Conditions For Setting DTC
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and 2002 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The PCM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire rate sufficient to cause emissions levels to exceed the mandated standard.