Page 2337 of 4264

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-341
SURGES AND/OR CHUGS SYMPTOM
DEFINITIONS: Engine power variation under steady
throttle or cruise. Feels like the vehicle speeds up and
slows down with no charge in the accelerator pedal.
time rpm
Surge
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
1
Was the "On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check"
performed?
- Go to Step 2 Go to On Board
Diagnostic (OBD)
System Check
2
1. 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?
- Verify repair Go to Step 3
3
Was a visually/physical check performed?
- Go to Step 4 Go to Visual /
physical Check
4
Be 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 torque converter clutch (TCC) (if
A/T model) and the A/C clutch operate.
Is the customer experiencing a normal condition?
- System OK Go to Step 5
5
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "On".
2. Monitor the "Mass Air Flow" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Mass Air Flow" as
shown in the following graph, when engine speed is
increasing little by little?
Characteris tic of MAF Sens or -Ref erence (No Engine Load)-
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
Eng i ne Speed ( r pm) ( T ech2 R eadi ng )
Mass Air Flow (g/s)
( T ec h2 R eadi ng)
- Go to Step 7 Go to Step 6
Page 2338 of 4264

6E-342 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
6
Remove the MAF & IAT sensor assembly and check
for the following conditions.
Objects blocking the air cleaner.
Objects blocking the MAF sensor.
Objects blocking the throttle valve.
Vacuum leaking at intake duct.
Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found?
- Verify repair Refer to DTC
P0101 and Go to
Step 7
7
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Throttle Position"
from 0% to 100% depending on accelerator pedal
operation?
- Go to Step 9 Go to Step 8
8
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
3. Adjust the accelerator cable or TPS within 0% to
100%.
Is the action complete?
- Verify repair -
9
Check for the following conditions.
Objects blocking the throttle valve.
Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 10
10
Check the fuel control Heated Oxygen Sensor
(HO2S). When monitored on the Tech 2, the HO2S
should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If
it doesn't check for silicon or other contaminates from
fuel or use of improper sealant. The sensors may have
a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination sends
a rich exhaust signal which causes the ECM to
command and excessively lean air/fuel mixture.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 11
11
Check the fuel pressure. Refer to 6E-116 Fuel System
Diagnosis.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Monitor "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" and "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" on the Tech 2.
Is the "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" or "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" in the rich condition?
- Go to Step 13 Go to Step 14
Page 2339 of 4264

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-343
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
13
Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to DTC P0172 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0175 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
14
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits,
kinks and proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
Damaged or collapsed pipes.
Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22
Page 2340 of 4264

6E-344 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
22
1. 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.
All electrical connections within a suspected circuit
and/or system.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 23
23
Is the ECM programmed with the latest software
release?
If not, download the latest software to the ECM using
the "SPS (Service Programming System)".
Was the problem solved?
- Verify repair Go to Step 24
24
Replace the ECM.
Is the action complete?
IMPORTANT: The replacement ECM must be
programmed. Refer to section of the Service
Programming System (SPS) in this manual. Following
ECM programming, the immobilizer system (if
equipped) must be linked to the ECM. Refer to section
11 “Immobilizer System-ECM replacement” for the
ECM/Immobilizer linking procedure.
- Verify repair -
Page 2341 of 4264

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-345
HESITATION, SAG, STUMBLE SYMPTOM
DEFINITIONS: 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.
time rpm
Sug
Hesitation Stumble
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
1
Was the "On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check"
performed?
- Go to Step 2 Go to On Board
Diagnostic (OBD)
System Check
2
1. 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?
- Verify repair Go to Step 3
3
Was a visually/physical check performed?
- Go to Step 4 Go to Visual /
physical Check.
4
Check the fuel quality.
Is the customer using improper fuel or degraded fuel?
- Replace fuel Go to Step 5
5
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "On".
2. Monitor the "Mass Air Flow" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Mass Air Flow" as
shown in the following graph, when engine speed is
increasing little by little?
Characteris tic of MAF Sens or -Ref erence (No Engine Load)-
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
Eng i ne Speed ( r pm) ( T ech2 R eadi ng )
Mass Air Flow (g/s)
( T ec h2 R eadi ng)
- Go to Step 7 Go to Step 6
Page 2342 of 4264

6E-346 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
6
Remove the MAF & IAT sensor assembly and check
for the following conditions.
Objects blocking the air cleaner.
Objects blocking the MAF sensor.
Objects blocking the throttle valve.
Vacuum leaking at intake duct.
Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found?
- Verify repair Refer to DTC
P0101 and Go to
Step 7
7
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
Does the Tech 2 indicate correct "Throttle Position"
from 0% to 100% depending on accelerator pedal
operation?
- Go to Step 9 Go to Step 8
8
1. Using the Tech 2, ignition "On" and engine "Off".
2. Monitor the "Throttle Position" in the data display.
3. Adjust the accelerator cable or TPS within 0% to
100%.
Is the action complete?
- Verify repair -
9
Check for the following conditions.
Objects blocking the throttle valve.
Vacuum leaking at throttle body.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was the problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 10
10
Check the fuel control Heated Oxygen Sensor
(HO2S). When monitored on the Tech 2, the HO2S
should respond quickly to different throttle positions. If
it doesn't check for silicon or other contaminates from
fuel or use of improper sealant. The sensors may have
a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination sends
a rich exhaust signal which causes the ECM to
command and excessively lean air/fuel mixture.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 11
11
Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System
Diagnosis.
Refer to 6E-116 page.
Diagnosis. Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 12
12
Monitor "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" and "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" on the Tech 2.
Is the "B1S1 (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Status" or "B2S1
(Bank 2 Sensor 1) Status" in the rich condition?
- Go to Step 13 Go to Step 14
Page 2343 of 4264

3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 6E-347
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
13
Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
Refer to DTC P0172 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0175 "O2 Sensor System Too Rich
(Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
14
Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
Refer to DTC P0171 "O2 Sensor System Too Lean
(Bank 1)" or DTC P0174 "O2 Sensor System Tool
Lean (Bank 2)".
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 15
15
Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 16
16
Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 17
17
1. Remove the spark plugs and check for gas or oil
fouling cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits, or improper heat
range.
2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 18
18
1. Check the injector connectors.
2. If any of the connectors are connected at an
improper cylinder, connect as necessary.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 19
19
Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 20
20
Visually/physically check the vacuum hose for splits,
kinks and proper connections and routing.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 21
21
Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
Damaged or collapsed pipes.
Internal muffler failure.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 22
Page 2344 of 4264

6E-348 3.5L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Step Action Value (s) Yes No
22
1. 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.
All electrical connections within a suspected circuit
and/or system.
Was a problem found?
- Verify repair Go to Step 23
23
Is the ECM programmed with the latest software
release?
If not, download the latest software to the ECM using
the "SPS (Service Programming System)".
Was the problem solved?
- Verify repair Go to Step 24
24
Replace the ECM.
Is the action complete?
IMPORTANT: The replacement ECM must be
programmed. Refer to section of the Service
Programming System (SPS) in this manual. Following
ECM programming, the immobilizer system (if
equipped) must be linked to the ECM. Refer to section
11 “Immobilizer System-ECM replacement” for the
ECM/Immobilizer linking procedure.
- Verify repair -