Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy Symptom
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
DEFINITION: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase
in speed when accelerator pedal is pushed down part way.
|
1
| Was the Powertrain On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 2
| Go to the Powertrain (OBD) System Check
|
2
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
| --
|
Go to Step
16
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Was visual/physical check
performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to Visual /Physical check
|
4
|
- Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted.
- Replace air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 5
|
5
|
- Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel
System Check
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 6
|
6
|
- Check for Water or alcohol contaminated fuel using J 39383-A.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Using a scan tool, monitor Knock Retard for excessive spark retard
activity.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with spark tester
J 26792 (ST 125):
1.1. | Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground. |
1.2. | Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester J 26792;
connect the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested. |
1.3. | Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil
tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground. |
1.4. | Crank the engine while observing the spark tester J 26792;
a crisp blue spark should be observed. |
1.5. | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |
- If adequate spark is not present at all coils, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
Important: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
- Remove spark plugs, check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper
gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Check ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper
locations. Refer to PCM Power and Ground Check.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check exhaust system for possible restriction:
• | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
• | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
• | Check for a possible plugged three-way catalytic converter
by checking exhaust system back pressure. Refer to Restricted
Exhaust System Check. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) for proper operation. Refer
to 4T80-E Transaxle Diagnosis.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Engine mechanical problem. Check for low compression, incorrect
or worn camshaft, loose timing chain etc. Refer to Engine
Mechanical.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 15
|
15
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following:
• | Visual/physical inspection. |
• | Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data. |
• | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
| Go to the Powertrain
(OBD) System Check
|
16
| Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when
the original symptom was noted.
Is symptom still present?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| Repair complete.
|