For 1990-2009 cars

Inspection/Tests | Action
--- | ---
DEFINITION: Engine power variation under steady throttle or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down with no change in the accelerator pedal position.
Preliminary |

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

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Inspect the engine control module (ECM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views and Engine Controls Schematics .

• | Verify the driver understands the operation of the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform the customer how the TCC and the A/C clutch operates.

Sensor/System |

• | 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 incorrect RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white , powdery coating and result in a high but false signal voltage rich exhaust indication. The ECM will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine causing a severe driveability problem.

• | Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor connections. Repair or replace damaged terminals. Refer to Connector Repairs .

Fuel System |

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

• | Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary.

• | 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 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 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 Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .

- | 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 the water.

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

• | Remove the spark plugs and inspect 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 within 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 Mechanical |

• | Verify that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is not above 130°C (266°F). This condition causes the ECM to operate in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode. While in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode, the ECM turns fuel OFF to four cylinders at a time to keep engine temperatures from reaching damaging levels. The driver may perceive Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode as a lack of power, miss, or rough idle. If the vehicle operates in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode, refer to Engine Overheating for diagnosis.

• | 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 |

• | Visually and physically inspect vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.

• | Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. A TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock.