Page 1497 of 2100

6E±530
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble Symptom
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Momentary lack of response as the accelerator is
pushed down. Can occur at any vehicle speed. Usually
most pronounced when first trying to make the vehicle
move, as from a stop sign. May cause the engine to stall
if severe enough.
Was the ªOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Checkº
performed?
ÐGo to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
2Was the ªElectric Throttle Control (ETC) System
Checkº performed?
ÐGo to Step 3
Go to ETC
System
Check
31. Perform a bulletin search.
2. 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?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 4
4Was a visual/physical check performed?
ÐGo to Step 5
Go to Visual/
Physical
Check
51. Check the fuel control heated oxygen sensors
(HO2S, B1S1 and B2S1). The fuel control heated
oxygen sensors (HO2S) should respond quickly to
different throttle positions. If they don't, check them
for silicon or other contaminants from fuel or use of
improper RTV sealant. The sensors may have a
white powdery coating.
Silicon contamination causes a high but false
HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication).
The PCM will then reduce the amount of fuel
delivered to the engine, causing a severe
driveability problem. For more information, refer
to
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Sensors.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 6
61. Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Pressure Test.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 7
7Observe the TP 1, 2 angle display on the Tech 2 while
slowly increasing accelerator pedal depression.
Does the TP angle display steadily increase from 8 ~
10% at closed throttle to 90 ~ 92% at WOT?
ÐGo to Step 8Go to Step 9
8Monitor the long term fuel trim on the Tech 2.
Is the long term fuel trim significantly in the negative
range (rich condition)?
ÐGo to Step 9Go to Step 10
91. Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to
Diagnostic Aids in DTC P0172 Diagnostic
Support
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 11
Page 1498 of 2100

6E±531
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
101. Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to
Diagnostic Aids in DTC P0171 Diagnostic
Support
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 11
111. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for the procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 12
121. Check for a loose ignition coil ground and ION
Sensing module circuit.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
131. Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon
tracking.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
141. Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs,
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or
heavy deposits. Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
.
NOTE: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of
the fouling must be determined before replacing the
spark plugs.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
151. Check the PCM grounds for clearness, tightness
and proper routing. Refer to the PCM wiring
diagrams in Electrical Diagnosis.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check the MAF sensor connections.
2. If a problem is found, replace the faulty terminals as
necessary. Refer to
Electrical Diagnosis for wiring
repair procedures.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17
Page 1499 of 2100
6E±532
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
171. Visually/physically check vacuum hoses for splits,
kinks, and proper connections and routing as
shown on the ªVehicle Emission Control
Informationº label.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 18
181. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no
malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:
Visual/physical inspection
Tech 2 data
Freeze Frame data/Failure Records butter
All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system
3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repair
Contact
Technical
Assistance
Page 1500 of 2100

6E±533
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Bank 1 Restricted Exhaust System Check
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1Was the ªOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Checkº
performed?
ÐGo to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Remove the Bank 1 HO2S 2.
2. Install the Exhaust Backpressure Tester
(BT-8515-V or equivalent) in place of the Bank 1
HO2S 2.
3. Run the engine at normal operating temperature.
4. Increase the engine speed to 2000 RPM and allow
10 seconds for pressure to build.
5. Observe the exhaust system backpressure reading
on the gauge.
Does the reading exceed the amount in the value
column?
8.62 kPa
(1.25 psi)
Go to Step 3Go to Step 4
3Repair the restriction in the exhaust system after the
catalytic converter.
Possible faults include:
Collapsed pipe
Heat distress
Internal muffler failure
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
41. Install the Bank 1 HO2S 2.
2. Install the Exhaust Backpressure Tester in place of
Bank 1 HO2S 1.
3. Run the engine at normal operating temperature.
4. Increase the engine speed to 2000 RPM and allow
10 seconds for pressure to build.
5. Observe the exhaust system backpressure reading
on the gauge.
Does the reading exceed the amount in the value
column?
8.62 kPa
(1.25 psi)
Go to Step 5
No trouble
found. If a
driveability
symptom
exists, refer
to symptom
charts
5Repair the restriction in the catalytic converter.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
NOTE: DTCs will be set by running the vehicle to normal
operating temperature after a cold start with the O2
sensor disconnected. After performing these tests, use
the Tech 2 to erase the DTCs that were set by the lack of
O2 sensor activity.
Page 1501 of 2100

6E±534
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Bank 2 Restricted Exhaust System Check
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1Was the ªOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Checkº
performed?
ÐGo to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Remove the Bank 2 HO2S 2.
2. Install the Exhaust Backpressure Tester
(BT-8515-V or equivalent) in place of the Bank 2
HO2S 2.
3. Run the engine at normal operating temperature.
4. Increase the engine speed to 2000 RPM and allow
10 seconds for pressure to build.
5. Observe the exhaust system backpressure reading
on the gauge.
Does the reading exceed the amount in the value
column?
8.62 kPa
(1.25 psi)
Go to Step 3Go to Step 4
3Repair the restriction in the exhaust system after the
catalytic converter.
Possible faults include:
Collapsed pipe
Heat distress
Internal muffler failure
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
41. Install the Bank 2 HO2S 2.
2. Install the Exhaust Back pressure Tester in place of
Bank 1 HO2S 1.
3. Run the engine at normal operating temperature.
4. Increase the engine speed to 2000 RPM and allow
10 seconds for pressure to build.
5. Observe the exhaust system backpressure reading
on the gauge.
Does the reading exceed the amount in the value
column?
8.62 kPa
(1.25 psi)
Go to Step 5
No trouble
found. If a
driveability
symptom
exists, refer
to symptom
charts
5Repair the restriction in the catalytic converter.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairÐ
NOTE: DTCs will be set by running the vehicle to normal
operating temperature after a cold start with the O2
sensor disconnected. After performing these tests, use
the Tech 2 to erase the DTCs that were set by the lack of
O2 sensor activity.
Page 1502 of 2100

