GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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Definition: The vehicle has a momentary lack of response when depressing the accelerator. The condition can occur at any vehicle speed. The condition is usually most severe when trying to make the vehicle move, as from a stop sign. The condition may cause the engine to stall if it's severe enough.

Preliminary Check

Refer to Important Preliminary Checks .

Fuel System Checks

    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test for the 4.3L or Fuel System Pressure Test for the 2.2L.
    • Check the Throttle Position (TP) sensor for binding or sticking. Voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle moves toward Wide Open Throttle (WOT).
    • Check the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor response and accuracy. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Output Diagnosis for the 2.2L.
    • Check for water contamination in the fuel. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis (Fuel Supply System) for the 2.2L and 4.3L.
    • Check the Canister Purge system for proper operation. Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis for the 2.2L and 4.3L.
    • Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test for the 4.3L or Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test for the 2.2L.
    • Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test for the 4.3L or Fuel Injector Balance Test for the 2.2L.
    • Check for low fuel pressure after a cold start or during a moderate or full throttle acceleration. If the fuel pressure drops below specification, there is possibly a faulty fuel pump or a restriction in the fuel system.

Ignition System Checks

    • Check for faulty spark plug wires.
    • Check for fouled spark plugs.
    • Check for an open ignition system ground. Refer to Enhanced Ignition System Diagnosis (Overview) for the 4.3L or Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for the 2.2L.

Additional Checks

    • Check the Service Bulletins for PROM updates.
    • Check the generator output voltage. Refer to Engine electrical.
    • Check the EGR Valve operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Diagnosis for the 4.3L and 2.2L.