Possible Cause & Correction

Check the following items:

• Check ignition wires for short or faulty insulation. Spray spark plug wires with a fine mist of water to check for shorts.
• Using Spark Tester (J-26792), check for available secondary voltage.
• Check ignition system for faulty ground and power feed circuits.
• Ensure ignition control wiring harness is not routed too close to wiring which may cause induced voltage signals.
• Check Transaxle Range (TR) switch input with vehicle in drive and shifter in drive or overdrive.
• Remove spark plugs and check for correct heat range, wear, cracks, wetness, improper gap or heavy deposits.
• Check for poor quality or alcohol contaminated fuel.
• Check for improper fuel pressure. Check for restricted fuel filter. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST under BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS in appropriate BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES article.
• Check for plugged injectors. Perform injector balance test. See FUEL INJECTOR BALANCE TEST under FUEL SYSTEMS in appropriate SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING article.
• Check PCM for proper ground circuits. Check for internal PCM intermittents.
• Check engine compression. Check for incorrect valve timing, bent push rods, broken valve springs or worn camshaft lobes.
• Check for sticking EGR valve.
• Check TP sensor for sticking and binding. Check for correct TP sensor voltage. See FUEL SYSTEMS in appropriate SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS article.
• Using a scan tool, monitor the Knock Sensor (KS) system for any excessive spark retard activity.
• Check MAF sensor and connections.
• Check for proper Crankshaft Position (CKP) and Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor resistance.
• Check exhaust system for restrictions, such as a damaged or collapsed pipe, muffler or catalytic converter.
• Check for faulty motor mounts.
• Check injector drivers by disconnecting all injector harness connectors and connecting an injector test light (noid light) to each injector's harness terminal. Light should flash while cranking.
• Check intake and exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.
• Check PCM and engine grounds for correct locations, tight and clean connections. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article.