Engine Controls - 3.5L - Trouble Shooting: Backfire

Backfire

Inspections	Actions
DEFINITION: Fuel ignites in the intake manifold or in the exhaust system, making a loud popping noise.
Preliminary Inspections	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .
Fuel System	Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (w/o Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) . Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test . Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.
Sensor/System	Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for proper operation. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Description in Engine Mechanical. Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
Ignition System	In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures: Ignition System Specifications Spark Plug Inspection Spark Plug Replacement Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following: Correct heat range Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Verify that the spark plugs are of the correct type. Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 HEI Spark Tester. See Special Tools . An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs. Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the symptom occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
Engine Cooling System	Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling. Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.
Engine Mechanical	Inspect engine mechanical for the following: Compression Sticking or leaking valves Worn camshaft lobes Valve timing Worn rocker arms Broken valve springs Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. For more information, refer to one or more of the following procedures in Engine Mechanical: Engine Compression Test Symptoms - Engine Mechanical Oil Consumption Diagnosis For incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts. Inspect the following: The camshaft-Refer to Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The cylinder heads-Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The pistons, etc.-Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.
Additional Inspections	Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash. Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect the following: Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. Inspect for possible plugged catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) circuit can cause an engine misfire condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM parameter with little change in actual engine RPM change may indicate that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect for high voltage components near the ignition control circuits.