ignition OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Workshop Manual

6E–268
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy Symptom
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no
increase in speed when accelerator pedal is pushed
down part-way.
Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,
correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
—Verify repairGo to Step 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
—Go to Step 4
Go to
Visual/Physic
al Check
41. Remove and check the air filter element for dirt or
restrictions. Refer to
Air Intake System in
ON-Vehicle Service.
2. Replace the air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
—Verify repairGo to Step 5
51. Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Pressure Test
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 6
61. Check for water- or alcohol-contaminated fuel.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 7
71. Using Tech 2, monitor the knock sensor (KS)
system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to
Knock Sensor (KS) System.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 8
81. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 9
91. Remove the spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 10
101. Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon
tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 11

6E–273 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle, Stalling Symptom
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
101. Visually/physically inspect for the following
conditions:
Restricted air intake system. Check for a
possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted
air filter element, or foreign objects blocking
the air intake system.
Throttle body. Check for objects blocking the
IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive
deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC
pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle
bore and on the throttle plate.
Large vacuum leak. Check for a condition that
causes a large vacuum leak, such as an
incorrectly installed or faulty crankcase
ventilation valve or a disconnected brake
booster hose.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 8
11Check the injector connections. If any of the injectors
are connected to an incorrect cylinder, correct as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 12
121. Perform the “Injector Coil/Balance Test” in Fuel
Metering System
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 13
131. Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum
hose.
2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator
assembly. Refer to
Fuel Metering System.
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for the procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 15
151. Remove spark plugs. Check for wet plugs, cracks,
wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy
deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check for a loose ignition coil ground.
Refer to
Electrical Ignition System.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 17

6E–274
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle, Stalling Symptom
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
171. Check ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 18
18Using Tech 2, monitor the throttle position (TP) angle
with the engine idling.
Is the TP angle at the specified value and steady?
0%Go to Step 19
Refer to DTC
P0123
for
further
diagnosis
191. Check the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV)
valve for proper operation. Refer to
Crankcase
Ventilation System
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 20
201. Check the transmission range switch circuit. Use
Tech 2 and be sure Tech 2 indicates that the vehicle
is in drive with the gear selector in drive or overdrive.
2. If a problem is found, diagnose and repair the
transmission range switch as necessary (refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission Diagnosis).
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 21
211. Check for the following engine mechanical items.
Refer to
Engine Mechanical for diagnosis
procedures:
EGR valve mounted backward. Compare with
a known-good vehicle.
Low compression
Sticking or leaking valves
Worn camshaft lobe(s)
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped
Incorrect valve timing
Worn rocker arms
Broken valve springs
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 22
221. Check for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine
Mechanical
for inspection of mounts.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 23
231. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:
Visual/physical inspection
Te c h 2 d a t a
Freeze Frame data/Failure Records buffer
All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system.
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repair
Contact
Te c h n i c a l
Assistance

6E–279 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Dieseling, Run-On Symptom
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Engine continues to run after key is turned “OFF,” but
runs very rough. If engine runs smooth, check ignition
switch and adjustment.
Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,
correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
—Verify repairGo to Step 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
—Go to Step 4
Go to
Visual/Physic
al Check
41. Check for a short between B+ and any of the ignition
feed circuits.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 5
51. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:
Visual/physical inspection
Te c h 2 d a t a
Freeze Frame data/Failure Records butter
All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repair
Contact
Te c h n i c a l
Assistance

6E–280
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Backfire Symptom
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Fuel ignites in the intake manifold, or in the exhaust
system, making a loud popping noise.
Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,
correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
—Verify repairGo to Step 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
—Go to Step 4
Go to
Visual/Physic
al Check
41. Check for proper ignition voltage coil output with
spark tester 5-8840-0383-0. Refer to
Electric
Ignition System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 5
51. Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs. Refer to
DTC P0172 to determine the
cause of a rich condition or
Engine Mechanical for an oil
fouling condition.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 6
61. Visually/physically inspect the ignition coils for
cracks.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 7
71. Check for an intermittent ignition system
malfunction:
Intermittent CKP 58X signal.
Intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor
ground circuit to the crankshaft position
sensor.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 8
81. Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Pressure Test
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 9

6E–283 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Cuts Out, Misses Symptom
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
101. Visually/physically inspect for the following
conditions:
Restricted air intake system. Check for a
possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted
air filter element, or foreign objects blocking
the air intake system.
Throttle body. Check for objects blocking the
IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive
deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC
pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle
bore and on the throttle plate.
Large vacuum leak. Check for a condition that
causes a large vacuum leak, such as an
incorrectly installed or faulty PCV valve or
brake booster hose disconnected .
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 8
11Check the injector connections. If any of the injectors
are connected to an incorrect cylinder, correct as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 12
121. Perform the “Injector Coil/Balance Test” in Fuel
Metering System
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 13
131. Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum
hose.
2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator
assembly. Refer to
Fuel Metering System.
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for the procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 15
151. Remove spark plugs. Check for wet plugs, cracks,
wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy
deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check for a loose ignition coil ground.
Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 17

