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 .
    • Search for service bulletins.

Sensor/System

    • Inspect the oxygen sensor (O2S 1). The O2S 1 should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the O2S 1 for silicon or other contaminants from fuel or the use of improper RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false O2S 1 signal voltage, rich exhaust indication. The powertrain control module (PCM) will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem.
    • Inspect for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
    • Inspect for proper operation of the throttle position (TP) sensor.
    • Inspect for proper operation of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.

Fuel System

    • Inspect the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • Inspect items which can cause an engine to run rich--the Short term FT is significantly in the negative range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 .
    • Inspect items that can cause an engine to run lean--Short term FT is significantly in the positive range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .
    • Inspect for proper operation of the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system.

Ignition System

    • Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with a J 26792 Spark Tester or equivalent.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Wet or fuel fouled spark plugs
       - Cracks on the spark plugs
       - Wear
       - Improper spark plug gap
       - Burned electrodes or heavy deposits
    • Using the scan tool and monitoring the cylinder misfire screen can aid in pinpointing a specific cylinder fault.
    • If the spark plugs are fuel or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.
    • Inspect the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
    • Inspect the spark plug wires for proper resistance and condition.

Additional Checks

    • Inspect for proper operation of the automatic transmission.
    • Inspect the generator output voltage. Repair the generator if the output voltage is less than 11 volts or more than 16 volts.
    • If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review and inspect the following items:
       - All electrical connections within the suspected circuit and/or systems
       - Scan tool data
       - If the short term FT is attempting to lean an engine with a rich condition, the negative fuel trim numbers are above 20, hesitation on tip in throttle is usually the result.