GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2004 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L (L26 and L32) 🢒 Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

Inspection/Tests

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. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics .

Sensor/System

Notice: Refer to Silicon Contamination of Heated Oxygen Sensors Notice in the Preface section.

    • Inspect the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The HO2S should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If they do not, inspect the HO2S for silicon or other contaminates from fuel or the use of improper RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white , powdery coating and result in a high but false signal voltage rich exhaust indication. The PCM will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine causing a severe driveability problem.
    • Inspect the air intake ducts for being collapsed, damaged, loose, improperly installed , or leaking especially between the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and the throttle body.
    • Test the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for proper operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .
    • Inspect for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    • Inspect the MAF sensor and intake air system for proper operation.

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 .
    • Inspect for the following conditions 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 HO2S connector
       - Engine oil contaminated by fuel
       - An EVAP canister purge condition
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - A leaking fuel pressure regulator--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - For proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor--Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Diagnosis .
       - For proper operation of the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Refer to Scan Tool Data Definitions and Scan Tool Data List .
       - Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
       - An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted
       - 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 in Engine Exhaust.
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Restricted fuel injectors-- Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
       - For proper operation of the MAF sensor--Refer to Scan Tool Data Definitions and Scan Tool Data List .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

Ignition System
    • Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
    • Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    • Remove the spark plugs and check for the following conditions:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Ignition System Specifications and Spark Plug Replacement .
    • Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Refer to Ignition System Specifications .
    • Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds.

Engine Cooling System

Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.