Additional Symptoms Tests

Detonation/Spark Knock

• Verify that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) has not shifted in value. Allow the engine to run and reach operating temperature. Observe the ECT Sensor parameter with a scan tool and compare the reading to that parameter listed on the K20 Engine Control Module: Scan Tool Information , list. If the reading is not in the range specified in the list, test the resistance of the engine coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT Sensor) , for resistance specifications. Replace the engine coolant temperature sensor if the resistance is not within specification. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . If the sensor is within the specification, test the engine coolant temperature sensor circuits for high resistance.
• Test for an engine overheating condition. Refer to Engine Overheating .
• Inspect for excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers. Clean the chambers with Top Engine Cleaner, if necessary. Follow the instructions on the can.
• If there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a known high quality fuel that meets the vehicle minimum octane requirements.

Engine Control Module (ECM) Commanded Reduced Engine Power 

Under certain conditions the engine control module may limit engine power by reducing engine torque and, for some vehicles, fuel pressure as well. For most, but not all of the conditions, the engine control module will illuminate the reduced engine power lamp on the instrument panel cluster, however a DTC may not be set.

A repair may not be necessary. Observe the scan tool Reduced Engine Power History parameter, if applicable, or refer to K20 Engine Control Module: Scan Tool Information to determine the reason for the reduced engine power event.

Verify or inspect for the following:

• Vehicle being operated at sustained high engine speeds, or, towing heavy loads up an incline for an extended period of time, which may cause the engine oil or coolant to overheat. Inspect the airflow passageways in front of the engine for obstructions and clear away any debris or foreign material that is found. If no obstructions are found, review approved driving habits with the customer. The customer may need to operate the vehicle at a higher engine speed to improve cooling system performance, or, at a slower engine speed to reduce engine load.
• A cooling fan condition which may cause the engine oil or coolant to overheat. Refer to Cooling Fan Description and Operation , and Cooling System Description and Operation to verify correct operation of the cooling fan.
• If the vehicle is equipped with the OnStar® feature, reduced engine power may be due to OnStar® remote command. Verify the vehicle is not in the OnStar® initiated Stolen Vehicle Slowdown mode. Refer to OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Active , and Remote Vehicle Speed Limiting Description and Operation for additional information.
• A high pressure fuel system condition. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis , and Fuel System Description to verify high pressure fuel system operation.
• Intake air temperature out of range too high. Engine running, observe the scan tool IAT Sensor parameter. The readings should be between -40°C and +149°C (-40°F and +300°F). Refer to DTC P0112, P0113, or P0114 for additional information.
• Fuel temperature out of range too high.

Fuel Odor

• Inspect for leaking, damaged, or deteriorated fuel lines.
• Inspect for a saturated EVAP canister-Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Description .
• Inspect for a condition with the internal components of the fuel tank assembly-Refer to Fuel System Description .

Hard Start

• Observe the scan tool Throttle Body Idle Airflow Compensation parameter. A value greater than 90% may indicate an excessive accumulation of deposits in the throttle bore. Inspect the throttle body and bore and clean, if necessary. Refer to Throttle Body Cleaning .
• Test the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Compare the scan tool ECT Sensor value to the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor value on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT Sensor values should be within 3°C (5°F). If the engine coolant temperature sensor is out of range with the intake air temperature sensor, test the resistance of the engine coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT Sensor) , for resistance specifications. Replace the engine coolant temperature sensor if the resistance is not within specification. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . If the sensor is within the specifications, test the engine coolant temperature sensor circuits for high resistance.
• Verify that the fuel system has adequate pressure for engine start-up. The fuel pump should turn ON for 2S when the ignition is turned to ON. Refer to Fuel System Description , and Fuel System Diagnosis  for correct fuel pressure specifications.
• Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the crankshaft position sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .

Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

• Test the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for obstruction, contamination, and damage. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
• Test the generator. Refer to Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test . Repair the charging system if the generator output voltage is less than 9V or more than 16V.
• Test the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to DTC P0106 .
• Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the crankshaft position sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
NOTE:

The following actions may need to be repeated in order to verify an intermittent intake or exhaust camshaft actuator condition.

• Engine warm and idling, verify the correct operation of the camshaft actuator system. Command the intake and exhaust camshaft actuators from 0 degrees to 20 degrees and back to zero while observing the scan tool Intake Camshaft Position Variance and Exhaust Camshaft Position Variance parameters. Each parameter should be less than 2 degrees in each of the commanded states.
  • If any of the parameters is greater than 2 degrees, inspect the suspect camshaft actuator and camshaft actuator solenoid valve and valve bore for contamination, obstruction, and damage. Refer to Camshaft Actuator System Description , Camshaft Position Exhaust Actuator Replacement , and Camshaft Position Intake Actuator Replacement .

Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess

• Inspect the engine electrical system for correct operation. Refer to Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test .
• Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector.
• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for obstruction, contamination, and damage. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
NOTE:

The following actions may need to be repeated in order to verify an intermittent intake or exhaust camshaft actuator condition.

• Engine warm and idling, verify the correct operation of the camshaft actuator system. Command the intake and exhaust camshaft actuators from 0 degrees to 20 degrees and back to zero while observing the scan tool Intake Camshaft Position Variance and Exhaust Camshaft Position Variance parameters. Each parameter should be less than 2 degrees in each of the commanded states.
  • If any of the parameters is greater than 2 degrees, inspect the suspect camshaft actuator and camshaft actuator solenoid valve and valve bore for contamination, obstruction, and damage. Refer to Camshaft Actuator System Description , Camshaft Position Exhaust Actuator Replacement , and Camshaft Position Intake Actuator Replacement .

Poor Fuel Economy

• Observe the scan tool Throttle Body Idle Airflow Compensation parameter. A value greater than 90% may indicate an excessive accumulation of deposits in the throttle bore. Inspect the throttle body and bore and clean, if necessary. Refer to Throttle Body Cleaning .
• Inspect for heavy loads being carried or towed
• Inspect for acceleration rate too much or too often
• Inspect for incorrect operation of the speedometer.
• Verify that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) has not shifted in value. Allow the engine to run and reach operating temperature. Observe the ECT Sensor parameter with a scan tool and compare the reading to that parameter listed on the K20 Engine Control Module: Scan Tool Information , list. If the reading is not in the range specified in the list, test the resistance of the engine coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance (ECT Sensor) , for resistance specifications. Replace the engine coolant temperature sensor if the resistance is not within specification. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement . If the sensor is within the specification, test the engine coolant temperature sensor circuits for high resistance.
• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for obstruction, contamination, and damage. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
• Inspect the brake system for brake drag.

Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

• An excessively high idle may be due to the floor mat interfering with the accelerator pedal. With this condition present, it may not be possible to shift the transmission into gear. Inspect the accelerator pedal for binding and verify that the floor mat is not interfering with the accelerator pedal movement.
• Engine idle speed may be unstable or the engine may stall if the ECM has learned an incorrect idle/airflow compensation value. A DTC may also set. Observe the scan tool Throttle Body Idle Airflow Compensation parameter. A value greater than 90% may indicate an excessive accumulation of deposits in the throttle bore. If the throttle body needs cleaning, refer to Throttle Body Cleaning .

  The actions listed below may also cause the ECM to learn an incorrect idle value.

  • The engine control module has been replaced
  • The throttle body has been replaced
  • The throttle body has been cleaned but the idle learn procedure was not performed after completing the cleaning
  • The air induction system was leaking, allowing non-metered air to enter the combustion chamber. The leak was repaired but the idle learn procedure was not performed after repairing the leak

    If any of the actions listed above have occurred, the Throttle/Idle Learn procedure must be performed.

• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for obstruction, contamination, and damage. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
• Inspect the engine mounts for looseness, damage and wear. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection .
• Inspect the intake and exhaust manifolds for casting flash.

Surges/Chuggles

• Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector.
• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for obstruction, contamination, and damage. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement .
• Inspect for slow responding heated oxygen sensors (HO2S). The heated oxygen sensors should respond quickly to a change in throttle position. If the heated oxygen sensors do not respond to different throttle positions, inspect for contamination from fuel, silicon, or the incorrect use of RTV sealant. The sensors may have a white powdery coating and result in a high, but false, signal voltage, which gives a rich exhaust indication. The engine control module reduces the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a driveability condition. Refer to DTC P0133, P013A, P013B, P013E, P013F, P015A, P015B, P2270, or P2271 for additional information.