Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess. Oldsmobile Aurora 2001

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2001 🢒 Aurora 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.5L 🢒 Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is pushed down part way.

Preliminary Checks

•	Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.

•	Search for bulletins.

•	Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the correct locations.

•	Remove and check the air filter element for dirt and for restrictions. Replace the element as necessary.

Fuel System Checks

•	Check for a low fuel pressure. Refer to Cuts Out, Misses .

•	Check for a restricted fuel filter.

•	Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Check the items that can cause an engine to run rich.

•	Check the items that can cause an engine to run lean.

Sensor and System Checks

•	Using a scan tool, monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.

•	Check the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for correct operation.

Ignition System

Remove spark plugs and check for the following conditions:

•	Any wet plugs

•	Any cracks

•

Any wear

•	An improper gap

•	Any burned electrodes

•	Any heavy deposits

An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done with a wire gauge gap tool. If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

•	Check for a loose ignition control module ground.

•	Check the spark plugs for the correct heat range.

•	Check for the correct ignition voltage output. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

Check for the following conditions:

•	Any excessive oil in the combustion chambers may indicate leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

•	A low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.

•	Any incorrect basic engine parts--Inspect the following parts:

-	The camshaft

-	The cylinder heads

-	The pistons, etc.

Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

•	Check the exhaust system for restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.

•	Check the torque converter clutch (TCC) for correct operation. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transaxle.

Check the brake switch assembly of the traction control system . A loss of performance can result from an incorrectly adjusted or a failed extended travel brake switch. The PCM operates in the Torque Management mode when the PCM determines that the brake pedal and the throttle are depressed at the same time.