6E-60 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
TS2394
A broken or cracked lower insulator tip (around the
center electrode) may result from “heat shock" (spark
plug suddenly operating too hot).
TS23993
"Heat shock" breakage in the lower insulator tip
generally occurs during several engine operating
conditions (high speeds or heavy loading) and may
be caused by over-advanced timing or low grade
fuels. Heat shock refers to a rapid increase in the
tip temperature that causes the insulator material
to crack.
If there is any doubt about the serviceability of a spark
plug, replace it. Spark plugs with cracked or broken
insulators should always be replaced.
6E-350 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
9
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Throttle Position"
from 0% to 100% depending on accelerator pedal
operation?
- Go to Step 11 Go to Step 10
10
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
3. Adjust the accelerator cable or TPS within 0% to
100%.
Is the action complete?
- Verify repair -
11
Check for the following conditions.
Objects blocking the throttle valve.
Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found? - Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Visually/physically inspect for the following conditions:
Restrict air intake system. Check for a restricted air
filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air
intake system.
Check for objects blocking the IAC passage or
throttle bore, excessive deposits in the throttle bore
and on the throttle plate.
Check for a condition that causes a large vacuum
leak, such as an incorrectly installed or faulty
crankcase ventilation hose/brake booster hose.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
Perform the Injector Coil/Balance Test.
Refer to 6E-106 page
Was a problem found.
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
1. Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum
hose.
2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator
assembly.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
6E-358 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
12
Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Diagnosis.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
Monitor "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" and "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" on the Tech 2.
Is the "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" or "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" in the lean condition?
- Go to Step 14 Go to Step 15
14
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check spark plugs for proper heat range.
Were incorrect spark plugs installed?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
1. Remove excessive carbon buildup with a top
engine cleaner.
2. Re-evaluate vehicle performance.
Is detonation still present?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
Check for an engine mechanical problem. Perform a
cylinder compression check. Refer to Engine
Mechanical.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. 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.
All electrical connections within a suspected circuit
and/or system.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Is the ECM programmed with the latest software
release?
If not, download the latest software to the ECM using
the "SPS (Service Programming System)".
Was the problem solved?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Replace the ECM.
Is the action complete?
IMPORTANT: The replacement ECM must be
programmed. Refer to section of the Service
Programming System (SPS) in this manual. Following
ECM programming, the immobilizer system (if
equipped) must be linked to the ECM. Refer to section
11 “Immobilizer System-ECM replacement” for the
ECM/Immobilizer linking procedure.
- Verify repair -
6E-380 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
SPARK PLUGS
Removal Procedure
1. Remove spark plugs.
Inspection Procedure
The spark plug affects entire engine performance and
therefore its inspection is very important.
Check electrode and insulator for presence o
f
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 (0.04 in)
1.1 mm
(0.043 in).
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 o
f
standard.
Insulation resistance: 50 M
or more
011RS010
Cleaning Spark Plugs
Clean spark plugs with a spark plug cleaner.
Raise the ground electrode to an angle of 45 to 60
degrees. If electrode is wet, dry it before cleaning.
After spark plug is thoroughly cleaned, check
insulator for presence of cracks.
Clean threads and metal body with a wire brush.
File the electrode tip if electrode is extremely worn.
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS (C24SE) 6-3
3.Trouble in Fuel System
Condition Possible cause Correction
Starting motor turns over and
spark occurs but engine does not
start. Fuel tank empty Fill
Water in fuel system Clean
Fuel filter clogged Replace filter
Fuel pipe clogged Clean or replace
Fuel pump defective Replace
Fuel pump circuit open Correct or replace
Evaporative Emission Control
system circuit clogged Correct or replace
Multiport Fuel Injection System
faulty Refer to "Electronic Fuel Injection"
section
4.Engine Lacks Compression
Condition Possible cause Correction
Engine lacks compression Spark plug loosely fitted or spark
plug gasket defective Tighten to specified torque or
replace gasket
Spark plug wire incorrect Connect properly or replace
Valve timing incorrect Adjust
Cylinder head gasket defective Replace gasket
Valve incorrectly seated Lap valve
Valve stem seized Replace valve and valve guide
Valve spring weakened Replace
Cylinder or piston rings worn Overhaul engine
Piston ring seized Overhaul engine.
Engine Compression Test Procedure
1. Start and run the engine until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Remove all the spark plugs.
4. Remove ignition coil fuse (15A) and disable the
ignition system.
