GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

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 Important Preliminary Checks .
    • Refer to Visual/Physical Checks .
    • Search for bulletins.

Fuel System Checks
    • Check the system fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
    • Check the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test .
    • 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 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 1 .
    • 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 Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1 .

Sensor/System
    • Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for excessive spark retard activity.
    • Check the EGR valve for a stuck open pintle. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
    • Check for a restricted intake duct or a dirty air cleaner element. Refer to Air Filter Element and Air Cleaner Assembly .

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 Resistance
Less than 10000 ohms (10K 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.

       - Defective module.
       - Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
    • Remove spark plugs and check for the following conditions:
       - Fouled plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - 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.

Engine Mechanical
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
    • Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
    • For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.
    •  Refer to Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction.

    • Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
    • Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
    • For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check and Exhaust System .
    • Check for proper TCC operation. Refer to Automatic Transmission Diagnosis