Surges/Chuggles

Definition: The engine has a power variation under a steady throttle or cruise. The vehicle feels as if it speeds up and slows down with no change in the accelerator pedal.

Preliminary Checks

^ Refer to Important Preliminary Checks. Testing and Inspection
^ Be sure the driver understands the Torque Converter Clutch operation.
^ Be sure the driver understands the A/C Compressor operation.
^ Use the scan tool to make sure the reading of the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) matches the vehicle speedometer. This excludes vehicles with electronic transmissions where some variation between the VSS and the speedometer is normal. Refer to the following items:

- DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit. P0500
- DTC P0506 Idle Control System Low RPM. P0506
- DTC P0507 Idle Control System High RPM. P0507

Sensor Check
Check the (Heated) Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) performance. Refer to the following items:

^ DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 1. P0131
^ DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1. P0132
^ DTC P0133 HO2S Circuit Slow Response Sensor 1. P0133
^ DTC P0134 HO2S CKT Insufficient Activity Sensor 1. P0134
^ DTC P0137 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2. P0137
^ DTC P0138 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2. P0138
^ DTC P0140 HO2S CKT Insufficient Activity Sensor 2. P0140
^ DTC P0141 HO2S Heater Circuit Sensor 2. P0141

Fuel System Checks

^ Check for a Rich or Lean symptom that causes the condition. Drive the vehicle at the speed of the complaint. Monitoring the Fuel Trim will help identify the problem.

Lean

- The Long Term Fuel Trim will be greater than 150. Refer to the following items:
- DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1 Diagnostic Aids. P0132
- DTC P0138 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2 Diagnostic Aids. P0138

Rich

- The Long Term Fuel Trim will be less than 115. Refer to the following items:
- DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 1 for Diagnostic Aids. P0131
- DTC P0137 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2 Diagnostic Aids. P0137

^ Check the fuel pressure while the condition exists. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test. System Diagnosis - Fuel System Pressure Test
^ Check the in-line fuel filter for a restriction.

Ignition System Checks

^ Check for the proper ignition output voltage using the spark tester J 26792 or the equivalent. Refer to Enhanced Ignition System Diagnosis. System Diagnosis - Enhanced Ignition
^ Check the spark plugs. Remove the plugs and inspect them for the following conditions:

- Wetness
- Cracks
- Wear
- Improper gap
- Burned electrodes
- Heavy deposits

^ Check the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor. Refer to Enhanced Ignition System Diagnosis. System Diagnosis - Enhanced Ignition

Additional Checks

^ Check the Control Module grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper locations.
^ Check the generator output voltage.
^ Check the vacuum hoses for kinks or leaks Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
^ Check for an intermittent Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) problem. Refer to EGR System Diagnosis. System Diagnosis - EGR
^ Check for Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation.