Surges and/or Chuggles

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.

PRELIMINARY CHECKS
- Refer to Important Preliminary Checks.
- Be sure driver understands Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) and A/C compressor operation in owners manual.
- Use a scan tool to make sure reading of Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) matches vehicle speedometer except vehicles with electronic transmissions where some variation between VSS and speedometer is normal. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts/DTC 16/Diagnostic Aids. Testing and Inspection

FUEL SYSTEM
- CHECK: Fuel pressure while condition exists. Refer to Fuel System. Service and Repair

ADDITIONAL CHECKS
- CHECK: Control module grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper locations.
- CHECK: Generator output voltage. Repair if less than 9 or more than 16 volts.
- CHECK: Vacuum lines for kinks or leaks.
- CHECK: For intermittent EGR. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)/Emission Control Systems. Testing and Inspection
- CHECK: TCC operation. Refer to Computers and Control Systems. Testing and Inspection