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Engine Symptom Diagnosis

Perform troubleshooting referring to the following when ECM has detected no DTC and no abnormality has been found in VISUAL INSPECTION:J24B  and ENGINE BASIC INSPECTION:J24B .

ENGINE SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS REFERENCE CHART

Condition Possible Cause Action
Hard starting (Engine can be cranked)  Faulty spark plug Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Faulty ignition coil Ignition Coil Assembly Inspection:J24B 
Dirty or clogged fuel hose or pipe FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Malfunctioning fuel pump FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Air drawn in through intake manifold gasket or throttle body gasket Check air intake system.
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty ECT sensor or MAF sensor ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits:J24B .
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Poor spark plug tightening or faulty gasket Spark Plug Removal and Installation:J24B 
Compression leak from valve seat VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Sticky valve stem VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Weak or damaged valve springs VALVE SPRING INSPECTION
Compression leak at cylinder head gasket CYLINDER HEAD INSPECTION
Sticking or damaged piston ring CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn piston, piston ring or cylinder CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Malfunctioning PCV valve PCV Valve Inspection:J24B 
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Low oil pressure  Improper oil viscosity Engine Oil and Filter Change:J24B 
Malfunctioning oil pressure switch OIL PRESSURE SWITCH ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Clogged oil strainer Check oil strainer for clog. 
Functional deterioration of oil pump OIL PUMP INSPECTION
Worn oil pump relief valve OIL PUMP INSPECTION
Excessive clearance in various sliding parts -
Engine noise - Valve noise 
NOTE: Before checking mechanical noise, make sure that:
  • Specified spark plug is used.
  • Specified fuel is used.
Improper valve clearance CAMSHAFT AND TAPPET INSPECTION
Worn valve stem and guide VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Weak or broken valve spring VALVE SPRING INSPECTION
Warped or bent valve VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Engine noise - Piston, piston ring and cylinder noise 
NOTE: Before checking mechanical noise, make sure that:
  • Specified spark plug is used.
  • Specified fuel is used.
Worn piston, piston ring and cylinder bore CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Engine noise - Connecting rod noise 
NOTE: Before checking mechanical noise, make sure that:
  • Specified spark plug is used.
  • Specified fuel is used.
Worn piston, piston ring and cylinder bore CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn connecting rod bearing CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn crank pin CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Loose connecting rod bolts PISTON, PISTON RING AND CONNECTING ROD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Low oil pressure Condition "Low oil pressure"
Engine noise - Crankshaft noise 
NOTE: Before checking mechanical noise, make sure that:
  • Specified spark plug is used.
  • Specified fuel is used.
Low oil pressure Condition "Low oil pressure"
Worn main bearing MAIN BEARINGS INSPECTION
Worn crankshaft journal MAIN BEARINGS INSPECTION
Loose bearing cap bolts MAIN BEARINGS, CRANKSHAFT AND CYLINDER BLOCK REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Excessive crankshaft thrust play MAIN BEARINGS INSPECTION
Engine overheating  Inoperative thermostat Thermostat Inspection:J24B 
Poor water pump performance Water Pump Inspection:J24B 
Clogged or leaky radiator Radiator On-Vehicle Inspection and Cleaning:J24B 
Improper engine oil grade THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Clogged oil filter or oil strainer OIL PRESSURE CHECK
Poor oil pump performance OIL PRESSURE CHECK
Faulty radiator cooling fan control system RADIATOR COOLING FAN CONTROL SYSTEM CHECK
Dragging brakes BRAKES SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Slipping clutch (M/T model) CLUTCH (HYDRAULIC TYPE) SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Blown cylinder head gasket CYLINDER HEAD INSPECTION
Air mixed in cooling system COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING
Poor fuel mileage  Faulty spark plug (improper gap, heavy deposits and burned electrodes, etc.) Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
High idle speed Condition "Improper engine idling or engine fails to idle"
Poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Poor valve seating VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Dragging brakes BRAKES SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Slipping clutch (M/T model) CLUTCH (HYDRAULIC TYPE) SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Thermostat out of order Thermostat Inspection:J24B 
Improper tire pressure Tires Description 
Fuel pressure out of specification FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Faulty IMRC valve IMRC (INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL) VALVE INSPECTION
Excessive engine oil consumption - Oil leakage  Blown cylinder head gasket CYLINDER HEAD INSPECTION
Leaky camshaft oil seals CAMSHAFT AND TAPPET INSPECTION
Excessive engine oil consumption - Oil entering combustion chamber  Sticky piston ring CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn piston and cylinder CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn piston ring groove and ring CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Improper location of piston ring gap CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Worn or damaged valve stem seal VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Worn valve stem VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE INSPECTION
