared from history when the vehicle
has achieved 40 warmup cycles without a failure
reported.
The PCM will cancel the DTC default actions when
the fault no longer exists and the ignition is cycled “off”
long enough to power down the PCM.
Diagnostic Aids
Charging the battery with a battery charger and jump
starting an engine may set DTC(s). If DTC(s) set
when an accessory is operated, check for faulty
connections or excessive current draw.
Check for faulty connections at the starter solenoid or
fusible link.
Check for loose/damaged terminals at generator.
Check belt wear/tension.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the
diagnostic chart.
4. This test checks charging system voltage.
5. This test checks battery voltage input at the PCM.
7. This test checks ignition voltage input at the PCM.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM 9J–14
10. Place a power source near the shorted end of the
SRS deployment harness. Recommended
application: 12 volts minimum, 2 amps minimum. A
vehicle battery is suggested.
11. Connect the driver air bag assembly to the pigtail
adapter on the SRS deployment harness.
Deployment harness shall remain shorted and not be
connected to a power source until the air bag is to be
deployed. The driver air bag assembly will
immediately deploy the air bag when a power source
is connected to it.
NOTE: Ensure that the pigtail adapter is firmly seated into
the driver air bag assembly connector. Failure to fully
seat the connectors may leave the shorting bar located in
the driver air bag assembly connector functioning
(shorted) and may result in nondeployment of the driver
air bag assembly.
12. Verify that the area around the driver air bag
assembly is clear of all people and loose or flammable
objects.
13. Verify that the driver air bag assembly is resting with
its trim cover facing up.
14. Notify all people in the immediate area that you intend
to deploy the driver air bag. The deployment will be
accompanied by a substantial noise which may
startle the uninformed.
15. Separate the two banana plugs on the SRS
deployment harness.
NOTE: When the air bag deploys, the driver air bag
assembly may jump about 3 m (ten feet) vertically. This
is a normal reaction of the driver air bag to the force of the
rapid gas expansion inside the air bag.
NOTE: When the air bag deploys, the rapid gas
expansion will create a substantial noise. Notify all
people in the immediate area that you intend to deploy the
driver air bag.
WARNING: DEPLOYMENT HARNESS SHALL
REMAIN SHORTED AND NOT BE CONNECTED TO A
POWER SOURCE UNTIL THE AIR BAG IS TO BE
DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WILL
IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY THE AIR BAG WHEN A
POWER SOURCE IS CONNECTED TO IT.
CONNECTING THE DEPLOYMENT HARNESS TO
THE POWER SOURCE SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE
LAST STEP IN THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY
DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
PROCEDURES IN THE ORDER LISTED MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY.
16. Connect the SRS deployment harness wires to the
power source to immediately deploy the driver air
bag. Recommended application: 12 volts minimum, 2
amps minimum. A vehicle battery is suggested.
17. Disconnect the SRS deployment harness from the
power source.
18. Short the two SRS deployment harness leads
together by fully seating one banana plug into the
other.19. In the unlikely event that the driver air bag assembly
did not deploy after following these procedures,
proceed immediately with Steps 24 through 26. If the
driver air bag assembly did deploy, proceed with
Steps 20 through 23.
20. Put on a pair of shop gloves and safety glasses to
protect your hands and eyes from possible irritation
and heat when handling the deployed driver air bag
assembly. After the air bag assembly has been
deployed, the surface of the air bag may contain a
powdery residue. This solid particulate consists
primarily of by products of the chemical reaction,
Potassium Chloride and copper metal dust.
Compounds of Potassium Borate, Strontium
Chloride, Copper Chloride, and Ammonium Chloride
may be found in amounts of about 1 % (each) of the
total particulate.
WARNING: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE
OBSERVED WHEN HANDING A DEPLOYED AIR BAG
ASSEMBLY. AFTER DEPLOYMENT, THE METAL
SURFACES OF THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WILL BE
VERY HOT. ALLOW THE INFLATOR MODULE TO
COOL BEFORE HANDLING ANY METAL PORTION
OF IT. DO NOT PLACE THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG
ASSEMBLY NEAR ANY FLAMMABLE OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES MAY RESULT
IN FIRE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
AFTER A DRIVER AIR BAG ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN
DEPLOYED, THE METAL CANISTER AND
SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE DRIVER AIR BAG
ASSEMBLY WILL BE VERY HOT. DO NOT TOUCH
THE METAL AREAS OF THE DRIVER AIR BAG
ASSEMBLY FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES AFTER
DEPLOYMENT. IF THE DEPLOYED DRIVER AIR BAG
ASSEMBLY MUST BE MOVED BEFORE IT IS COOL,
WEAR GLOVES AND HANDLE BY THE AIR BAG OR
TRIM COVER.
21. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the driver air bag
assembly as soon after deployment as possible. This
will prevent damage to the pigtail adapter or SRS
deployment harness due to possible contact with the
hot driver air bag assembly canister. The pigtail
adapter can be reused. They should, however, be
inspected for damage after each deployment and
replaced if necessary.
22. Dispose of the deployed driver air bag assembly
through normal refuse channels after it has cooled for
at least 30 minutes.
23. Wash your hands with mild soap and water afterward.
NOTE: The remaining steps are to be followed in the
unlikely event that the driver air bag assembly did not
deploy after following these procedures.
24. Ensure that the SRS deployment harness has been
disconnected from the power source and that its two
banana plugs have been shorted together by fully
seating one banana plug into the other.
25. Disconnect the pigtail adapter from the driver air bag
assembly.
WARNING: W H E N S T O R I N G A L I V E A I R B A G
ASSEMBLY OR WHEN LEAVING A LIVE INFLATOR
MODULE UNATTENDED ON A BENCH OR OTHER
5A–5 BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
FR
Front Right
GEN
Generator
MV
Millivolts
RL
Rear Left
RR
Rear RightRPS
Revolution per Second
VDC
Vo l t s D C
VA C
Vo l t s A C
W/L
Warning Light
WSS
Wheel Speed Sensor
General Diagnosis
General Information
ABS malfunction can be classified into two types, those
which can be detected by the ABS warning light and those
which can be detected as a vehicle abnormality by the
driver.
In either case, locate the fault in accordance with the
“BASIC DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART” and repair.
Please refer to Section 5C for the diagnosis of
mechanical troubles such as brake noise, brake judder
(brake pedal or vehicle vibration felt when braking),
uneven braking, and parking brake trouble.
ABS Service Precautions
Required Tools and Items:
Box Wrench
Brake Fluid
Special Tool
Some diagnosis procedures in this section require the
installation of a special tool.
J-39200 High Impedance Multimeter
When circuit measurements are requested, use a circuit
tester with high impedance.
Computer System Service Precautions
The Anti-lock Brake System interfaces directly with the
Electronic Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) which is a
control computer that is similar in some regards to the
Powertrain Control Module. These modules are designed
to withstand normal current draws associated with
vehicle operation. However, care must be taken to avoid
overloading any of the EHCU circuits. In testing for opens
or shorts, do not ground or apply voltage to any of the
circuits unless instructed to do so by the appropriate
diagnostic procedure. These circuits should only be
tested with a high impedance multimeter (J-39200) or
special tools as described in this section. Power should
never be removed or applied to any control module with
the ignition in the “ON” position.
Before removing or connecting battery cables, fuses or
connectors, always turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
position.
General Service Precautions
The following are general precautions which should be
observed when servicing and diagnosing the Anti-lock
Brake System and/or other vehicle systems. Failure toobserve these precautions may result in Anti-lock Brake
System damage.
If welding work is to be performed on the vehicle using
an electric arc welder, the EHCU and valve block
connectors should be disconnected before the
welding operation begins.
The EHCU and valve block connectors should never
be connected or disconnected with the ignition “ON” .
EHCU of the Anti-lock Brake System are not
separately serviceable and must be replaced as
assemblies. Do not disassemble any component
which is designated as non-serviceable in this
Section.
If only rear wheels are rotated using jacks or drum
tester, the system will diagnose a speed sensor
malfunction and the “ABS” warning light will
illuminate. But actually no trouble exists. After
inspection stop the engine once and re-start it, then
make sure that the “ABS” warning light does not
illuminate.
If the battery has been discharged
The engine may stall if the battery has been completely
discharged and the engine is started via jumper cables.
This is because the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
requires a large quantity of electricity. In this case, wait
until the battery is recharged, or set the ABS to a
non-operative state by removing the fuse for the ABS
(40A). After the battery has been recharged, stop the
engine and install the ABS fuse. Start the engine again,
and confirm that the ABS warning light does not light.
Note on Intermittents
As with virtually any electronic system, it is difficult to
identify an intermittent failure. In such a case duplicating
the system malfunction during a test drive or a good
description of vehicle behavior from the customer may be
helpful in locating a “most likely” failed component or
circuit. The symptom diagnosis chart may also be useful
in isolating the failure. Most intermittent problems are
caused by faulty electrical connections or wiring. When
an intermittent failure is encountered, check suspect
circuits for:
Suspected harness damage.
Poor mating of connector halves or terminals not fully
seated in the connector body (backed out).
Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
6A–4
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Engine Diagnosis
Hard Starting
1. Starting Motor Does Not Turn Over
Troubleshooting Procedure
Turn on headlights and starter switch.
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Headlights go out or dim
considerably
Battery run down or under chargedRecharge or replace battery
considerablyTerminals poorly connectedClean battery posts and terminals
and connect properly
Starting motor coil circuit shortedOverhaul or replace
Starting motor defectiveOverhaul or replace
2. Ignition Trouble — Starting Motor Turns Over But Engine Does Not Start
Spark Test
Disconnect an igniton coil from any spark plug. Connect
the spark plug tester 5–8840–0607–0, start the engine,
a n d c h e c k i f a s p a r k i s g e n e r a t e d in t h e s p a r k p l u g t e s t e r.
Before starting the engine, make sure that the spark plugtester is properly grounded. To avoid electrical shock, do
not touch the part where insulation of the igniton coil is
broken while the engine is running.
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Spark jumps across gapSpark plug defectiveClean, adjust spark gap or replace
Ignition timing incorrectRefer to Ignition System
Fuel not reaching fuel injector(s) or
engineRefer to item 3 (Trouble in fuel
system)
Valve timing incorrectAdjust
Engine lacks compressionRefer to item 4 (Engine lacks
compression)
No sparking takes placeIgnition coil disconnected or brokenConnect properly or replace
Electronic Ignition System with
moduleReplace
Poor connections in engine harnessCorrect
Powertrain Control Module cable
disconnected or defectiveCorrect or replace
3. Trouble In Fuel System
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Starting motor turns over and spark
occurs but engine does not start
Fuel tank emptyFill
occurs but engine does not start.Water in fuel systemClean
Fuel filter cloggedReplace filter
Fuel pipe cloggedClean or replace
Fuel pump defectiveReplace
Fuel pump circuit openCorrect or replace
Evaporative Emission Control
System circuit cloggedCorrect or replace
Multiport Fuel Injection System faultyRefer to “Electronic Fuel Injection”
section