GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.4L 🢒 Surges/Chuggles

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 Symptoms .
    • Search for service bulletins.
    • Be sure the driver understands the transmission torque converter clutch, and the A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform the customer how the TCC and the A/C clutch operates.
    • Check the PCM grounds for being Clean, tight and in their proper location.

Sensor/System
    • Check the oxygen sensor (O2S 1). The O2S 1 should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the O2S 1 for silicon or other contaminants from fuel or the use of improper RTV sealant. The sensor may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false O2S 1 signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Refer to oxygen sensor in the Information Sensors/Switches Description .
    • Check the EGR valve for a stuck open pintle.
    • Check for proper operation of the MAP sensor.
    • Check for proper operation of the TP sensor.
    • Check for proper operation of the ECT sensor.

Fuel System
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check the fuel filter for being plugged or restricted.
    • Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich .
    • Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean .

Ignition System
    • Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark plug jumper wires J 36012-A and spark tester J 26792 .
    • Check the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Wet or fuel fouled spark plugs
       - Cracks on the spark plugs
       - Wear
       - Improper spark plug gap
       - Burned electrodes or heavy deposits
    • If the spark plugs are fuel or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Check the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.
    • Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.

Additional Checks
    • Check for proper operation of the TCC. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation Solenoid Circuit Electrical Check in Automatic Transaxle.
    • Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or for possible collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the muffler for heat distress or for possible internal failure.
       - Check for possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .
    • Check the vacuum lines for kinks or leaks.
    • Check the generator output voltage. Repair the generator if the output voltage is less than 11 volts or more than 16 volts.
    • If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have not been found, review and inspect the following items:
       - Visually and physically inspect all electrical connections within the suspected circuit and/or systems.
       - Check scan tool data.