Engine hesitates - Momentary lack of response as accelerator is depressed. Can occur at all vehicle speeds. Usually most severe when first trying to make vehicle move, such as from a stop sign  Spark plug faulty or plug gap out of adjustment Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Fuel pressure out of specification FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Engine overheating Condition "Engine overheating" 
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Surge - Engine power variation under steady throttle or cruise. Feels like vehicle speeds up and down with no change in accelerator pedal  Faulty spark plug (excess carbon deposits, improper gap, burned electrodes, etc.) Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Variable fuel pressure FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Kinky or damaged fuel hose and lines FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Faulty fuel pump (clogged fuel filter) FUEL PUMP AND ITS CIRCUIT CHECK
Poor performance of MAF sensor MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Excessive detonation - Engine makes continuously sharp metallic knocks that change with throttle opening. Sounds like popcorn popping  Faulty spark plug Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Engine overheating Condition "Engine overheating" 
Clogged fuel filter (faulty fuel pump) or fuel lines FUEL PRESSURE CHECK or FUEL PUMP AND ITS CIRCUIT CHECK
Air drawn in through intake manifold or throttle body gasket Check air intake system  .
Poor performance of knock sensor, ECT sensor or MAF sensor KNOCK SENSOR INSPECTION , ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Excessive combustion chamber deposits CYLINDER HEAD INSPECTION and CYLINDER, PISTON AND PISTON RING INSPECTION
Fuel pressure out of specification
  • Dirty fuel filter
  • Dirty or clogged fuel hose or pipe
  • Faulty fuel pressure regulator
  • Faulty fuel pump
FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Engine has no power  Faulty spark plug Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Faulty ignition coil with ignitor Ignition Coil Assembly Inspection:J24B 
Faulty knock sensor KNOCK SENSOR INSPECTION
Clogged fuel hose or pipe FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Malfunctioning fuel pump FUEL PUMP AND ITS CIRCUIT CHECK
Air drawn in through intake manifold gasket or throttle body gasket Check air intake system  .
Engine overheating Condition "Engine overheating" 
Poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Dragging brakes BRAKES SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Slipping clutch (M/T model) CLUTCH (HYDRAULIC TYPE) SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Faulty IMT vacuum solenoid valve IMT (INTAKE MANIFOLD TUNING) VACUUM SOLENOID VALVE ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty IMRC valve IMRC (INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL) VALVE INSPECTION
Improper engine idling or engine fails to idle  Faulty spark plug Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Faulty ignition coil with ignitor Ignition Coil Assembly Inspection:J24B 
Fuel pressure out of specification FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Leaky manifold, throttle body, or cylinder head gasket Check air intake system  .
Faulty evaporative emission control system EVAP CANISTER PURGE SYSTEM INSPECTION
Faulty fuel injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Loose connection or disconnection of vacuum hoses Check connection or disconnection vacuum  .
Malfunctioning PCV valve PCV Valve Inspection:J24B 
Engine overheating Condition "Engine overheating" 
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Faulty generator and/or its circuit GENERATOR TEST
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) or carbon monoxide (CO) emission  Faulty spark plug Spark Plug Inspection:J24B 
Faulty ignition coil with ignitor Ignition Coil Assembly Inspection:J24B 
Low compression COMPRESSION CHECK
Lead contamination of three way catalytic converter Check for absence of filler neck restrictor  .
Faulty evaporative emission control system EVAP CANISTER PURGE SYSTEM INSPECTION
Fuel pressure out of specification FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Closed loop system (A/F feedback compensation) fails (faulty TP sensor, poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor) THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION , ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Engine not at normal operating temperature -
Clogged air cleaner Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and Cleaning:J24B 
Vacuum leak ENGINE VACUUM CHECK
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION
Excessive nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission  Improper ignition timing IGNITION TIMING INSPECTION
Lead contamination of catalytic converter Check for absence of filler neck restrictor  .
Fuel pressure out of specification FUEL PRESSURE CHECK
Closed loop system (A/F feedback compensation) fails (faulty TP sensor, poor performance of ECT sensor or MAF sensor) THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION , ECT (ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION or MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) AND IAT (INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty throttle body assembly THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Faulty APP sensor assembly APP (ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION) SENSOR INSPECTION
Faulty injector(s) FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT CHECK
Faulty ECM Inspection of ECM and Its Circuits 
Camshaft position control (VVT) system out of order OCV (OIL CONTROL VALVE) INSPECTION