GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

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

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Perform a bulletin search.
  2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 3

3

Was visual/physical check performed?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Visual/Physical Checks

4

  1. Remove the air filter.
  2. Inspect the air filter element.
  3. Replace air filter element if necessary. Refer to Air Cleaner Element .

Was a repair required?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
  2. problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for spark retard activity.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Engine Knock Diagnosis in Engine General Information.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with a J 26792 spark tester:
  2. • Clip the spark tester to engine ground.
    • Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; connect 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.
  3. If adequate spark is not present at all coils, replace coil(s) as necessary. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Remove the spark plugs.
  2. Check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to On-Vehicle Service in Ignition System.
  4. Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark plugs.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
  2. If a problem is found, replace affected coil(s) as necessary. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations Refer to Ground Distribution in Electrical Diagnosis.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 12

12

  1. Check exhaust system for possible restriction:
  2. • Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
    • Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure.
    • Check for a possible plugged three-way catalytic converter by checking exhaust system back pressure. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 13

13

  1. Check the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) for proper operation. Refer to 4T60-E Transaxle Diagnosis .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 14

14

  1. Refer to Engine Misfire Mechanical Diagnosis in Engine General Information to check for the following conditions:
  2. • Low compression.
    • Sticking or leaking valves.
    • Worn camshaft lobe(s).
    • Incorrect valve timing.
    • Bent push rods.
    • Worn rocker arms.
    •  Broken valve springs.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

15

Is the vehicle equipped with a VIN 1 (RPO L67) engine?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

16

  1. Check the boost control system. Refer to the Boost Control System Check .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 17

17

  1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
  2. When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are found, review/inspect the following:
  3. • Visual/physical inspection. Refer to Visual/Physical Checks .
    • Scan tool data. Refer to Engine Scan Tool Data List .
    • Freeze Frame data/Failure Records data.
    • All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 18

Review technical bulletins

18

Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noticed.

Is symptom still present?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK