GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Checks

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DEFINITION: The engine delivers less than expected power. There is little or no increase in speed when partially applying the accelerator pedal.

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Inspect for auxiliary fuel filters. Refer to Fuel Injection Line Routing Diagram for proper fuel filter locations. Aftermarket fuel filters may restrict fuel flow.
    • Compare the vehicle with a similar unit. Ensure the vehicle has an actual problem.
    • Compare the scan tool data at idle with the scan tool data list. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
    • Remove the air filter and check for dirt, or for air ducts being plugged or leaking. Repair or replace as necessary.
    • Inspect for a proper transmission operation.
    • Inspect the engine oil level and quality.

Sensor Inspection

    • Observe the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure and the Desired Fuel Rail Pressure parameters. If the pressure difference is more than 2 MPa, a fuel control issue may exist.
    • Inspect the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel. Remove the CKP sensor and attempt to move the reluctor wheel front to back or side to side with a probe. If there is any movement the reluctor wheel retaining bolts are loose.
    • Observe that the barometric (BARO) and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors are within 5 kPa of each other. Refer to DTC P0106 .

Fuel System Checks

    • Inspect the fuel supply to the fuel injection pump. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Observe the actual vs desired fuel rail pressure with a scan tool, with the engine idling.
    • Inspect the engine speed signal circuit for high resistance.
    • If the engine control module (ECM) or a fuel injector has recently been replaced, it may be necessary to confirm the fuel injector flow rate values. Refer to Fuel Injector Flow Rate Programming .
    • Inspect for restricted or plugged fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .

Exhaust System Checks

Inspect the exhaust system for a possible restriction. Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

Air Intake System Checks

    • Inspect for an air leak or restriction in the air inlet ducts or the intake manifold. Refer to DTC P0234 .
    • Inspect for an air leak in the charge air cooler with a J 46091 Charge Air Cooler Tester.
    • Inspect for a restriction in the charge air cooler.
    • Inspect for a worn or damaged turbo charger turbine wheel, shaft or compressor wheel.
    • Inspect for a skewed mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Refer to Diagnostic Aids in DTC P0101 .
    • Inspect that the EGR valve is fully closing. Remove the EGR valve and visually inspect that there is no light seen between the valves and the valve seats.
    • Ensure that the EGR valve does not bind when manually moving the valve.

Engine Mechanical Check

Inspect the engine for the following:

    • Low compression
    • Improper valve timing
    • Improper or worn camshaft

Refer to Engine Compression Test .

Additional Checks

    • Inspect the control module grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper location.
    • Inspect the torque converter clutch (TCC) operation.
    • Inspect the air conditioning system for proper operation. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test .
    • Inspect the generator output voltage. Refer to Charging System Test .