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
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- 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
|
- Remove the air filter.
- Inspect the air filter element.
- Replace air filter element if necessary. Refer to
Air Cleaner Element
.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 5
|
5
|
- Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to
Fuel System Pressure Test
.
- problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 6
|
6
|
- Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel. Refer to
Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for spark retard activity.
- 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
|
- Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with a J 26792
spark tester:
• | 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. |
- 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
|
- Remove the spark plugs.
- Check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes,
or heavy deposits.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to On-Vehicle Service
in Ignition System.
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
|
- Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
- 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
|
- Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations
Refer to Ground Distribution
in Electrical
Diagnosis.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check exhaust system for possible restriction:
• | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
• | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) for proper operation.
Refer to 4T60-E Transaxle Diagnosis
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Refer to Engine Misfire Mechanical Diagnosis
in Engine General Information to check for the following conditions:
• | Sticking or leaking valves. |
• | Incorrect valve timing. |
- 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
|
- Check the boost control system. Refer to the
Boost Control System Check
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 17
|
17
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following:
• | Visual/physical inspection. Refer to Visual/Physical
Checks
. |
• | Freeze Frame data/Failure Records data. |
• | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- 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
|