For 1990-2009 cars

#### Surges/Chuggles

Checks | 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.
Preliminary |

• | Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check .

• | Refer to Symptoms .

• | Search for service bulletins.

• | Be sure the driver understands the transmission torque converter clutch, and the A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform the customer how the TCC and the A/C clutch operates.

• | Check the PCM grounds for being Clean, tight and in their proper location.

Sensor/System |

• | Check 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 sensor may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false O2S 1 signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Refer to oxygen sensor in the Information Sensors/Switches Description .

• | Check the EGR valve for a stuck open pintle.

• | Check for proper operation of the MAP sensor.

• | Check for proper operation of the TP sensor.

• | Check for proper operation of the ECT sensor.

Fuel System |

• | Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

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

• | Check the fuel filter for being plugged or restricted.

• | Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

• | Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich .

• | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean .

Ignition System |

• | Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark plug jumper wires J 36012-A and spark tester J 26792 .

• | Check 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

• | If the spark plugs are fuel or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

• | Check the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection.

• | Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.

Additional Checks |

• | Check for proper operation of the TCC. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation Solenoid Circuit Electrical Check in Automatic Transaxle.

• | Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:

- | Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or for possible collapsed pipes.

- | Inspect the muffler for heat distress or for possible internal failure.

- | Check for possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .

• | Check the vacuum lines for kinks or leaks.

• | Check 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 not been found, review and inspect the following items:

- | Visually and physically inspect all electrical connections within the suspected circuit and/or systems.

- | Check scan tool data.