GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Momentary lack of response as the accelerator is pushed down. Can occur at any vehicle speed. Usually more pronounced when first trying to make the vehicle move, as from a stop sign. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.

Preliminary

    • Refer to Symptoms .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations.

Sensor/System

    • Check MAP sensor operation.
    • Check EGR for being loose or for a faulty gasket. Check EGR operation for flow all the time.
    • Using a Scan Tool, monitor TP sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage should be less then 0.9 volt at rest. Also inspect throttle body and accelerator cables for binding.

Fuel System

    • Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    • Check for restricted fuel filter.
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Fuel Quality Diagnosis .
    • Check injector fuse(s) for being open. An open injector fuse will cause the injectors not to operate. Replace fuse and inspect injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Perform injector balance test.
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -99%).
    • Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 100%).

Ignition System

    • Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look/listen for arcing or misfiring as water is applied.
    •  Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792. Refer to Secondary Ignition Diagnosis .
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done using a wire gauge gap tool (J 41319).
    •  If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Check for loose ignition control module ground.
    • Spark plugs for proper heat range. Refer to the owner's manual to determine the proper replacement spark plugs.

Engine Cooling System

Check the engine thermostat for functioning correctly and for proper heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

Additional Checks

Check generator output voltage. Refer to Generator Usage in Engine Electrical.