2002 ISUZU AXIOM spark plugs

6D2±5
IGNITION SYSTEM (6VE1 3.5L)
Spark Plug
Removal
1. Remove spark plugs.
Inspection and Repair
The spark plug affects entire engine performance and
therefore its inspection is very important.

Check electrode and insulator for presence of cracks,
and replace if any.

Check electrode for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check gasket for damage, and replace if necessary.

Measure insulation resistance with an ohmmeter, and
replace if faulty.

Adjust spark plug gap to 1.0 mm ± 1.1 mm (0.0394 in ±
0.0433 in).
011RS011
NOTE:
± Do not adjust the spark plugs gap without new
spark plugs.
± Do not damage to tip of spark plugs.
± Do not cleaning the spark plugs. If require the
cleaning it due to heavy dirt, it is allowed only 20
seconds to be used spark plug cleaner.

Check fuel and electrical systems if spark plug is
extremely dirty.

Use spark plugs having low heat value (hot type plug)
if fuel and electrical systems are normal.

Use spark plugs having high heat value (cold type
plug) if insulator and electrode are extremely burned.
Sooty Spark Plugs
Much deposit of carbon or oil on the electrode and
insulator of spark plug reduces the engine performance.
Possible causes:

Too rich mixture

Presence of oil in combustion chamber

Incorrectly adjusted spark plug gap
Burning Electrodes
This fault is characterized by scorched or heavily oxidized
electrode or blistered insulator nose.
Possible causes:

Too lean mixture

Improper heat value
Measuring Insulation Resistance

Measure insulation resistance using a 500 volt
megaohm meter.

Replace spark plugs if measured value is out of
standard.
Insulation resistance: 50 M
or more
011RS010
Installation
1. Spark plugs

Tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Torque: 18 N´m (13 lb ft)

6E±6
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Specifications
Tightening Specifications
ApplicationN´mLb Ft.Lb In.
EGR Bolt2518Ð
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor3022Ð
Fuel Drain Plug2014Ð
Fuel Pressure Regulator Attaching Screw3Ð26
Fuel Rail Bolts2518Ð
Fuel Tank Undercover Retaining Bolts3627Ð
Heated Oxygen Sensor5540Ð
Lower Intake Manifold to Engine Block Bolts2518Ð
Lower Intake Manifold to Engine Block Nuts2518Ð
Spark Plugs1813Ð
Throttle Body Mounting Bolts10Ð87
Common Chamber to Lower Intake Manifold Bolts2518Ð
VSS Retaining Bolt1612Ð

6E±34
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
dissatisfaction. The following list of non-vehicle faults
does not include every possible fault and may not apply
equally to all product lines.
Fuel Quality
Fuel quality is not a new issue for the automotive industry,
but its potential for turning on the MIL (ªCheck Engineº
lamp) with OBD II systems is new.
Fuel additives such as ªdry gasº and ªoctane enhancersº
may affect the performance of the fuel. If this results in an
incomplete combustion or a partial burn, it will show up as
a Misfire DTC P0300. The Reed Vapor Pressure of the
fuel can also create problems in the fuel system,
especially during the spring and fall months when severe
ambient temperature swings occur. A high Reed Vapor
Pressure could show up as a Fuel Trim DTC due to
excessive canister loading. High vapor pressures
generated in the fuel tank can also affect the Evaporative
Emission diagnostic as well.
Using fuel with the wrong octane rating for the vehicle
may cause driveability problems. Many of the major fuel
companies advertise that using ªpremiumº gasoline will
improve the performance of the vehicle. Most premium
fuels use alcohol to increase the octane rating of the fuel.
Although alcohol-enhanced fuels may raise the octane
rating, the fuel's ability to turn into vapor in cold
temperatures deteriorates. This may affect the starting
ability and cold driveability of the engine.
Low fuel levels can lead to fuel starvation, lean engine
operation, and eventually engine misfire.
Non-OEM Parts
All of the OBD II diagnostics have been calibrated to run
with OEM parts. Something as simple as a
high-performance exhaust system that affects exhaust
system back pressure could potentially interfere with the
operation of the EGR valve and thereby turn on the MIL
(ªCheck Engineº lamp). Small leaks in the exhaust
system near the post catalyst oxygen sensor can also
cause the MIL (ªCheck Engineº lamp) to turn on.
Aftermarket electronics, such as transceivers, stereos,
and anti-theft devices, may radiate EMI into the control
system if they are improperly installed. This may cause a
false sensor reading and turn on the MIL (ªCheck Engineº
lamp).
Environment
Temporary environmental conditions, such as localized
flooding, will have an effect on the vehicle ignition system.
If the ignition system is rain-soaked, it can temporarily
cause engine misfire and turn on the MIL (ªCheck Engineº
lamp).
Refueling
A new OBD II diagnostic was introduced in 1996 on some
vehicles. This diagnostic checks the integrity of the entire
evaporative emission system. If the vehicle is restarted
after refueling and the fuel cap is not secured correctly,
the on-board diagnostic system will sense this as a
system fault and turn on the MIL (ªCheck Engineº lamp)
with a DTC P0440.Vehicle Marshaling
The transportation of new vehicles from the assembly
plant to the dealership can involve as many as 60 key
cycles within 2 to 3 miles of driving. This type of operation
contributes to the fuel fouling of the spark plugs and will
turn on the MIL (ªCheck Engineº lamp) with a P0300
Misfire DTC.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
The sensitivity of OBD II diagnostics will cause the MIL
(ªCheck Engineº lamp) to turn on if the vehicle is not
maintained properly. Restricted air filters, fuel filters, and
crankcase deposits due to lack of oil changes or improper
oil viscosity can trigger actual vehicle faults that were not
previously monitored prior to OBD II. Poor vehicle
maintenance can't be classified as a ªnon-vehicle faultº,
but with the sensitivity of OBD II diagnostics, vehicle
maintenance schedules must be more closely followed.
Related System Faults
Many of the OBD II system diagnostics will not run if the
PCM detects a fault on a related system or component.
One example would be that if the PCM detected a Misfire
fault, the diagnostics on the catalytic converter would be
suspended until Misfire fault was repaired. If the Misfire
fault was severe enough, the catalytic converter could be
damaged due to overheating and would never set a
Catalyst DTC until the Misfire fault was repaired and the
Catalyst diagnostic was allowed to run to completion. If
this happens, the customer may have to make two trips to
the dealership in order to repair the vehicle.
Emissions Control Information Label
The engine compartment ªVehicle Emissions Control
Information Labelº contains important emission
specifications and setting procedures. In the upper left
corner is exhaust emission information. This identifies
the emission standard (Federal, California, or Canada) of
the engine, the displacement of the engine in liters, the
class of the vehicle, and the type of fuel metering system.
There is also an illustrated emission components and
vacuum hose schematic.
This label is located in the engine compartment of every
vehicle. If the label has been removed it should be
replaced. It can be ordered from Isuzu Dealership.
Visual / Physical Engine Compartment
Inspection
Perform a careful visual and physical engine
compartment inspection when performing any diagnostic
procedure or diagnosing the cause of an emission test
failure. This can often lead to repairing a problem without
further steps. Use the following guidelines when
performing a visual/physical inspection:

Inspect all vacuum hoses for pinches, cuts,
disconnections, and proper routing.

Inspect hoses that are difficult to see behind other
components.

6E±59
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
numbers 1 and 4 misfired, look for a circuit or component
common to both cylinders number 1 and 4.
Misfire counter information is located in the ªEngº. menu,
ªMisfire Dataº sub-menu of the data list.
The misfire diagnostic may indicate a fault due to a
temporary fault not necessarily caused by a vehicle
emission system malfunction. Examples include the
following items:

Contaminated fuel

Low fuel

Fuel-fouled spark plugs

Basic engine fault
Fuel Trim System Monitor Diagnostic
Operation
Fuel Trim System Monitor Diagnostic
Operation
This system monitors the averages of short-term and
long-term fuel trim values. If these fuel trim values stay at
their limits for a calibrated period of time, a malfunction is
indicated. The fuel trim diagnostic compares the
averages of short-term fuel trim values and long-term fuel
trim values to rich and lean thresholds. If either value is
within the thresholds, a pass is recorded. If both values
are outside their thresholds, a rich or lean DTC will be
recorded.
The fuel trim system diagnostic also conducts an intrusive
test. This test determines if a rich condition is being
caused by excessive fuel vapor from the EVAP canister.
In order to meet OBD II requirements, the control module
uses weighted fuel trim cells to determine the need to set
a fuel trim DTC. A fuel trim DTC can only be set if fuel trim
counts in the weighted fuel trim cells exceed
specifications. This means that the vehicle could have a
fuel trim problem which is causing a problem under
certain conditions (i.e., engine idle high due to a small
vacuum leak or rough idle due to a large vacuum leak)
while it operates fine at other times. No fuel trim DTC
would set (although an engine idle speed DTC or HO2S
DTC may set). Use the Tech 2 to observe fuel trim counts
while the problem is occurring.
A fuel trim DTC may be triggered by a number of vehicle
faults. Make use of all information available (other DTCs
stored, rich or lean condition, etc.) when diagnosing a fuel
trim fault.
Fuel Trim Cell Diagnostic Weights
No fuel trim DTC will set regardless of the fuel trim counts
in cell 0 unless the fuel trim counts in the weighted cells
are also outside specifications. This means that the
vehicle could have a fuel trim problem which is causing a
problem under certain conditions (i.e. engine idle high due
to a small vacuum leak or rough due to a large vacuum
leak) while it operates fine at other times. No fuel trim
DTC would set (although an engine idle speed DTC or
HO2S DTC may set). Use the Tech 2 to observe fuel trim
counts while the problem is occurring.

6E±104
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Engine Cranks But Will Not Run

 
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
141. Ignition ªONº.
2. While the coil connectors are disconnected, touch
each coil connector's ignition feed terminal with a
grounded test light (the ignition feed wire is YEL
tracer).
Did the test light illuminate?
ÐGo to Step 16Go to Step 15
15Repair the open ignition feed circuit.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
16While the coil connectors are disconnected, touch
each connector's secondary ground terminal with a
test light to B +. (The ground wires are black.)
Did the test light illuminate at each coil connector?
ÐGo to Step 18Go to Step 17
17Repair the open secondary ground circuit.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
181. Test the fuel for contamination.
2. If a problem is found, clean the fuel system and
correct the contaminated fuel condition as
necessary. Replace the fuel filter and replace any
injectors that are not delivering fuel (see Injector
Balance Test).
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 19
191. Remove any ignition coil and install a spark tester at
the spark plug end of the coil.
2. Observe the tester while the engine is cranking.
Was a crisp, blue spark observed? Only one or two
sparks followed by no result is considered the same as
ªNo Sparkº.
ÐGo to Step 21Go to Step 20
20Replace the ignition coil, and return to Step 19 to test
the remaining coils.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
21Repeat Step 19 for each coil. Remove only one coil at a
time, and reinstall each coil on its spark plug after
testing, but do not refasten coils with screws at this
time.
After all coils have passed the spark test, does the
engine start?
Ð
Refasten all
coils with
their screws
Go to Step 22
221. Remove the spark plugs from all cylinders.
2. Visually inspect the spark plug electrodes.
3. Replace any spark plugs with loose or missing
electrodes or cracked insulators.
Did your inspection reveal any spark plugs exhibiting
excessive fouling?
Ð
Correct the
fouling
condition
Go to Step 23

6E±256
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300 Engine Misfire Detected
Circuit Description
Misfire is monitored as a function of the combustion
quality (CQ) signals generated from the ION Sensing
Module. Combustion signals represent the degree of
combustion in each cylinder. Misfire is detected when the
combustion signal is below a predetermined value.
This DTC P0300 will determine if a multiple cylinder
misfire is occurring by monitoring the Combustion
Quality.
Conditions for Setting the DTC

None of the following DTCs occur: TP sensor, MAF
sensor, VSS, ECT sensor.

The engine speed is between 600 and 6250 RPM.

The system voltage is between 11 and 16 volts.

The engine temperature sensor (ECT) indicates an
engine temperature between ±7
C (20
F) and 110
C
(230
F).

Throttle angle is steady and throttle changes less than
2% per 125 milliseconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The PCM will ON the MIL after second trip with
detected the fault.

If the misfire is severe enough to cause possible
catalyst damage, the PCM will flash the MIL for as long
as the misfire remains at catalyst damaging levels.

The PCM will disable the TCC operation.

The PCM will store conditions which were present
when the DTC was set as Freeze Frame and in the
Failure Records data.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The PCM will turn the MIL ªOFFº on the third
consecutive trip cycle in which the diagnostic has been
run and the fault condition is no longer present.

A history DTC P0300 will clear after 40 consecutive
warm-up cycles occur without a fault.

DTC P0300 can be cleared by using the Tech 2 ªClear
Infoº function or by disconnecting the PCM battery
feed.
Diagnostic Aids
The Tech 2 display ªMisfire Cur. #1 through #6º can be
useful to determine whether the misfire is isolated to a
single cylinder.
Damaged or faulty ignition coil ± Check for cracks or
other damage.

Substitute a known good coil ± Swap the ignition coils
and retest. If the misfire follows the coil, replace the
ignition coil.
If the misfire is random, check for the following conditions:

System grounds ± Ensure all connections are clean
and properly tightened.

MAF ± A mass air flow (MAF) sensor output that
causes the PCM to sense a lower than normal air flow
will cause a lean condition.

Air induction system ± Air leaks into the induction
system which bypass the MAF sensor will cause a lean
condition. Check for disconnected or damaged
vacuum hoses, incorrectly installed or faulty PCV
valve, or for vacuum leaks at the throttle body, EGR
valve, and intake manifold mounting surfaces.

Fuel pressure ± Perform a fuel system pressure test.
A faulty fuel pump, plugged filter, or faulty fuel system
pressure regulator will contribute to a lean condition.

Injector(s) ± Perform an injector coil/balance test to
locate faulty injector(s) contributing to a lean or
flooding condition. In addition to the above test, check
the condition of the injector O-rings.

EGR ± Check for a leaking valve, adapter, or feed pipes
which will contribute to a lean condition or excessive
EGR flow.

Fuel quality ± Using fuel with the wrong octane rating
for the vehicle may cause driveability problems.
Although alcohol-enhanced fuels may raise the octane
rating, the fuel's ability to turn into vapor in cold
temperatures deteriorates. This may affect the cold
driveability of the engine. The Reid Vapor Pressure of
the fuel can also create problems in the fuel system,
especially during the spring and fall when changes by
the refineries may not coincide with changes in the
weather.

Vehicle marshalling ± The transportation of new
vehicles from the assembly plant to the dealership can
involve as many as 60 key cycles within 2 to 3 miles of
driving. This type of operation contributes to the fuel
fouling of the spark plugs and will turn on the MIL with
a P0300 Misfire DTC.
Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the
diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often
the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This
may assist in diagnosing the condition.

6E±258
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
DTC P0300 ± Engine Misfire Detected

 
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
81. Install a spark tester at the spark plug end of the
ignition coil for a cylinder that indicated a misfire.
2. Crank the engine while observing the spark tester.
A crisp, blue spark should be observed.
Is adequate spark present?
ÐGo to Step 14Go to Step 9
91. Remove and visually/physically inspect the ignition
coil(s) associated with the cylinders that were
indicated as misfiring. Ensure that the coil(s) are
free of cracks.
2. If a problem is found, replace the damaged ignition
coil(s) as necessary.
Did any ignition coils require replacement?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 10
101. Remove the spark plugs from the cylinders that
were indicated as misfiring.
2. Visually inspect the spark plug electrodes.
Does your inspection reveal any spark plugs exhibiting
excessive fouling?
Ð
Go to Engine
Mechanical
Diagnosis
Go to Step 11
111. Visually inspect the spark plug insulators for cracks,
carbon tracking, or other damage.
2. If a problem is found, replace the faulty spark
plug(s) as necessary.
Did your inspection reveal a problem?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 12
121. Disconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector.
2. Operate the vehicle in ªclosed loopº while
monitoring the ªBANK 1 L.T. FUEL TRIMº and
ªBANK 1 S.T. FUEL TRIMº display on the Tech 2.
Do both values decrease below the specified values?ºBANK 1 L.T.
FUEL TRIMº
below +20%;
ªBANK 1 S.T.
FUEL TRIMº
below +50%
Go to Step 13
Replace the
ignition coil of
the affected
cylinder
13Replace the ignition coil control module.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
141. Visually and physically inspect the PCM injector
grounds, power grounds and sensor grounds to
ensure that they are clean, tight and in their proper
locations.
2. If a problem is found, correct the faulty ground
condition as necessary.
Did your inspection reveal a poor ground?
ÐVerify repair Go to Step 15
151. Perform the ªFuel System Pressure Testº
procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to
Engine Fuel or Fuel Metering System).
Was a fuel system problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check the fuel for excessive water, alcohol, or other
contaminants (refer to
Diagnosis in Engine Fuel for
procedure).
2. If a problem is found, correct the contaminated fuel
condition as necessary.
Was the fuel contaminated?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17

6E±471
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
P1340 ION Sensing Module Cylinder ID Fault (Cylinder Synchronization Fail)
060R200068
Circuit Description
The Power Control Module (PCM) checks the validity of
the signals used in the ION Sensing module at the
following engine operating conditions.

This test will return a fault if the cylinder
synchronization routine has not been completed after
a predetermined number of events after crank. This
test will detect fault that will prevent the PCM from
synchronization, such as Knock Signal (KI) -
Combustion Quality (CQ) lines being swapped,
shorted spark plugs, ION Sensing module faults, an
PCM hardware faults.
Conditions for setting the DTC

Ignition voltage is between 11volts and 16 volts.

Engine speed is between 650rpm and 6250rpm.

No ECT DTCs set.

No injector DTCs set.

No Fuel Trim DTCs set.

No Misfire DTCs set.

No system voltage DTCs set.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The PCM will ON the MIL after second trip with
detected the fault.

The PCM calculates an air flow value based on idle air
control valve position, throttle position, RPM and
barometric pressure.
The PCM will store conditions which were present
when the DTC was set as Freeze Frame and in the
Failure Records data.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The PCM will turn the MIL ªOFFº on the third
consecutive trip cycle during which the diagnostic has
been run and the fault condition is no longer present.

A history DTC P1340 will clear after 40 consecutive trip
cycles during which the warm up cycles have occurred
without a fault.

DTC P1340 can be cleared using the Tech 2 ªClear
Infoº function or by disconnecting the PCM battery
feed.
Diagnostic Aids
An intermittent may be caused by the following:

Poor connections.

Misrouted harness.

Rubbed through wire insulation.

Broken wire inside the insulation.
Check for the following conditions:

Poor connection at PCM-Inspect harness connectors
for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken
locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and
poor terminal to wire connection.

Damaged harness±Inspect the wiring harness for
damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the
moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the
sensor.