For 1990-2009 cars

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.

• | Verify that the engine control module (ECM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

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

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

• | Verify that both fuel injector fuses are not open. An open fuel injector fuse causes four ignition coils and four fuel injectors not to operate. Inspect the ignition coil circuits and the fuel injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Replace the fuse.

• | Inspect for the following 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 heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector.

- | Engine oil contaminated by fuel.

- | An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition.

- | Incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

- | Leaking fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

- | An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor.

- | Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .

- | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or incorrectly 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 .

- | Vacuum leaks.

- | Incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

- | Restricted fuel injectors. Refer to Customer Concern Verification Sheets or Customer Concern Verification Sheets .

- | An inaccurate MAF sensor.

- | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked or incorrectly 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.

• | Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for the procedure.

• | Remove the spark plugs and check for the following:

- | Correct heat range.

- | Wet plugs.

- | Cracks.

- | Wear.

- | incorrect gap.

- | Burned electrodes.

- | Heavy deposits.

Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

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

• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs.

• | 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 .

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

Engine Cooling System | Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for proper heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
Engine Mechanical | Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection . This could result in any of the following conditions:

• | A no start

• | A start and stall

• | Erratic performance

Additional Inspections | Inspect the generator output voltage. Refer to Charging System Test . Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.