Refer to Symptoms .
Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations.
Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted. Replace as necessary.
Perform injector balance test.
Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Fuel Quality Diagnosis .
Check for incorrect minimum idle speed.
Check each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder according to the firing order. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.
Check for injectors that are shorted internally. Compare injector resistance.
Check for fuel in pressure regulator vacuum hose. If fuel is present, replace regulator assembly. Refer to Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement .
Check for foreign material accumulation in the throttle bore, coking on the throttle valve or on the throttle shaft. Also inspect for throttle body tampering.
Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -99%).
Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 100%).
Check Crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place finger over inlet hole in valve end several times. Valve should snap back. If not, replace valve.
Using a Scan Tool, monitor TP sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage should be less then 0.9 volts at rest. If the TP sensor voltage is greater than 0.9 volt, inspect the throttle body and accelerator cables for binding.
Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for excessive spark retard activity.
Check the EGR system for proper operation.
Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792. Refer to Secondary Ignition Diagnosis .
An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done using a wire gauge gap tool (J 41319). If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Ignition wires for cross firing.
Ignition wires arcing to ground.
Ignition wires for proper routing.
Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look/listen for arcing or misfiring as water is applied.
Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals.
Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converters by comparing exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
An engine miss condition can be caused by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) on the reference circuit. EMI can usually be detected by monitoring engine RPM with a scan tool. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change, indicates EMI is present. If a problem exists, check routing of secondary ignition wires, high voltage components (Near Ignition Control circuits).
Check PNP switch circuit and be sure the scan tool indicates vehicle is in drive with gear selector in drive or overdrive.