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 ±7C (20F) and 110C
(230F).
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±508
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hard Start Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
121. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electric Ignition
System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
131. Remove spark plugs. Check for wet plugs, cracks,
wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy
deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check for a loose ignition coil ground and ION
Sensing module circuit.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
151. Remove the ignition coils and check the ignition
coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, replace affected coil(s) as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check for the following engine mechanical
problems (refer to
Engine Mechanical):
Low compression
Leaking cylinder head gaskets
Worn or incorrect camshaft
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17
171. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:
Visual/physical inspection
Tech 2 data
Freeze Frame data/Failure Records buffer
All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system.
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repair
Contact
Technical
Assistance
6E±510
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Surges and/or Chuggles Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
101. Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to
Diagnostic Aids in DTC P0171.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐGo to Step 11Verify repair
111. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electric Ignition
System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 12
121. Check for a loose ignition coil ground and ION
Sensing module circuit.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
131. Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon
tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
141. Remove the spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
151. Check the injector connections.
2. If any of the injector connectors are connected to an
incorrect cylinder, correct as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check PCM grounds for the cleanliness, tightness
and proper locations. Refer to the PCM wiring
diagrams in
Electrical Diagnosis.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17
171. Check MAF sensor connections.
2. If a problem is found, replace the faulty terminals as
necessary. Refer to
Electrical Diagnosis for wiring
repair procedures.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 18
181. Visually/physically check vacuum hoses for splits,
kinks, and proper connections and routing as
shown on the ªVehicle Emission Control
Informationº label.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 19
6E±515
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Detonation/Sparks Knock Symptoms
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
101. Disconnect the ignition coil.
Is the action complete?
ÐGo to Step 11Ð
11Check the ION sensing harness between the ignition
coil and ION sensing module circuit at the DC motor
harness connector.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 12
12Check the following items;
1. Ignition coil and ignition coil circuit.
2. Ignition coil ground circuit for a poor connection.
3. If a problem is found, repair wiring harness as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
13Replace the Ignition coil.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
14Check the following items;
1. ION sensing module ground circuit for a poor
connection.
2. If a problem is found, repair wiring harness as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐGo to Step 10Go to Step 16
15Replace the ION sensing module.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check fuel pressure. Refer to Chart Fuel System
Pressure Test.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repair
Go to Step
17
171. Check items that can cause an engine to run lean
(long term fuel trim significantly in the positive
range). For a lean condition, refer to
Diagnostic
Aids
in DTC P0171 Diagnostic Support.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 18
181. Spark plugs for proper heat range. Refer to General
Information
.
2. If incorrect spark plugs are installed, replace spark
plugs as necessary.
Did any spark plugs require replacement?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 19
191. Remove excessive carbon buildup with a top engine
cleaner. Refer to instructions on the top engine
cleaner can.
2. Re-evaluate vehicle performance.
Is detonation still present?
ÐGo to Step 20Verify repair
6E±518
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle, Stalling Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
111. Visually/physically inspect for the following
conditions:
Restricted air intake system. Check for a
possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted
air filter element, or foreign objects blocking
the air intake system.
Large vacuum leak. Check for a condition that
causes a large vacuum leak, such as an
incorrectly installed or faulty crankcase
ventilation valve or a disconnected brake
booster hose.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 9
12Check the injector connections. If any of the injectors
are connected to an incorrect cylinder, correct as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
131. Perform the ªInjector Coil/Balance Testº in Fuel
Metering System
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum
hose.
2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator
assembly. Refer to
Fuel Metering System.
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
151. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for the procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Remove spark plugs. Check for wet plugs, cracks,
wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy
deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17
171. Check for a loose ignition coil ground and ION
Sensing Module circuit.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 18
181. Check ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 19
6E±520
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Poor Fuel Economy Symptom
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is
noticeably lower than expected. Also, economy is
noticeably lower than it was on this vehicle at one time,
as previously shown by an actual road test.
(Non-standard tires will cause odometer readings to be
incorrect, and that may cause fuel economy to appear
poor when it is actually normal.)
Was the ªOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Checkº
performed?
ÐGo to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Perform a bulletin search.
2. 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?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
ÐGo to Step 4
Go to Visual/
Physical
Check
4Check owner's driving habits.
Is the A/C ªONº full time (defroster mode ªONº)?
Are tires at the correct pressure?
Are excessively heavy loads being carried?
Is acceleration too much, too often?
Was a problem found?
ÐGo to Step 5Go to Step 6
5Review the items in Step 4 with the customer and
advise as necessary.
Is the action complete?
ÐSystem OKÐ
61. Visually/physically check: Vacuum hoses for splits,
kinks, and improper connections and routing as
shown on the ªVehicle Emission Control
Informationº label.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 7
71. Remove and check the air filter element for dirt or for
restrictions. Refer to
Air Intake System.
2. Replace the air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 8
81. Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Spark Plug Replacement.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 9
91. Check for low engine coolant level. Refer to Engine
Cooling
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 10