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 position.
|
Preliminary
|
• | Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in
Symptoms
. |
• | Be sure the driver understands the operation of the transmission
torque converter clutch (TCC) and A/C compressor operation as explained
in the owners manual. Inform the customer how the TCC
and the A/C clutch operates. |
|
Sensor/System
|
• | Check the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The HO2S should respond
quickly to different throttle positions. If they do not,
check the HO2S for silicon or other contaminates from fuel or
the use of improper RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white
, powdery coating and result in a high but false signal voltage
rich exhaust indication. The PCM will then reduce the
amount of fuel delivered to the engine causing a severe
driveability problem. For more information, refer to
Oil Consumption Diagnosis
in Engine Mechanical. |
• | Check the MAF sensor connections. Repair or replace terminals.
Refer to
Connector Repairs
in
Wiring Systems. |
|
Fuel System
|
• | Check that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector
or cylinder according to the firing order firing order: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.
Relocate injector harnesses as necessary. |
|
Ignition System
|
• | Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray
bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged
or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing
or misfiring as you apply the water. |
• | Remove the spark plugs and check for the following: |
Refer to
Spark Plug Visual Diagnosis
in Engine Electrical.
• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem.
Gap the J 26792
spark
plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to
Spark Plug Replacement
in Engine Electrical. |
• | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle
in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a cylinder can be located
with a misfire, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. |
|
Engine Mechanical
| Ensure that the engine coolant temperature is not above
130°C (266°F). This condition causes the PCM to operate in Engine
Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode. While in
Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode, the
PCM turns fuel OFF to four cylinders at a time to keep
engine temperatures from reaching damaging levels. The
system perceives Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel
Disabled Mode as a lack of power, miss, or rough idle. If the
vehicle operates in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel
Disabled Mode, refer to
Engine Overheating
in Engine Cooling for diagnosis.
|
Additional
Checks
|
• | Visually (physically) check vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and
proper connections and routing as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information
label. |
|