GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: A momentary lack of response as the accelerator is pushed down. Hesitation, sag, or stumble can occur at any vehicle speed. The condition is usually more pronounced when the driver first attempts to make the vehicle move, for example, starting up after being stopped at a stop sign. Hesitation, sag, or stumble can cause the engine to stall if the symptoms are severe enough.

Preliminary

    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for service bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect the oxygen sensor (O2S 1). The O2S 1 should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, inspect the O2S 1 for silicon or other contaminants from fuel or from the use of an improper room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating indicative of silicon contamination, which may cause a high but false O2S 1 signal voltage, indicating a rich exhaust. The powertrain control module (PCM) will reduce the amount of fuel that is delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem.
    • Ensure proper operation of:
       - The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
       - The throttle position (TP) sensor
       - The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor

Fuel System

    • Inspect the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the items which can cause an engine to run rich, where long-term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 .
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean, where long-term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .
    • Ensure proper operation of the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system.

Ignition System

    • Ensure proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester or equivalent.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Wet or fuel fouled spark plugs
       - Cracks on the spark plugs
       - Wear
       - Improper spark plug gap
       - Burned electrodes or heavy deposits
    • If the spark plugs are fuel or oil-fouled, determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.
    • Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
    • Inspect the spark plug wires for proper resistance and condition.

Additional Checks

    • Ensure proper operation of the automatic transaxle. Refer to Road Test in Automatic Transaxle-4T40-E/4T45-E.
    • Inspect the generator output voltage. Repair the generator if the output voltage is less than 11 volts or more than 16 volts.
    • If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review and inspect the following items:
       - Inspect all electrical connections within the suspected circuit and/or systems.
       - Review the scan tool data. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .