GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Surges/Chuggles

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Engine power variation under steady throttle or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down with no change in the accelerator pedal.

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Refer to Visual Physical Checks in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Be sure the driver understands the transmission torque converter clutch, and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owner's manual. Inform the customer how the torque converter clutch (TCC) and the A/C clutch operate.

Sensor/System
    • Check the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The HO2S should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the HO2S for silicon or other contaminants from fuel or the use of an incorrect RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Refer to DTC P0133 .
    • Check the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and the related wiring.
    • Check the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for a stuck open pintle.

Fuel System
    • Check the fuel pressure.
        Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check each injector harness is connected to the correct injector and cylinder. Refer to Fuel Injector Electrical Harness Removal from Rail .
    • Check the items which can cause an engine to run rich. Refer to DTC P0172 .
    • Check the items that can cause an engine to run lean. Refer to DTC P0171 .

Ignition System
    • Check for the proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the J 26792 spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested.
       - Connect another spark plug wire between the remaining tower of the coil being tested and ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the J 26792 spark tester. A spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If spark is not present at the plugs, check for the following conditions:

   Important: If carbon tracking is detected on a component, replace that component and the component's mate.

       - Inspect the coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a secondary resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Secondary Resistance
5000-8000 ohms (5K-8K ohms)

       - Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, spark plug boot damage, pinched, incorrect routing, or a resistance value more than the specified value.

Spark Plug Wires Resistance
1000-1500 ohms/ft.

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

       - Check for a malfunctioning ignition control module.
       - Check the ignition system wiring for a loose ignition module feed, ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:

   Important: If carbon tracking is detected on a component, replace that component and the component's mate.

       - Check the spark plugs for carbon tracking on the porcelain and pitting on the plug wire contact.
       - Check the spark plugs for fouling.
       - Check the spark plug for cracks.
       - Check the spark plugs for incorrect gap.
       - Check the spark plugs for burned or damaged electrodes.
       - Check the spark plugs for incorrect heat range. Refer to Maintenance Items .
    • If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Check for the following intermittent ignition system conditions:
       - Check for an intermittent crankshaft position sensor (CKP) Sync or 18X signal.
       - Check for an intermittent ignition feed circuit or sensor ground circuit to the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor.
       - Check for a intermittent 3X reference signal.
       - Check for a intermittent camshaft position signal

Additional Checks
    • Check the TCC operation. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission .
    • Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the muffler for heat distress or internal failure.
       - Check for a plugged three-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .