DIFFICULT OR NO START (CRANKS OKAY)
- Check for dirty or clogged fuel filter.
- Check for lack of fuel in tank.
- Check fuel pressure and volume.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for low compression.
- Check for blown ignition coil fuse.
- Check for cracked or burned distributor cap or rotor.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check EGR system.
- Check pick-up coil air gap.
- Check for faulty ignitor.
- Check for faulty pick-up coil.
- Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check for faulty Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor.
- Check for faulty Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor.
- Check for faulty noise suppressor (if equipped).
- Check for faulty Fast Idle Air (FIA) valve.
- Check for faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valve.
- Check for faulty ignition coil.
- Check for faulty throttle opener (if equipped).
- Check for faulty power unit.
- Check for faulty Camshaft Position (CMP) or Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
- Check for malfunctioning PCM.
- Check for malfunctioning PCV valve.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for slipped or broken timing belt.
ENGINE MISFIRES OR HAS LACK OF POWER
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for high resistance in spark plug wires.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check for worn distributor terminals.
- Check cooling system.
- Check for dirty or clogged fuel filter.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check for clogged air filter.
- Check for low compression.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
- Check for dragging brakes.
- Check for slipping clutch.
- Check for low automatic transmission fluid level.
ROUGH OR UNSTABLE IDLE
- Check for play in throttle cable.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check EVAP control system.
- Check for clogged air filter.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check cooling system condition.
- Check compression.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for leaking or loose spark plug wires.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check idle speed.
- Check for cracked or burned distributor cap.
- Check for worn distributor terminals.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Clogged MAP sensor vacuum hose.
- Check for faulty PCM.
- Check Power Steering Pressure (PSP) switch circuit.
- Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check for faulty Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor.
- Check for faulty A/C vacuum switching valve (if equipped).
- Check for faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid valve.
- Check for faulty throttle opener system (if equipped).
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
- Check for malfunctioning PCV valve.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
ENGINE HESITATES
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check EVAP control system.
- Check for clogged fuel filter.
- Check for contaminated fuel.
- Check for clogged air filter.
- Check for restricted exhaust system.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check for high resistance in spark plug wires.
- Check cooling system condition.
- Check for low compression.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check for clogged MAP sensor vacuum hose.
- Check for faulty PCM.
- Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
ENGINE SURGES
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check for high resistance in spark plug wires.
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check EVAP control system.
- Check for clogged fuel filter.
- Check for damaged or kinked fuel lines.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for cracked or burned distributor cap or rotor.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check for faulty PCM.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
SPARK KNOCK/DETONATION
- Check cooling system.
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check EVAP control system.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for high resistance in spark plug wires.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check for clogged fuel filter.
- Check for vacuum leaks.
- Check for excessive combustion chamber deposits.
- Check for faulty Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check for engine overheating.
- Check for faulty MAP sensor.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
POOR FUEL MILEAGE
- Check for fuel leaks.
- Check fuel pressure.
- Check for clogged air filter.
- Check compression.
- Check cooling system condition.
- Check ignition and valve timing.
- Check spark plugs.
- Check for adequate spark with a spark tester.
- Check for high resistance in spark plug wires.
- Check for faulty Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Check for faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Check for faulty thermostat.
- Check for faulty PCM.
- Check for high idle RPM.
- Check for malfunctioning electronic fuel injection system.
- Check for malfunctioning EGR valve.
- Check for brakes dragging.
- Check for clutch slipping.
- Check for low automatic transmission fluid.
- Check for improper tire pressure.
OVERHEATING
- Check for insufficient coolant.
- Check for loose water pump belt.
- Check for faulty thermostat.
- Check for poor water pump performance.
- Check for improper ignition timing.
- Check for clogged or leaky radiator.
- Check for improper engine oil grade.
- Check for clogged oil filter.
- Check for low oil level.
- Check for poor oil pump performance.
- Check for oil leak.
- Check for dragging brakes.
- Check for blown cylinder head gasket.
Intermittent Simulation
To reproduce the conditions creating an intermittent fault, use the following methods
- Lightly vibrate component.
- Heat component.
- Wiggle or bend wiring harness.
- Spray component with water mist.
- Remove/apply vacuum source.
Monitor circuit/component voltage or resistance while simulating intermittent. If engine is running, monitor for self-diagnostic codes. Use test results to identify a faulty component or circuit.