A Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

IMPORTANT PRELIMINARY CHECKS BEFORE STARTING:
Before using this section, perform Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information to verify the following items:
- The powertrain control module (PCM) and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) (Service Engine Soon) are operating correctly.
- There are no DTCs stored.
- Ensure that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is not above 130°C (266°F). This will cause the PCM to operate in the Engine Metal Overtemp Mode. While in this state, the PCM will turn OFF four cylinders at a time to prevent the engine coolant temperature from reaching damaging levels. Engine Metal Overtemp can be perceived as a lack of power, engine miss, or rough idle. If the engine is operating in the Engine Metal Overtemp mode, refer to DTC P1258 in Cooling System. P1258
- Scan tool data is within the normal operating range. Refer to Scan Tool Data List. Scan Tool Data, Normal Values and Definitions
- Verify the customers complaint to reference the correct symptom table. Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

VISUAL/PHYSICAL CHECK
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful Visual/physical check. This check can lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can save valuable time. This check includes the following items:
- PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper location.
- Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, proper routing, and connections. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Check thoroughly for any type of leak or restriction.
- Intake air system for the following conditions:
- Dirty or damaged air cleaner element or housing
- Damaged or collapsed intake air ducts.
- Poor intake air system connections
- Air leaks at the throttle body and/or intake manifold.
- Throttle body contaminants or deposits.
- Accelerator cable binding or damage.
- Ignition system wiring for incorrect routing and/or poor connections.
- System wiring for routing near high frequency devices (electromagnetic interference (EMI) condition).
- Cooling System system leaks. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Cooling System. Loss of Coolant

The following Symptom tables are located:
- Hard Start
- Surges/Chuggles
- Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
- Detonation/Spark Knock
- Hesitation, Sag, Stumble
- Cuts Out, Misses
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Poor Fuel Fill Quality
- Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling
- Dieseling, Run-On
- Backfire