GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Momentary lack of response as the accelerator is pushed down. This condition can occur at any vehicle speed. This condition is usually more pronounced when first trying to make the vehicle move, as from a stop sign. This condition may cause the engine to stall if severe enough.

Preliminary

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control moduel (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Sensor/System

Test the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor operation.

Fuel System

    • Test for proper fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    •  Inspect both injector fuses for being open. An open injector fuse causes 4  ignition coils and 4 injectors not to operate. Replace the fuse. Inspect the ignition coil circuits and the injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Inspect the items which can cause an engine to run rich. For a rich condition, refer to DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0152 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean. For a lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0151 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .

Ignition System

    • Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water.
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 spark tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    • Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • An improper spark plug gap causes a driveability concern. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool.
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 1 or DTC P0175 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 2 for diagnosis of the rich condition. Refer to Spark Plug Diagnosis for diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs.
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System

Test the engine thermostat for proper operation and correct heat range.

Additional Checks

Test the generator output voltage. Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.