Mid-throttle hesitation
#21
I have the same problem as you Dan. I've noticed it for the past couple months. I'll be cruisin at about 35mph, and give it some gas and it just kinda sits there and then it'll kick in and go. When you figure out what it is, lemme know. It'* a rather annoying thing especially when your trying to pass someone.
#22
OK - found it with that information. Strangely enough, it'* not listed under the 2000 Bonneville at AllData, but it is under a '99 Grand Prix. Here are the details.
Engine Controls - Intermittent Chuggle/No DTC'* Set
Bulletin No.: 05-06-04-058
Date: September 07, 2005
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Intermittent Chuggle or Fishbite on Light Acceleration or at Highway Speeds with No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) (Replace Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor)
Models:
1995-1999 Buick Riviera
1995-2004 Buick Regal
1995-2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
1997-2005 Buick Century
1995-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1995-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
1995-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala
1995-1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Ninety Eight
1995-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1995-2002 Pontiac Firebird
1995-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
1995-2005 Pontiac Bonneville
with 3800 V6 Engine (VIN K - RPO L36)
Condition
Some customers may comment on an intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or at steady-state highway speeds (typically 80-105 km/h [50-65 mph]) with no PCM DTCs set. This condition may lead the technician to suspect the TCC circuit or torque converter.
Cause
This condition may be caused by intermittent operation of the Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor.
Correction
In observed cases, the Tech 2(R) is not fast enough to consistently detect this condition during a snapshot. It is recommended to use a DVOM set to the min/max recording mode. Connect the DVOM at the TPS connector (positive lead to TPS feedback signal pin and negative lead to TPS ground pin). Duplicate this condition by driving the vehicle. If the voltage dropout (less than 0.45 v) is recorded on the DVOM, replace the TPS sensor and re-evaluate the vehicle before continuing with other driveability or transmission diagnosis.
Bulletin No.: 05-06-04-058
Date: September 07, 2005
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Intermittent Chuggle or Fishbite on Light Acceleration or at Highway Speeds with No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) (Replace Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor)
Models:
1995-1999 Buick Riviera
1995-2004 Buick Regal
1995-2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
1997-2005 Buick Century
1995-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1995-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
1995-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala
1995-1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Ninety Eight
1995-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1995-2002 Pontiac Firebird
1995-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
1995-2005 Pontiac Bonneville
with 3800 V6 Engine (VIN K - RPO L36)
Condition
Some customers may comment on an intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or at steady-state highway speeds (typically 80-105 km/h [50-65 mph]) with no PCM DTCs set. This condition may lead the technician to suspect the TCC circuit or torque converter.
Cause
This condition may be caused by intermittent operation of the Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor.
Correction
In observed cases, the Tech 2(R) is not fast enough to consistently detect this condition during a snapshot. It is recommended to use a DVOM set to the min/max recording mode. Connect the DVOM at the TPS connector (positive lead to TPS feedback signal pin and negative lead to TPS ground pin). Duplicate this condition by driving the vehicle. If the voltage dropout (less than 0.45 v) is recorded on the DVOM, replace the TPS sensor and re-evaluate the vehicle before continuing with other driveability or transmission diagnosis.
#23
BTW, I do have similar issues as well. I really mainly notice it if I am cruising along and I need to accelerate slightly(say going up a hill, not enough to kick out of OD or into 3rd, just like 100-400 RPM more). I can feel the engine kinda chugging(maybe thats too strong of a word, but very similar). If it is trans related, I'll just leave it alone. Hell, it already has 127,xxx miles on it, who knows how much longer it will actually last. I'm hoping to get a good 150,000 out of it.
#25
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, Illinois
It'* not the TPS, i swapped my spare in and the problem persists. Im also thinking it'* almost like the torque converter isn't disengaging unless i give it alot of throttle. If i just lightly try to accelerate it chugs and then surges and goes fine. I'm about to change the fuel filter and check my pressure at the rail, and then when i put the 3.4" pulley on ill change plugs then so i think that will rule out alot of things. The car is great for city driving but it'* kind of a pain on the highway.
#26
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, Illinois
I think i may have more ideas on this to toss out. It seems like the torque converter engages when it really shouldn't, to soon, and then has a problem with disengaging. So it engages too soon then requires a pretty good amount of throttle to disengage then the power surges once it disengages. Would the torque converter not disengaging when i try to accelerate cause this chugging sound? I read around about a torque converter clutch solenoid and it sounds like it takes information from the wheel speed sensors among other things to decide when to engage the TC. I've been getting a service stability system notification for some time now and have been told that that can be due to the WSS among a list of other things. Am i losing it or is this a possible scenario? How do i check the wheel speed sensors?
#27
First - when you checked your battery cables, did it include the bolt and threads holding the grounding strap from the battery to the floor pan? You can also try a can of Seafoam TransTune and see if that frees things up. It will often free a sticking PCS, at least temporarily.
#30
Did a bit more testing-
Only happens while in OD (torque convertor is locked up). Once the torque convertor is unlocked, or the tranny completely downshifts, doesn't happen.
Definately a Torque Convertor issue. I'll live with it.
Only happens while in OD (torque convertor is locked up). Once the torque convertor is unlocked, or the tranny completely downshifts, doesn't happen.
Definately a Torque Convertor issue. I'll live with it.