Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Testing
- Verify the following conditions do not exist:
- Engine - Vacuum leak
- Exhaust System - Leaking/Missing components/Restricted
- Fuel - Contaminated/Dirty/Fill Level = Low - Refer to: Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis
- Fuel Pressure - High/Low - Refer to: Fuel System Diagnosis
- Positive Crankcase Ventilation System - Leaking/Incorrect connection/Restricted
- Spark Plug Boot - Carbon Tracking/ Fluid intrusion/Visible Damage
- Spark Plug - Carbon Tracking/Fouled/Visible Damage
- Vacuum Hoses - Kinked/Leaking/Incorrect connection/Restricted
- If a condition exists
Repair or replace as necessary.
- Go to next step: If no conditions exist
- Ignition/Vehicle - Off
- Remove the appropriate component:T8 Ignition Coil - Leave the electrical connector connected.
- Install the special tool: J-26792 Ignition Spark Tester @K35 Ignition Coil Module & Ground
- Engine - Running
- Verify there is spark at the tool.
- If there is no spark
Refer to:Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis
- Go to next step: If there is spark
- If there is no spark
- Ignition/Vehicle - Off
- Verify the component specifications are correct:Spark Plug - Gap / Heat Range /Torque - Refer to:Ignition System Specifications
- If not correct
Repair or replace as necessary.
- Go to next step: If correct
- If not correct
- Swap the two components:Spark Plug - The original component that set the DTC & Another known good component from the vehicle
- Engine - Running
- Verify the scan tool parameter:Cylinder 1 - 4 Current Misfire Counter = Increments - At the original component location the DTC set.
- If the parameter value does not increment
Replace the component:Spark Plug - The original component that set the DTC
- Go to next step: If the parameter value increments
- If the parameter value does not increment
- Perform the following procedure/test:Fuel Injector Balance - Refer to: Fuel Injector Diagnosis
Verify the procedure/test passes.
- If the procedure/test does not pass
Replace the component that failed the test:Q17 Fuel Injector
- Go to next step: If the procedure/test passes
- If the procedure/test does not pass
- Verify the condition does not exist:An engine mechanical condition. - Refer to:Symptoms - Engine Mechanical
- If a condition exists
Repair or replace as necessary.
- Go to next step: If no condition exists
- If a condition exists
- All OK.
An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.