Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy
Inspection/Tests
| Action
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DEFINITION: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is pushed down part way.
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Preliminary Inspections
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• | Remove the air filter element and inspect for dirt or for restrictions. |
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Fuel System
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• | Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run rich: |
- | Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector |
- | Engine oil contaminated by fuel |
- | An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition |
- | Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor |
- | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected |
- | An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted |
- | An air filter that is dirty or restricted. |
• | Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean: |
- | Water intrusion in the HO2S connector |
- | An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to
Exhaust Leakage
in Engine Exhaust. |
- | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected |
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Sensor/System
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• | Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. |
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Ignition System
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• | 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 water is applied . Monitor the Misfire Current
Counters while driving the vehicle within the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located with a misfire, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to
DTC P0300
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• | Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792
Spark Tester. |
• | Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions: |
• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. |
• | Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Refer to
Ignition System Specifications
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• | Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. |
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Engine Mechanical
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• | Inspect for incorrect camshaft timing. |
• | Inspect for excessive oil in the combustion chambers and leaking valve seals. Refer to
Oil Consumption Diagnosis
in Engine Mechanical. |
• | Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts, including the following components: |
• | Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to
Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection
in Engine Mechanical. This could result in any of the following conditions: |
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Additional Inspections
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• | Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust
in Engine Exhaust |
• | Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
• | Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or internal failure. |
• | Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) for proper operation. |
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