1993 Chevy Cheyenne Ignition hesitation

Tiny
BAYOUPARSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 197,000 MILES
When I get my truck up to 55 mph to 65 mph the ignition causes a hesitation as if for an instant the ignition was turned off. I won't do it at lower speeds.
Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 9:54 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi bayouparson,

Thank you for the donation.

We need to understand the problem better in order to assist in rectification and would like to ask a few questions. As we progress we might need to ask more questions.

When the problem happens, how long does it last?

Dos it happen each and every time it reaches the speed?

Does it happen if OD is turned OFF? Does it happen at a lower speed with OD OFF?

Any Check Engine Light showing?

Are you mechanically inclined and would be doing the rectification by yourself?
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 2:32 AM
Tiny
BAYOUPARSON
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I will try to answer all your questions. The length of the hesitation is only an instant, 1/2 second or so. It does not do it consistently. The check engine light is not on and it does it usually from 55 mph to 65 mph. There are occasions when it does so at lower speeds but then it seems like a fuel hesitation because it will cough at lower speeds. I am not sure what OD means, maybe Over Drive. The truck is an automatic trans. Yes I am mechanically inclined and would like to fix it myself if possible. That is why I am contacting you guys. Thanks for your reply.
Jerry R.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 7:55 AM
Tiny
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Hi Jerry,

Thank you for the answers.

Yes, OD mean the Overdrive. What I am trying to establish is if this is an engine or trans related problem.

If it is possible, I would like you to note the engine rpm at the speed it is hesitating. Turn the OD off and try to run vehicle at lower speed with engine rpm similar to with Od on. Note if problem arises.

For auto trans, engine hesitation usually are not felt as the torque converter is able to reduce the impact and if it is felt, the hesitation should be quite bad.

When the hesitation appears, does it occurs repeatedly while you maintain the speed range?
Does it happen only when you are accelerating or does it happen even while cruising, maintaining constant accelerator pressure?

How long has this problem been going on and what have you done before and after it has been noted?

When was the auto trans fluid last checked? How was its level and consition?

What is the engine type on your vehicle?
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
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The truck does not have an OD. The problem happens only when I am on a long stretch of road and the cruise control is on. The hesitation is very sudden and is very intermittent. The other day I traveled about 15 miles at 55 mph and it did not hesitate. Then it started again. It feels like the ignition switch was turned off for an instant and as I noted earlier, at low speeds the engine hesitates as if it is a fuel/carb problem. I appreciate you trying to help.
Jerry R.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 5:23 PM
Tiny
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P.S. The engine does not have a tachometer to measure the engine rpm. It happens at the speed of 55 mph and 65 mph. The hesitation does not seem to happen when I am accelerating or decelerating. It is usually when I level off and set the cruise. The problem has been going on for about 3 months and I have done nothing before it started and nothing after it started. I have done no mechanical work on the engine except change the oil. The trans fluid is checked regularly and is OK now although there was a time about 6 months when there was a leak but the leak stopped without me having to do anything.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
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Sorry you did not provide me with details of the engine type. There are many variations and the specific type helps.

Seems strange for the trans fluid to stop leaking by itself. Possibility could be due to overfilling where it flows out throught the overflow hose and now that level is down, it stops.

Does it happen only when the cruise is being set?
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
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I'm sorry for not getting you the info on the engine. When the reply page is separate from the inquiry page it is hard to go back and forth to answer all the questions answered. Please forgive me. The engine is a V6 and I think a 3.1 liter. The hesitation happens after setting the cruise. It will even do it when I don't set the cruise but only when I get to the 55 mph plus range. Hope this is enough info.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
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Sorry for getting back to you late. I was trying to source for additional info and seems to come to a dead end.

When replying to a post, if you scroll down slightly, you can review the topic and previous post.

From the symptoms described, it could be rpm related when throttle pressure is released.

I am not able to relate it to any possible cause as it does not happen at other speeds and you are not able to gauge the engine rpm at that instant.

Under such circumstances, the best option is to install diagnostic equipment and test drive to monitor the condition under which it happens, you might be able to note the malfunctioning condition and get an idea where tje problem is coming from.

When was the last time you checked the engine tuning components such as spark plugs, etc?

Since noticing the problem is it getting more frequent and and is it with increased intensity?
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for your info and help. You mentioned diagnostic equipment. Is there a place that you can secure such equipment without breaking the bank? I would love to do that and drive it to allow the equipment see what is happening. You have been very helpful and patient. Thank you.
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You are welcomed but I feel bad not being able to help you solve the problem yet. Thank you for being so understanding.

Even with physical vehicle it is not easy to diagnose and rectify some problems so diagnostic equipments are a neccesity nowadays.

Keep me posted of the outcome.

Thank you and have a nice day. It has been a pleasure corresponding with you.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 11:49 AM

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