Section 18 (Engine Controls - 5.7L - Troubleshooting & Diagnosis): Troubleshooting: Surges/Chuggles

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Surges/Chuggles

Inspection/Tests	Action
DEFINITION: Engine power variation under steady throttle or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down with no change in the accelerator pedal position.
Preliminary	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics . Verify the driver understands the operation of the A/C compressor operation as explained in the owners manual. Inform the customer how the A/C clutch operates.
Sensor/System	NOTE: Refer to Silicon Contamination of Heated Oxygen Sensors Notice in Cautions and Notices. Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance . Inspect for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. Refer to DTC P0106 .
Fuel System	Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) . Verify that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder. Relocate injector harnesses as necessary. 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 . A leaking fuel pressure regulator-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Leaking fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . MAP sensor operation-Refer to DTC P0106 Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, improperly connected or routed-Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram . An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted 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 . MAP sensor operation-Refer to DTC P0106 . Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) . Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, improperly connected or routed-Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
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 the water. Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis . Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following: Correct heat range Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Refer to Spark Plug Replacement . Refer to Spark Plug Inspection and Ignition System Specifications . 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 within 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 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 in Engine Mechanical. This could result in any of the following conditions: A no start A start and stall Erratic performance
Additional Inspections	Visually and physically inspect vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .