GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Avalanche - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 8.1L 🢒 Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

Inspection/Tests

Action

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

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems.

Sensor/System

Inspect the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor operation.

Fuel System
    • Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Verify that both fuel injector fuses are not open. An open fuel injector fuse causes four ignition coils and four fuel injectors not to operate. Inspect the ignition coil circuits and the fuel injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Replace the fuse.
    • Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - Engine oil contaminated by fuel
       - An EVAP canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
       - Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor--Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
       - An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted--Refer Intake Air Resonator Replacement .
       - An air filter that is dirty or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust.
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Restricted fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - An inaccurate MAF sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

Ignition System
    • Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking 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 for the procedure.
    • Remove the spark plugs and check for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System

Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for proper heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

Additional Inspections

Inspect the generator output voltage. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical for the procedure. Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.