5. Remove the fuel pump relay from the relay and
fuse box. 6. Engage the starter and check that the cranking
speed is approximately 300 rpm.
7. Install cylinder compression gauge into spark
plug hole.
8. With the throttle valve opened fully, keep the
starter engaged until the compression gauge
needle reaches the maximum level. Note the
reading.
9. Repeat the test with each cylinder.
The pressure difference between the individual
cylinders should not exceed 100kPa (14.5 psi).
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS (C24SE) 6-5
Rough Engine Running
Condition Possible cause Correction
Engine misfires regularly Ignition coil layer shorted Replace
Spark plugs fouling Clean or install hotter type plug
Spark plug(s) insulator nose
leaking Replace
Spark plug wire incorrect Connect properly or replace
Fuel injector(s) defective Replace
Engine control module faulty Replace
Engine knocks regularly Spark plugs running too hot Install colder type spark plugs
Powertrain control module faulty Replace
Engine lacks power Spark plugs fouled Clean
Spark plug wire incorrect Connect properly or replace
Fuel injectors defective Replace
Manifold Absolute Pressure
(MAP)
Sensor or Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor circuit defective Correct or replace
Engine Coolant Temperature
Sensor or Engine Coolant
Temperature Sensor circuit
defective Correct or replace
Engine Control Module faulty Replace
Intake Air Temperature Sensor or
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
circuit defective Correct or replace
Throttle Position Sensor or
Throttle Position Sensor circuit
defective Correct or replace
Knock Sensor or Knock Sensor
circuits defective Correct or replace
Knock Sensor Module or Knock
Sensor Module circuits defective Correct or replace
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS (C24SE) 6-7
Engine Lacks Power
Condition Possible cause Correction
Trouble in fuel system Fuel Pressure Control Valve not
working normally Replace
Fuel injector clogged Clean or replace
Fuel pipe clogged Clean
Fuel filter clogged or fouled Replace
Fuel pump drive circuit not
working normally Correct or replace
Fuel tank not sufficiently breathing
due to clogged Evaporative
Emission Control System circuit Clean or replace
Water in fuel system Clean
Inferior quality fuel in fuel system Use fuel of specified octane rating
Engine Control Module supplied
poor voltage Correct circuit
Throttle Position Sensor cable
disconnected or broken Correct or replace
Throttle Position Sensor defective Replace
Manifold Absolute Pressure
Sensor not working normally Replace
Intake Air Temperature sensor not
working normally Replace
Engine Coolant Temperature
Sensor circuit open or shorted Correct or replace
Engine Coolant Temperature
Sensor defective Replace
Engine Control Module defective Replace
Trouble in intake or exhaust
system Air Cleaner Filter clogged Replace filter element
Air duct kicked or flattened Correct or replace
Ignition failure
- Refer to Hard Start
Troubleshooting Guide
Heat range of spark plug
inadequate Install spark plugs of adequate
heat range
Electronic Ignition System with
module Replace
6-10 ENGINE DIAGNOSIS (C24SE)
Troubleshooting Procedure
Condition Possible cause Correction
Piston pin noise
(Piston makes noise each time it
goes up and down) Piston pin or piston pin hole worn Replace piston, piston pin and
connecting rod assy
Troubleshooting Procedure
The slapping sound stops when spark plug on bad
cylinder is shorted out.
Condition Possible cause Correction
Timing belt noise Timing belt tension is incorrect Replace pusher or adjust the
tension pulley or replace timing
belt
Tensioner bearing defective Replace
Timing belt defective Replace
Timing wheels defective Replace
Timing belt comes in contact with
timing cover Replace timing belt and timing
cover
Valve noise Valve and valve guide seized Replace valve and valve guide
Valve spring broken Replace
Valve seat off-positioned Correct
Crankshaft noise Crankshaft end play excessive
(noise occurs when clutch is
engaged) Replace thrust bearing
Engine knocking Preignition due to use of spark
plugs of inadequate heat range Install Spark Plugs of adequate
heat range
Fuel too low in octane rating Replace fuel
Wide Open Throttle enrichment
system failure Refer to Section 6E
Selection of transmission gear
incorrect Caution operator or incorrect gear
selection
Engine overheating Refer to "Engine Lacks Power"
Others Water pump defective Replace
V-belt slipping Adjust tension of V-belt or replace
V-belt