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 Description
ECM uses signals provided by crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. If engine speed rate has changed enough to equal a preset number, a misfire is detected and MIL is illuminated. If misfire rate is high enough, and driving conditions will cause catalytic converter damage or overheating, MIL blinks when a misfire is occurring. DTC is set during any particular 200 revolutions of engine during which misfiring is detected which can cause catalytic converter overheating and/or damage, or during any particular 1000 revolutions of engine during which misfiring is detected which can cause a deterioration in emission levels. Possible causes are:
- Open or short in wiring.
- Poor contact at ECM or component.
- Disconnected or damaged vacuum hose.
- Ignition system malfunction.
- Defective fuel injector(s).
- Improper fuel pressure.
- EGR system malfunction (if equipped).
- Defective Mass Airflow (MAF) meter.
- Defective Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
- Improper engine compression.
- Improper valve clearance.
- Improper valve timing.
- Defective ECM.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.