Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy Symptom
Step 
 | Action 
 | Value(s) 
 | Yes 
 | No 
 | 
Definition: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase
in speed when accelerator pedal is pushed down part way. 
 | 
1 
 | Was the Powertrain On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 2
 
 | Go to 
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check  
 | 
2 
 | 
- Perform a bulletin search.
 
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
 
 
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 3
 
 | 
3 
 | Compare the vehicle performance
with a similar vehicle. Both vehicle's performance should be close. 
Is the vehicle performance close to similar vehicle. 
 | -- 
 | No problem found 
 | 
Go to Step 4
 
 | 
4 
 | Was visual/physical check performed? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 5
 
 | Go to 
Important Preliminary Checks  
 | 
5 
 | 
- Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being rest 
Air Cleaner 
 for On-Vehicle
Service.
 
- Replace air filter element if necessary.
 
 
Was a repair required? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 6
 
 | 
6 
 | 
- Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to 
Fuel System Diagnosis 
.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 7
 
 | 
7 
 | 
- Check for Water or alcohol contaminated fuel using J 39383-A.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 8
 
 | 
8 
 | 
- Using a scan tool, monitor the KS system for excessive spark retard
activity. Refer to 
Knock Sensor (KS) System Diagnosis 
.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 9
 
 | 
9 
 | 
- Check for proper ignition voltage output using the spark plug
jumper wires J 36012 and spark tester J 26792.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 10
 
 | 
10 
 | 
Notice: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, determime the cause of the fouling
before replacing the spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark
plugs.
 
- Remove the spark plugs, check for the following items:
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 11
 
 | 
11 
 | 
- Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 12
 
 | 
12 
 | 
- Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper
locations. Refer to 8A wiring diagrams.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 13
 
 | 
13 
 | 
- Check the exhaust system for possible restriction in the following
areas:
 
| •  | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |  
  
| •  | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |  
  
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 14
 
 | 
14 
 | 
- Check for proper generator voltage output.
 
- The voltage should be between the specified values.
 
 
Is the voltage between the specified values? 
 | 11-16 V 
 | 
Go to Step 15
 
 | Go to
Section 6D 
 | 
15 
 | 
- Check for proper A/C operation. A/C clutch should disengage at
Wide Open Throttle.
 
- If a problem is found, refer to 
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis 
 for further diagnosis.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | Go
to  
Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis  
 | 
Go to Step 16
 
 | 
16 
 | 
- Engine mechanical problem. Check for low compression, incorrect
or worn camshaft, loose timing chain etc. Refer to Engine
Mechanical.
 
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | 
Go to Step 17
 
 | 
17 
 | 
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
 
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following items:
 
| •  | Visual/physical inspection. |  
  
| •  | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |  
  
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
 
 
Was a problem found? 
 | -- 
 | 
Go to Step 18
 
 | Check for Service Bulletins 
 | 
18 
 | Operate vehicle within
the conditions under which the original symptom was noted. 
Does the system now operate properly? 
 | -- 
 | System OK 
 | 
Go to Step 2
 
 |