6E±535
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Default Matrix Table
Service Procedure Default Strategy
A referral strategy has been established to assist the
technician with additional information when the cause of
the failure cannot be determined. If no problem is found
after performing diagnostics, then refer to the default
matrix table for further diagnostic information.
Default Matrix Table
Strategy Based Diagnostic Charts
Initial DiagnosisDefault Section(s)
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckVehicle does not enter diagnostics.Chassis Electrical
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckVehicle enters diagnostics and
communicates with the Tech 2. MIL is
ªONº in diagnostics. Engine does not
start and run.Ignition System Check
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
vibration.Ð
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
harsh or soft shift, poor performance,
delayed or no engagement into drive
or reverse, transmission fluid leak,
transmission noise or vibration, or
improper TCC operation.Automatic Transmission
PCM Power and Ground CheckOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
Check.Chassis Electrical
PCM Power and Ground CheckOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
Check. PCM power and ground
circuits OK. Data link voltage
incorrect.Chassis Electrical
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System
CheckEngine starts and runs, no PCM
codes set. Customer complains of
harsh or soft shift, poor performance,
delayed or no engagement into drive
or reverse, transmission fluid leak,
transmission noise or vibration, or
improper TCC operation.Automatic Transmission
SymptomsInitial DiagnosisDefault Section(s)
Intermittents1. On-board Diagnostic (OBD)
system check.
2. Careful visual/physical
inspections.Chassis Electrical
Hard Starts1. OBD system check.
2. ETC system check.
3. Sensors (ECT, MAP, MAF, TP) ;
MAP output chart.
4. Fuel system electrical test, fuel
system diagnosis.
5. Ignition system.Engine Mechanical, Ignition
System Check, Exhaust System
Diagnosis
Page 1503 of 2100

6E±536
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Symptoms Default Section(s)Initial Diagnosis
Surges and/or Chuggles1. OBD system check.
2. ETC system check.
3. Heated oxygen sensors.
4. Fuel system diagnosis.
5. Ignition system.Calibration ID/Service Bulletins,
Ignition System Check,
Generator Output, Exhaust
System Diagnosis, 4L30-E
System Test
Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy1. OBD system check.
2. ETC system check.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.
4. Ignition system.
5. EGR operation.
6. EGR system check.Refer to Exhaust System in
Engine Exhaust, TCC Operation,
Calibration ID/Service Bulletins
Detonation/Spark Knock1. OBD system check.
2. Transmission range switch.
3. EGR operation.
4. EGR system check.
5. TCC operation.
6. Fuel system diagnosis.
7. Ignition system.
8. ION sensing module check.TCC operation, Cooling System,
Ignition System Check,
Calibration ID/Service Bulletins
Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle,
Stalling1. OBD system check.
2. ETC system check.
3. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
4. EVAP emission canister purge
valve check.
5. Ignition system.
6. EGR operation.MAP Output Check, Throttle
Linkage, EGR System Check,
A/C Clutch Control Circuit
Diagnosis, Crankcase Ventilation
System, Calibration ID/Service
Bulletins, Generator Output
Voltage (refer to
Chassis
Electrical
), Exhaust Diagnosis
Poor Fuel Economy1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Ignition system.
4. Cooling system.TCC Operation, Exhaust System
(refer to
Engine Exhaust)
Hesitation, Sag, Stumble1. OBD system check.
2. ETC system check.
3. TP.
4. MAP output check.
5. Fuel system diagnosis.
6. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
7. EVAP emission canister purge
valve.
8. Ignition system.EGR Operation, EGR System
Check, Generator Output
Voltage (refer to
Chassis
Electrical
), Calibration ID/Service
Bulletins, Ignition System Check
Cuts Out, Misses1. OBD system check.
2. Cylinder balance test.
3. ETC system check.Ignition System Check
Engine Cranks But Will Not Run1. OBD system check.Fuel System Electrical
Diagnosis, Fuel System
Diagnosis, Fuel Injector and Fuel
Injector Balance Test.
Page 1504 of 2100

6E±537
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Symptoms Default Section(s)Initial Diagnosis
Excessive Exhaust Emissions or
Odors1. OBD system check.
2. Emission test.
3. Cooling system.
4. Fuel system diagnosis.
5. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
6. EVAP emission canister purge
valve.
7. Crankcase ventilation system.
8. Ignition system.
9. MAP output check.EGR System Check, Exhaust
Diagnosis, Calibration ID/Service
Bulletins
Dieseling, Run-On1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.Ð
Backfire1. OBD system check.
2. Ignition system.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.
4. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.
5. EGR operation, EGR system
check.Exhaust System Diagnosis,
Intake Casting Flash, Ignition
System Check
Misfire1. OBD system check.
2. Ignition system.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.
4. Fuel injector and fuel injector
balance test.Vibrations, Transmission,
Driveshaft and Axle
Catalyst Monitor1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Heated oxygen sensors.Exhaust System
Fuel Trim1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.
4. Heated oxygen sensors, MAF
sensors.Exhaust System Intake Air
System
Evaporative Emissions1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.
3. Fuel system diagnosis.Ð
Heated Oxygen Sensors1. OBD system check.
2. Careful visual/physical inspection.Exhaust System