3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-329
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Before using this section, perform the "On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) System Check" and verify all of the
following items:
The engine control module (ECM) and check engine
lamp (MIL=malfunction indicator lamp) are operating
correctly.
There are no Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) stored.
Tech 2 data is within normal operating range. Refer
to Typical Scan Data Values.
Verify the customer complaint and locate the correct
symptom in the table of contents. Perform the
procedure included in the symptom chart.
VISUAL/PHYSICAL CHECK
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful
visual/physical check. This can lead to correcting a
problem without further checks and can save valuable
time. This check should include the following items:
ECM grounds for cleanliness, tightness and proper
location.
Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper
connection. Check thoroughly for any type of leak or
restriction.
Air intake ducts for collapsed or damaged areas.
Air leaks at throttle body mounting area, manifold
absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and intake manifold
sealing surfaces.
Ignition wires for cracking, harness, and carbon
tracking.
Wiring for proper connections, pinches and cuts.
INTERMITTENT
Important: An intermittent problem may or may not turn
on the check engine lamp (MIL=malfunction indicato
r
lamp) or store a Diagnostic Trouble Code. Do NOT use
the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) charts fo
r
intermittent problems.
The fault must be present to locate the problem.
Most intermittent problems are cased by faulty electrical
connections or wiring. Perform a careful visual/physical
check for the following conditions.
Poor mating of the connector halves or a terminal
not fully seated in the connector (backed out).
Improperly formed or damaged terminal.
All connector terminals in the problem circuit should
be carefully checked for proper contact tension.
Poor terminal-to-wire connection. This requires
removing the terminal form the connector body to
check.
Ignition coils shorted to ground and arcing at ignition
wires or plugs.
Check engine lamp (MIL=malfunction indicator lamp)
wire to ECM shorted to ground.
Poor ECM grounds. Refer to the ECM wiring
diagrams.
Road test the vehicle with a Digital Multimete
r
connected to a suspected circuit. An abnormal voltage
when the malfunction occurs is a good indication tha
t
there is a fault in the circuit being monitored.
Using Tech 2 to help detect intermittent conditions. The
Tech 2 have several features that can be used to
located an intermittent condition. Use the following
features to find intermittent faults:
To check for loss of diagnostic code memory,
disconnect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and idle the
engine until the check engine lamp (MIL=malfunction
indicator lamp) comes on. Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0102 should be stored and kept in memory when the
ignition is turned OFF.
If not, the ECM is faulty. When this test is completed,
make sure that you clear the Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0102 from memory.
An intermittent check engine lamp (MIL=malfunction
indicator lamp) with no stored Diagnostic Trouble Code
may be caused by the following:
Ignition coil shorted to ground and arcing at ignition
wires or plugs.
Check engine lamp (MIL=malfunction indicator lamp)
wire to ECM short to ground.
Poor ECM grounds. Refer to the ECM wiring
diagrams.
Check for improper installation of electrical options such
as light, cellular phones, etc. Check all wires from ECM
to the ignition control module for poor connections.
Check for an open diode across the A/C compresso
r
clutch and check for other open diodes (refer to wiring
diagrams in Electrical Diagnosis).
3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-333
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
17
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 18
18
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 19
19
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 -
3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-335
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
10
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 11
11
Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Perform the procedure in Fuel System Pressure Test
to determine if there is a problem with fuel delivery.
Refer to 6E-116 page.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 13
13
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 14
14
Check for the following engine mechanical problems
(refer to Engine Mechanical section):
Low compression.
Leaking cylinder head gaskets.
Worn camshaft.
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
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 16
16
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 17
6E-340 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
22
Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 23
23
1. Check for faulty engine mounts.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 24
24
Check for the following engine mechanical problems
(refer to Engine Mechanical section):
Low compression.
Leaking cylinder head gaskets.
Worn camshaft.
Sticking or leaking valves. -Valve timing.
Broken valve springs.
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 25
25
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 26
26
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 27
27
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-344 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
22
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 23
23
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 24
24
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-348 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
22
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 23
23
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 24
24
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 -
3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-351
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
17
Check for the following engine mechanical problems
(refer to Engine Mechanical Section):
Low compression. -Leaking cylinder head gaskets.
Worn camshaft. -Sticking or leaking valves.
Valve timing. -Broken valve springs.
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. Check for faulty engine mounts.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
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 20
20
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 21
21
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-354 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
15
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 16
16
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking. If a
problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
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 19
19
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits, kinks and
proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
Damaged or collapsed pipes.
Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
Check the torque converter clutch (TCC) for proper operation
(if A/T model). If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22
22
Check for the following engine mechanical problems (refer to
Engine Mechanical Section):
Low compression.
Leaking cylinder head gaskets.
Worn camshaft.
Sticking or leaking valves.
Valve timing.
Broken valve springs.
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 23
23
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 24