GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2002 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

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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 sign. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.

Preliminary
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System
    • Check the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The heated oxygen sensors should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If not, check the HO2S for silicon or other contaminants from the fuel or from the use of incorrect RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage . The powertrain control module (PCM) will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability condition.
    • Check the throttle position (TP) sensor and the related wiring.
    • Check the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and the related wiring.
    • Check the EGR valve for a sticking pintle. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .

Fuel System
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Check the injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172 .
    • Check items that can cause an engine to run lean . Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .

Ignition System
    • Check for the correct ignition voltage output using the following steps:
       - Clip the J 26792 Spark Tester to engine ground.
       - Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester. Leave the other end of the spark plug wire connected to the coil being tested.
       - Connect another spark plug wire between the remaining tower of the coil being tested and 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 coils, check for the following conditions:

   Important:: If carbon tracking is detected on any component, replace that component and the component's mate.

       - Inspect the coils for cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.

Coil Secondary Resistance
5,000-8,000 ohms

       - Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, spark plug boot damage, pinched wires , incorrect routing, or a resistance of more than the specified value.

Spark Plug Wire Resistance
3280-4921 ohms per meter (1000-1500 ohms per foot)

   Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent condition. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.

       - A malfunctioning ignition control module (ICM)
       - A loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring
    • Remove the spark plugs.
    • Inspect the spark plugs for the following conditions:
       - Fouling
       - Cracks

   Important:: If carbon tracking is detected on any component, replace that component and the component's mate.

       - Check the spark plugs for signs of carbon tracking on the porcelain or arcing at the plug wire contact.
       - Check the spark plugs for an incorrect gap. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.
       - Check the spark plugs for damaged electrodes.
       - Check the spark plugs for incorrect heat range. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.
    • If the spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.