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 the Powertrain OBD System Check. |
| • | Refer to Important Preliminary Checks. |
| • | Refer to Visual/Physical Checks |
| • | Be sure driver understands transmission torque converter clutch,
and A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform customer
how TCC and the A/C clutch operates. |
|
Sensor/System
|
| • | Check the Heated Oxygen Sensor(s). The Heated Oxygen Sensors should
respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the HO2S for
silicon or other contaminants from fuel or use of improper RTV sealant. The
sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high
but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The PCM will reduce
the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability
problem. Refer to Information Sensors - Heated Oxygen Sensor(s). |
| • | Check MAF Sensor and related wiring. |
| • | Check the EGR system for proper operation. Refer to EGR System. |
|
Fuel System
|
| • | Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test. |
| • | Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel
Testing. |
| • | Ensure each injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder.
Refer to Engine Controls Wiring Diagrams. |
| • | Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel
trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0172. |
| • | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel
trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0171. |
|
Ignition System
|
| • | Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps: |
| - | Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground. |
| - | Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; leave
the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested. |
| - | Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower;
connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground. |
| - | Crank the engine while observing the spark tester; a crisp blue
spark should be observed. |
| - | Repeat the above steps for each coil. |
| • | If adequate spark is not present at the coil(s), check for the
following conditions: |
| - | Coil(s) - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value
outside the specified range. |
Coil Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms) | - | Spark Plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon
tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value
outside the specified range. |
Spark Plug Wire Resistance
7000 ohms (7K ohms)
| | Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may
help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground
when a secondary component is faulty.
|
| - | Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground
connection, or damaged system wiring. |
| • | Remove spark plugs and check for the following: |
| - | Burned or damaged electrodes |
| - | Improper heat range or reach |
| • | If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. |
|
Additional Checks
|
| • | Check TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch in Transaxle
Diagnosis. |
| • | Check exhaust system for possible restriction: |
| - | Inspect exhaust system for damaged ro collapsed pipes. |
| - | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
| - | Check for possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer
to Restricted Exhaust system Check or Exhaust System. |
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