GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Sunfire 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Surges/Chuggles

Inspection/Tests

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 Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Verify the driver understands the operation of the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual.

Sensor/System

Notice: Refer to Silicon Contamination of Heated Oxygen Sensors Notice in the Preface section.

    • Inspect the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The HO2S should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If they do not, inspect 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.
    • Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Any water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - The engine oil contaminated by fuel--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - An EVAP canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - A leaking fuel pressure regulator--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Any leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Any vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
       - An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted
       - An air filter that is dirty or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Any water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust.
       - Any vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Any restricted fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Any vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
    • Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value . Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    • Inspect for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to DTC P0105 .
    • Inspect for proper operation of the throttle position (TP) sensor. Refer to DTC P0105 .
    • Inspect for proper operation of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

Fuel System
    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

Ignition System
    • In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures:
       -  Spark Plug Inspection
       -  Spark Plug Replacement
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Verify that the spark plugs are of the correct type.
    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 HEI Spark Tester.
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool.
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots.
    • Inspect the electronic ignition (EI ) module for proper ground connection.
    • Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the symptom occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .

Additional Inspections
    • Visually and physically inspect vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
    • Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. A TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transaxle 4T40-E/ 4T45-E .
    • Test the A/C clutch for proper operation. Refer to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual in HVAC Systems-Manual.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.