General Trouble Shooting Tips
Engine Diesels (continues to run) after turning off
Pinging or Knocking engine sounds during acceleration or uphill
Incorrect grade of fuel. Fill the tank with fuel of the proper octane rating.
Incorrect air/fuel mixture.
Ignition timing incorrect.
Faulty EGR Valve.
Engine Backfires
Emissions system not functioning properly.
Fault in the fuel injection system.
Ignition timing incorrect.
Faulty secondary ignition system (cracked spark plug insulator, faulty plug wires,
distributor cap and/or rotor).
Burnt or tight valves.
Engine Lacks Power
Incorrect ignition timing.
Fault in the fuel injection system.
Faulty coil.
Brakes binding.
Automatic transaxle fluid level incorrect.
Clutch slipping.
Fuel filter clogged and/or impurities in the fuel system.
Emissions control system not function properly.
Use of substandard fuel. Fill the tank with the proper octane fuel.
Low or uneven cylinder compression pressures. Test with a compression tester, which
will detect leaking valves and/or blown head gasket.
Engine Stalls
Idle speed incorrect.
Fuel filter clogged and/or water and impurities in the fuel system.
Distributor components damp and damaged.
Fault in the fuel injection system or sensors.
Faulty emissions system components.
Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs. Also check the spark plug wires.
Vacuum leak at the fuel injection unit, intake manifold or vacuum hoses.
Engine Misses throughout Driving Speed Range
Fuel filter clogged and/or impurities in the fuel system.
Faulty spark plugs.
Fault fuel injectors.
Incorrect ignition timing.
Check for cracked distributor cap disconnected distributor wires and damaged
distributor components.
Low or uneven cylinder compression pressures. Remove the spark plugs and test the
compression with a gauge.
Poor Coolant Circulation
Worn water pump propeller.
Restriction in the cooling system.
Water pump drive belt defective or not adjusted properly.
Thermostat sticking.
Coolant Loss
Faulty heater core.
Faulty radiator or heater hoses.
Blown head gasket or cracked head.
Radiator leak.
Faulty radiator cap.
Faulty intake manifold gaskets or manifold.
Internal Coolant Leakage
Internal coolant leaks can usually be detected by examining the oil.
Check the dipstick and inside of the rocker armcover for water deposits and an oil
consistency like that of a milk shake.
Leaking head gasket.
Cracked cylinder bore or cylinder head.
Faulty intake manifold gaskets or manifold.
Overheating
Insufficient coolant in the system.
Water pump drive belt defective or not adjusted properly.
Radiator core blocked or radiator grille dirty and restricted.
Defective fan clutch.
Radiator cap not maintaining proper pressure.
Ignition timing incorrect.
Clutch Fails to Release
Worn Cable.
Clutch plate warped or damaged.
Worn or dry clutch release shaft bushing.
Fuel Leakage and/or Fuel Odor
Leak in a fuel feed line.
Leak in filler hose.
Tank overfilled. Fill only to automatic shutoff.
Evaporative emissions system.
Faulty injector seals or injectors.
Excessive Fuel Consumption
Dirty or clogged air filter element.
Incorrectly set ignition timing.
Emissions system not functioning properly.
Low tire pressure or incorrect tire size.
Engine Misses at Idle Speed
Fault in the fuel injection system.
Faulty spark plugs or wires.
Faulty distributor cap.
Engine Lopes while Idling or Idles Erratically
Vacuum leakage.
Make sure that all vacuum hoses are connected and in good condition.
Use a stethoscope or a length of fuel hose held against your ear to listen for vacuum
leaks while the engine is running. A hissing sound will be heard.
Fault in the fuel injection system.
Leaking EGR valve or plugged PCV valve.
Air Filter clogged.
Fuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel to the fuel injector(s).
Engine Starts but Stops Immediately
Loose or faulty electrical connections at distributor, coil or alternator.
Fault in the fuel injection system.
Insufficient fuel reaching the fuel injector. Check the fuel pressure or have the fuel
injection pressure checked by a properly equipped shop.
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2000
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