6E±508
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Hard Start Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
121. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electric Ignition
System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
131. Remove spark plugs. 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 14
141. 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 15
151. Remove the ignition coils and check the ignition
coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
2. If a problem is found, replace affected coil(s) as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check for the following engine mechanical
problems (refer to
Engine Mechanical):
Low compression
Leaking cylinder head gaskets
Worn or incorrect camshaft
Camshaft drive belt slipped or stripped
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 17
171. 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 buffer
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
6E±509
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Surges and/or Chuggles Symptom
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Engine power variation under steady throttle or cruise.
Feels like the vehicle speeds up and slows down with
no change in the accelerator pedal.
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
5Be sure that the driver understands transmission
torque converter clutch and A/C compressor operation
as explained in the owner's manual.
Inform the customer how the TCC and the A/C clutch
operate.
Is the customer experiencing a normal condition?
ÐSystem OKGo to Step 6
61. 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 silicone 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 7
71. 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 8
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?
ÐGo to Step 11Verify repair
6E±510
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Surges and/or Chuggles 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.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐGo to Step 11Verify repair
111. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electric Ignition
System
for 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 15
141. Remove the 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 injector connections.
2. If any of the injector connectors are connected to an
incorrect cylinder, correct as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check PCM grounds for the cleanliness, tightness
and proper locations. 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 17
171. Check 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 18
181. 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 19
6E±511
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Surges and/or Chuggles Symptom
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
191. Check the exhaust system for possible restriction:
Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or
collapsed pipes.
Inspect the muffler for heat distress or possible
internal failure.
Check for a possible plugged three-way
catalytic converter by checking the exhaust
system back pressure. Refer to
Restricted
Exhaust System Check
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 20
201. 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 buffer
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
6E±512
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Lack of Power, Sluggish, or Spongy Symptoms
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no
increase in speed when accelerator pedal is pushed
down part-way.
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. Remove and check the air filter element for dirt or
restrictions. Refer to
Air Intake System in
ON-Vehicle Service.
2. Replace the air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 6
61. Check for low 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
71. Check for water- or alcohol-contaminated fuel.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 8
81. Install the Tech 2.
2. Run the engine at idle.
3. On the Tech 2, select F3: Miscellaneous Test, F6:
Variable Intake Manifold.
4. Repeat Switch ON or OFF of VIM solenoid valve by
using the Tech 2.
5. Check to see if the actuator works normally.
6. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 9
91. Check for proper ignition voltage output with spark
tester J 26792 (ST-125). Refer to
Electronic Ignition
System
for procedure.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 10
6E±513
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Lack of Power, Sluggish, or Spongy Symptoms
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
101. Remove the 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 11
111. 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 12
121. Check the PCM grounds for cleanliness, tightness
and proper locations. 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 13
131. Check the exhaust system for possible restriction:
Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or
collapsed pipes.
Inspect the muffler for heat distress or possible
internal failure.
Check for a possible plugged three-way
catalytic converter by checking the exhaust
system back pressure. Refer to
Restricted
Exhaust System Check
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
141. Check the torque converter clutch (TCC) for proper
operation. Refer to
4L30-E Transmission
Diagnosis
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 15
151. Check for an engine mechanical problem. Check
for low compression, incorrect or worn camshaft,
loose timing belt, etc. Refer to
Engine Mechanical.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. 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 buffer
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
6E±514
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Detonation/Sparks Knock Symptoms
StepActionValue(s)Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
A mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration.
The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change
with throttle opening.
Was the ªOn-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Checkº
performed?
ÐGo to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. 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 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
ÐGo to Step 4
Go to Visual/
Physical
Check
4If Tech 2 readings are normal (refer to Typical Scan
Values
) and there are no engine mechanical faults, fill
the fuel tank with a known quality gasoline that has a
minimum octane rating of 87 and re-evaluate the
vehicle performance.
Is detonation present?
ÐGo to Step 5Verify repair
51. Check the transmission range switch circuit. Use a
Tech 2 and be sure the Tech 2 indicates that the
vehicle is in drive with the gear selector in drive or
overdrive.
2. If a problem is found, diagnose and repair the
transmission range switch as necessary (refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission Diagnosis).
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 6
61. Check TCC operation. Refer to 4L30-E
Transmission Diagnosis
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 7
71. Check for obvious overheating problems:
Low engine coolant.
Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted
water flow through radiator.
Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix
of approved antifreeze/coolant and water.
Refer to
Engine Cooling.
EGR operation. Refer to
DTC P0401.
ION sensing module fault.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 8
81. Ignition ªOFFº.
2. Disconnect the ION sensing module.
3. Disconnect the PCM.
Is the action complete?
ÐGo to Step 9Ð
9Check the ION sensing harness between the PCM
(F68) and ION sensing module circuit (RED Wire) at
the Kl line harness connector.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 10
6E±515
6VE1 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Detonation/Sparks Knock Symptoms
StepNo Ye s Value(s) Action
101. Disconnect the ignition coil.
Is the action complete?
ÐGo to Step 11Ð
11Check the ION sensing harness between the ignition
coil and ION sensing module circuit at the DC motor
harness connector.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 12
12Check the following items;
1. Ignition coil and ignition coil circuit.
2. Ignition coil ground circuit for a poor connection.
3. If a problem is found, repair wiring harness as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 13
13Replace the Ignition coil.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 14
14Check the following items;
1. ION sensing module ground circuit for a poor
connection.
2. If a problem is found, repair wiring harness as
necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐGo to Step 10Go to Step 16
15Replace the ION sensing module.
Is the action complete?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 16
161. Check fuel pressure. Refer to Chart Fuel System
Pressure Test.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
ÐVerify repair
Go to Step
17
171. Check items that can cause an engine to run lean
(long term fuel trim significantly in the positive
range). For a lean condition, 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 18
181. Spark plugs for proper heat range. Refer to General
Information
.
2. If incorrect spark plugs are installed, replace spark
plugs as necessary.
Did any spark plugs require replacement?
ÐVerify repairGo to Step 19
191. Remove excessive carbon buildup with a top engine
cleaner. Refer to instructions on the top engine
cleaner can.
2. Re-evaluate vehicle performance.
Is detonation still present?
ÐGo to Step 20Verify repair