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.
Misfire Monitor
Excessive engine misfire results in increased catalyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emissions. Severe misfires could cause catalyst damage. To prevent catalytic convertor damage, the PCM monitors engine misfire.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors for misfire during most engine operating conditions (positive torque) by looking at changes in the crankshaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speed of the crankshaft will vary more than normal.
The PCM can detect and compensate for variances in the engine and its components. To learn these variations, the PCM uses the input of the actual crankshaft rotation pattern and ideal crankshaft rotation pattern that has been calibrated into the PCM. The PCM then compares the two patterns. The variation between the two values is the Adaptive Numerator. If the Adaptive Numerator is not learned by the PCM, the misfire monitor will not run and the Multi-Cylinder Displacement System (MDS) will not operate. Without MDS operation, the customer will experience decreased fuel economy. If the customer experiences decrease fuel economy, use the scan tool to ensure that the Adaptive Numerator is learned.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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