GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2006 🢒 HHR 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

Inspection/Tests

Action

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

Preliminary Inspections
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the engine control module (ECM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Remove the air filter element and inspect for dirt or for restrictions. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement and replace as necessary.

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 .
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis .
    • 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.

       - Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector
       - Engine oil contaminated by fuel
       - An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
       - An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted--Refer Air Cleaner Outlet Duct Replacement .
       - 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.

       - Water intrusion in the HO2S connector
       - An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to Exhaust Leakage .
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Restricted fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

Sensor/System

Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .

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:
       - 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 J 26792 (SA9199Z) 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 .

Engine Mechanical
    • Inspect for incorrect camshaft timing.
    • Inspect for excessive oil in the combustion chambers and leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .
    • Test for low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test .
    • Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts, including the following:
       - The camshaft--Refer to Camshaft Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
    • Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the CKP sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection . This could result in any of the following conditions:
       - A no start
       - A start and stall
       - Erratic performance

Additional Inspections
    • Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .
    • Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
    • Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or internal failure.
    • Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) for proper operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .