For 1990-2009 cars

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. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.
Preliminary |

• | Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Check the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Sensor/System | Check the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor operation.
Fuel System |

• | Check for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Check for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Check for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• | Check both injector fuses for being open. An open injector fuse causes four ignition coils and four injectors not to operate. Replace the fuse. Inspect the ignition coil circuits and the injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground.

• | Check the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

• | Check the items that cause an engine to run rich long term fuel trim near-13 percent. For a rich condition, refer to DTC P0132 or P0152 .

• | Check the items that can cause an engine to run lean long term fuel trim near 24 percent. For a lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 or P0151 .

Ignition System |

• | Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water.

• | Check for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792 spark tester . Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for the procedure.

• | Remove the spark plugs and check for the following conditions. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection :

- | Correct heat range

- | Wet plugs

- | Cracks

- | Wear

- | Improper gap

- | Burned electrodes

- | Heavy deposits

• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection for diagnosis of fouled spark plugs.

• | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a cylinder can be located with a misfire, refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for diagnosis.

• | Check for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Cooling System | Check the engine thermostat for proper operation and for proper heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.
Additional Checks | Check the generator output voltage. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical for the procedure. Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.