Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Inspection	Action
DEFINITION: Engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or vehicle may shake. Engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.
Preliminary Inspection	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting . Search for bulletins. Inspect the vehicle for factory or aftermarket accessories that may contact the body and chassis. A grounding out condition may simulate a misfire or rough run concern. Compare the scan tool data at idle with the scan tool data list. Refer to Scan Tool Data List (Engine Control Module) or Scan Tool Data List (Glow Plug Control Module) . Inspect the engine control module (ECM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Remove and inspect the air filter element for dirt or for being restricted. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.
Sensor Inspection	Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF. Observe the actual fuel rail pressure (FRP) with a scan tool. The actual FRP should be between 1.1-1.8 MPa. If it is not, inspect for high resistance in the FRP sensor circuits or the FRP sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Test for an intermittent FRP sensor signal by wiggling the harness between the sensor and the ECM with the ignition ON and the engine OFF, while monitoring the parameter with a scan tool. Observe the FRP sensor and the fuel pressure regulator commanded percent at idle. The FRP should be near 40 MPa, and commanded percent should be near 40 percent. If the command is high, a fuel pressure or sensor issue exists. Inspect for an intermittent crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections . Inspect the CKP sensor reluctor wheel. Remove the CKP sensor and attempt to move the reluctor wheel front to back or side to side with a probe. If there is any movement the reluctor wheel retaining bolts are loose. Inspect for proper crankcase ventilation.
Fuel System Inspection	Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 (Manual Transmission) or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 (Automatic Transmission) . Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis . If the engine control module (ECM) glow plug control module (GPCM) or a fuel injector has recently been replaced, it may be necessary to confirm the fuel injector flow rate values. Refer to Fuel Injector Flow Rate Programming . Inspect for a sticking Fuel Pressure Regulator. The symptom for this condition will be an idle surge of at least 100 RPM. This surge will be from 50 RPM above Desired Idle Speed to 50 RPM below Desired Idle Speed. Refer to Fuel Pressure Regulator Diagnosis .
Engine Mechanical Inspection	Inspect engine mechanical for the following: Inspect the cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test . Sticking or leaking valves Worn camshaft lobes Valve timing Bent push rods Worn rocker arms Broken valve springs Excessive oil in the combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis . Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts: Camshaft-Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection . Cylinder heads-Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection . Pistons, connecting rods, or bearings-Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .
Additional Inspection	Inspect the following components of the exhaust system for possible restrictions: The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM, with little change in actual engine RPM change, indicates that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect routing of high voltage components, such as fuel injector wiring, near the sensor circuits. Inspect the park neutral position (PNP) switch circuit. Inspect for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection . Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.