Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

Inspection/Tests	Action
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. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.
Preliminary	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .
Sensor/System	Inspect the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor operation.
Fuel System	Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool and E85) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) . Verify that both fuel injector fuses are not open. An open fuel injector fuse causes 4 ignition coils and 4 fuel injectors not to operate. Inspect the ignition coil circuits and the fuel injector circuits for an intermittent short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Replace the fuse. Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in Cautions and Notices. Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector Engine oil contaminated by fuel An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition Incorrect fuel pressure - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Leaking fuel injectors - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor - Refer to Mass Air Flow (MAF)/Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Replacement . Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted - Refer to Air Cleaner Resonator Outlet Duct Replacement . An air filter that is dirty or restricted - Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in Cautions and Notices. Water intrusion in the HO2S connector An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine - Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust. Vacuum leaks Incorrect fuel pressure - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Restricted fuel injectors - Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . An inaccurate MAF sensor Fuel contamination - Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool and E85) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) . Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected
Ignition System	Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water. Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. See Special Tools . Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for the procedure. Remove the spark plugs and check for the following: Correct heat range Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement . Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 . Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
Engine Cooling System	Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for proper heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.
Engine Mechanical	Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. This could result in any of the following conditions: A no start A start and stall Erratic performance
Additional Inspections	Inspect the generator output voltage. Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.