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
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 2.4L
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 2.2L
|
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 18
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Compare the vehicle performance
with a similar vehicle. Both vehicle's performance should be close.
Is the vehicle performance close to similar vehicle.
| --
| No problem found
|
Go to Step 4
|
4
| Was visual/physical check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 5
| Go to
Important Preliminary Checks 2.4L
Important Preliminary Checks 2.2L
|
5
|
- Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted.
Refer to
Air Cleaner
or
Air Cleaner
2.2L for On-Vehicle
Service.
- Replace air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 6
|
6
|
- Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis
2.4L or
Fuel System Diagnosis
2.2L.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- 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 18
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- Using a scan tool, monitor the KS system for excessive spark retard
activity. Refer to
Knock Sensor (KS) System Diagnosis
2.4L or
Knock Sensor (KS) System Diagnosis
2.2L.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
- Check for proper ignition voltage output using the spark plug
jumper wires J 36012 and spark tester J 26792.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Remove the spark plugs, check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper
gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
Notice: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, determime the cause of the fouling
before replacing the spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark
plugs.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper
locations. Refer to 8A wiring diagrams.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
|
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check the exhaust system for possible restriction in the following
areas:
• | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
• | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Check for proper generator voltage output.
- The voltage should be between the specified values.
Is the voltage between the specified values?
| 11-16 V
|
Go to Step 15
| Go to
Section 6D
|
15
|
- Check for proper A/C operation. A/C clutch should disengage at
Wide Open Throttle.
- If a problem is found, refer to
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis
2.4L or
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis
2.2L
for further diagnosis.
Was a problem found?
| --
| Go
to
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis 2.4L
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis 2.2L
|
Go to Step 16
|
16
|
- 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 18
|
Go to Step 17
|
17
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following items:
• | Visual/physical inspection. |
• | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
| Check for Service Bulletins
|
18
| Operate vehicle within
the conditions under which the original symptom was noted.
Does the system now operate properly?
| --
| System OK
|
Go to Step 2
|