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 - Engine Controls , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the correct locations.

Sensor and System

    • Inspect the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor operation.
    • Inspect for a loose exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and for a faulty gasket. Inspect for EGR flow all the time.
    • Using a scan tool, monitor the throttle position (TP) sensor voltage. The TP sensor voltage should be less than 0.9 volt at rest. Also inspect the throttle body and the accelerator cables for binding.

Fuel System

    • Inspect for a low fuel pressure. Refer to Cuts Out, Misses .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter.
    • Inspect for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for open fuel injector fuses. Replace the fuse if necessary. Inspect the injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Perform the fuel injector balance test.
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run rich.
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean.

Ignition System

Remove the spark plugs. Inspect for the following conditions:

    • Any wet plugs
    • Any cracks
    • Any wear
    • An improper gap
    • Any burned electrodes
    • Any heavy deposits

An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done with a wire gauge gap tool. If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.

    • Inspect for a loose ignition control module (ICM) ground.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the correct heat range.
    •  Inspect for the correct ignition voltage output. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System

Inspect the engine thermostat for correct operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature in Engine Cooling.

Additional Checks

Inspect the generator output voltage. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical .