FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Hesitation, Sag, Stumble

DEFINITION
Momentary lack of response as the accelerator is pushed down. Can occur at all car speeds. Usually most severe when trying to drive away from a stop. May cause the engine to stall, if severe enough.

PERFORM CAREFUL VISUAL CHECK
- Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections, as shown on vehicle emission control label vacuum diagram.
- Air leaks from intake duct, common chamber or intake manifold gaskets.
- Ignition wires for cracks, burned spots or burned ends, hardening, correct firing order, and proper resistance (no more than 30K Ohms per wire).
- Wiring harness for bare spots, pinches, cuts or corroded connections.

ALSO CHECK
- Fuel pressure.
- Water contaminated fuel.
- TPS for binding or sticking.
- Ignition timing. See Vehicle Emission Control Information label.
- Alternator output voltage. Repair if less than 9 or more than 16 volts.
- For open ignition system ground.
- Canister purge system for proper operation.
- EGR valve operation.