6E–284
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Cuts Out, Misses Symptom
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
171. Check ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 18
18Using Tech 2, monitor the TP angle with the engine
idling.
Is the TP angle at the specified value and steady?
0%Go to Step 19
Refer to DTC
P0123
for
further
diagnosis
191. Check the PCV valve for proper operation. Refer to
Crankcase Ventilation System.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 20
201. Check the transmission range switch circuit. Use
Tech 2 and be sure Tech 2 indicates that the vehicle
is in drive with the gear selector in drive or overdrive.
2. If a problem is found, diagnose and repair the
transmission range switch as necessary (refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission Diagnosis).
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 21
211. Check the following engine mechanical items.
Refer to
Engine Mechanical for diagnosis
procedures:
Low compression
Sticking or leaking valves
Worn camshaft lobe(s)
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped
Incorrect valve timing
Worn rocker arms
Broken valve springs
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 22
221. Check for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine
Mechanical
for inspection of mounts.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 23
231. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:
Visual/physical inspection
Te c h 2 d a t a
Freeze Frame data/Failure Records butter
All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repair
Contact
Te c h n i c a l
Assistance

6E–286
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble Symptom
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
101. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for the procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 11
111. Check for a loose ignition coil ground.
Refer to
Electronic Ignition System.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 12
121. Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon
tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 13
131. Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check the PCM grounds for clearness, tightness
and proper routing. Refer to the PCM wiring
diagrams in Electrical Diagnosis.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 15
151. Check the MAF sensor connections.
2. If a problem is found, replace the faulty terminals as
necessary. Refer to
Electrical Diagnosis for wiring
repair procedures.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 16
161. Visually/physically check vacuum hoses for splits,
kinks, and proper connections and routing as
shown on the “Vehicle Emission Control
Information” label.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 17

6E–288
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Default Matrix Table
Service Procedure Default Strategy
A referral strategy has been established to assist the
technician with additional information when the cause of
the failure cannot be determined. If no problem is found
after performing diagnostics, then refer to the default
matrix table for further diagnostic information.
Default Matrix Table
Strategy Based Diagnostic Charts
Initial DiagnosisDefault Section(s)
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckVehicle does not enter diagnostics.Chassis Electrical
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckVehicle enters diagnostics and
communicates with Tech 2. MIL is
“ON” in diagnostics. Engine does not
start and run.Ignition System Check
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
vibration.—
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
harsh or soft shift, poor performance,
delayed or no engagement into drive
or reverse, transmission fluid leak,
transmission noise or vibration, or
improper TCC operation.Automatic Transmission
PCM Power and Ground CheckOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
Check.Chassis Electrical
PCM Power and Ground CheckOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
Check. PCM power and ground
circuits OK. Data link voltage
incorrect.Chassis Electrical
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
harsh or soft shift, poor performance,
delayed or no engagement into drive
or reverse, transmission fluid leak,
transmission noise or vibration, or
improper TCC operation.Automatic Transmission
SymptomsInitial DiagnosisDefault Section(s)
Intermittents1. On-board Diagnostic (OBD)
system check.
2. Careful visual/physical
inspections.Chassis Electrical
Hard Starts1. OBD system check.
2. Sensors (ECT, MAP, MAF, TP) ;
MAP output chart.
3. Fuel system electrical test, fuel
system diagnosis.
4. Ignition system.
5. IAC system check.Engine Mechanical, Ignition
System Check, Exhaust System
Diagnosis
Surges and/or Chuggles1. OBD system check.
2. Heated oxygen sensors.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.
4. Ignition system.Calibration ID “Broadcast
Code”/Service Bulletins, Ignition
System Check, Generator
Output, Exhaust System
Diagnosis, 4L30-E System Test

6E–289 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Symptoms Default Section(s)Initial Diagnosis
Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy1. OBD system check.
2. Fuel system diagnosis.
3. Ignition system.
4. Knock sensor.
5. EGR operation.
6. EGR system check.Refer to Exhaust System in
Engine Exhaust, TCC Operation,
Calibration ID/Service Bulletins
Detonation/Spark Knock1. OBD system check.
2. Transmission range switch.
3. EGR operation.
4. EGR system check.
5. TCC operation.
6. Fuel system diagnosis.
7. Ignition system.
8. Knock sensor.TCC operation, Cooling System,
Ignition System Check,
Calibration ID/Service Bulletins
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble1. OBD system check.
2. TP.
3. MAP output check.
4. Fuel system diagnosis.
5. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
6. Ignition system.EGR Operation, EGR System
Check, Generator Output
Voltage (refer to
Chassis
Electrical
), Calibration ID/Service
Bulletins, Ignition System Check
Cuts Out, Misses1. OBD system check.
2. Cylinder balance test.Ignition System Check
Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle,
Stalling1. OBD system check.
2. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
3. Ignition system.
4. IAC operation.
5. EGR operation.MAP Output Check, Throttle
Linkage, IAC System Check,
EGR System Check, A/C Clutch
Control Circuit Diagnosis,
Crankcase Ventilation System,
Calibration ID/Service Bulletins,
Generator Output Voltage (refer
to
Chassis Electrical), Exhaust
Diagnosis
Poor Fuel Economy1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Ignition system.
4. Cooling system.TCC Operation, Exhaust System
(refer to
Engine Exhaust)
Engine Cranks But Will Not Run1. OBD system check.Fuel System Electrical
Diagnosis, Fuel System
Diagnosis, Fuel Injector and Fuel
Injector Balance Test.
Excessive Exhaust Emissions or
Odors1. OBD system check.
2. Emission test.
3. Cooling system.
4. Fuel system diagnosis.
5. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
6. Crankcase ventilation system.
7. Ignition system.
8. MAP output check.EGR System Check, Exhaust
Diagnosis, Calibration ID/Service
Bulletins
Dieseling, Run-On1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.—