Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess. Oldsmobile Intrigue 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1999 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.5L 🢒 Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is pushed down part way.

Preliminary Checks

•	Refer to Symptoms , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.

•	Search for bulletins.

•	Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations.

•	Remove and check the air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted. Replace as necessary.

Fuel System Checks

•	Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .

•	Check for a restricted fuel filter.

•	Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Fuel Quality Diagnosis .

•	Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -99%).

•	Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 100%).

Sensor/System Checks

•	Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for excessive spark retard activity.

•	Check the EGR system for proper operation.

Ignition System

Remove spark plugs and check for the following:

•

Wet plugs

•

Cracks

•

Wear

•	Improper gap

•	Burned electrodes

•	Heavy deposits

An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. The spark plug gapping should be done using a wire gauge gap tool (J 41319). If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

•	Check for loose ignition control module ground.

•	Spark plugs for proper heat range.

•	Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark tester J 26792. Refer to Secondary Ignition Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

Check for the following conditions:

•	Excessive oil in combustion chamber may indicate leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .

•	Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test .

•	Incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:

Camshaft

-	Cylinder heads

-	Pistons, etc.

Refer to Base Engine Misfire Diagnosis .

Additional Checks

•	Check the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check .

•	Check the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) for proper operation. Refer to Flexplate/Torque Converter Vibration Test in Automatic Transmission -- 4T65-E.

•	Traction Control system brake switch assembly. Loss of performance can result from an improperly adjusted or a failed extended travel brake switch. The PCM operates in the Torque Management mode when the PCM detects the brake pedal and throttle are depressed at the same time.