Conditions for Setting the DTC
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Pontiac G5 Pursuit, 2007 Pontiac G5, and 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The ECM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards.