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2002 Impala hesitates going up hill in hot weather

Tiny
HENRYS
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 60,000 MILES
I noticed on a hot day turning a corner that if I push down on the accelerator too hard that the car hesitates/lurches. I thought that it might be the transmission, but in cold weather or when the engine is running in cool weather I can stomp on it and it does not happen. When I leave the trans in 3rd, it still does it. The car is well maintained. What are the easy fixes that I should try first before taking it to the mechanic?
Thanks in advance!
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Friday, July 20th, 2012 AT 12:26 AM

37 Replies

Tiny
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See if it gets worse with the ac on if the ac works?Also have you checked for codes in the computer?
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Friday, July 20th, 2012 AT 2:28 AM
Tiny
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Yes the air cond. Works very well and the hesitation happens if it is on or off. The check engine light has not turned on. Any way to check codes without a handheld reader?
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Friday, July 20th, 2012 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
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I was asking if it was worse with the ac on?Also no way to check codes on that car without atleast a code reader. Amazon has the basic one for like 20 and you can get one that reads some live data for 50 something on amazon.
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Friday, July 20th, 2012 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
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It is worse with the air on. Will I get codes without the check engine light in?
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Saturday, July 21st, 2012 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
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You can still have codes without a check engine light. If its worse with the ac on it could be spark plug wires spark plugs etc.
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Saturday, July 21st, 2012 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
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I also noticed that at times, when I step on it that there is a sound like a tuning harp that comes from what sounds like behind the radio. Vacuum leak. Think its related?
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Sunday, July 22nd, 2012 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
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Could be a vacuum leak but really dont think its related. So is it worse with the ac on?
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Monday, July 23rd, 2012 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
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Yes, it is worse with ac on.
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Monday, July 23rd, 2012 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
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Sounds like it could be the ignition system have you checked the plugs and wires?
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 AT 1:26 AM
Tiny
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I looked under the hood and did not see any sparks jumping. Any other easy way to check?
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
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Would a failing spark plug cause this?
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
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A bad plug could cause it but more likely a bad wire. You can check wires with a multimeter but its not a perfect test. Hard to test it when there hot and under load with the ignition.A lab scope can test wires.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2012 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
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Even today at 60 degrees, it started doing it with out the air conditioning on. Why is it so intermittent?
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2012 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
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I have seen sensors spark plugs wires etc be very intermintant. Do you have a multimeter to do some testing?
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
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I do. What I looking for?
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
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Measure the spark plug wires resistance when its hot and acting up they should be similar resistance with the similar length wires. See if any of the wires really stand out compared to the others. Also you can get some water mixed with a little salt and spray the wires at night with it idling and the engine nice and hot.
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
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I noticed today that it was chugging. Almost like full power, then none( or reduced). Took it to Advance and there were no codes when checked.
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 11:09 PM
Tiny
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Check the fuel pressure when its acting up also check what I suggested.
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
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I guess starting with a new fuel filter would be a good start?
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 11:38 PM
Tiny
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You can try that pop it off and see if its clogged or restricted?Usually a filter doesnt solve those kind of issues unless its totally clogged.
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Friday, July 27th, 2012 AT 11:45 PM

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