GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

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 Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms .
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks in Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.

Fuel System
    • Check the fuel pressure.
       - Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN K) .
       - Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test (VIN 1) .
    • Check the fuel injectors.
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich .
    • Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean .

Sensor/System
    • Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.
    • Check the EGR valve for a stuck open pintle. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
    • Check for a restricted intake duct or a dirty air cleaner element. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • VIN 1 only: check for proper supercharger boost control operation. Refer to Boost Control System Diagnosis .

Ignition System
    • Use the following procedure in order to check for the proper ignition voltage output:
       - Clip the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
       - Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower. Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
       - Crank the engine while observing the spark tester. A crisp blue spark should be observed.
       - Repeat the above steps for each coil.
    • If adequate spark is not present at the coils, check for the following conditions:
       - Inspect the coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Secondary Resistance
5000-8000 ohms

   Important:: If carbon tracking is detected on any component, replace that component and it's mate.

       - Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinching, incorrect routing, or a resistance value more than the specified value.

VIN 1 Spark Plug Wires Resistance
3280-4921 ohms per meter (1000-1500 ohms per foot)

VIN K Spark Plug Wires Resistance
3280-4921 ohms per meter (1000-1500 ohms per foot)

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

       - Check for a malfunctioning ignition control module.
       - Check the ignition system wiring for a loose ignition module feed, ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Check the spark plugs for fouling.
       - Check the spark plugs for cracks.

   Important:: If carbon tracking is detected on any component, replace that component and mate.

       - Check the spark plugs for signs of carbon tracking on the porcelain or arcing at the plug wire contract.
       - Check the spark plugs for incorrect gap. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.
       - Check the spark plugs for burned or damaged electrodes.
       - Check the spark plugs for an incorrect heat range. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.
    • If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical
    • Check for excessive oil in the combustion chambers and leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • Inspect for low cylinder compression. Refer to Cylinder Leakage Test in Engine Mechanical.
    • Check for incorrect basic engine parts including the following:
       - The camshaft
       - The cylinder heads
       - The pistons, etc.
    •  Refer to Engine Overhaul in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks
    • Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
       - Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
       - Inspect the muffler for heat distress or internal failure.
       - Check for a plugged 3-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .
    • Check for proper TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis in Automatic Transaxle-4T65-E.