I'm having a problem with poor acceleration?

Tiny
BIG_DADDY72113
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
I'm having a problem with poor acceleration. The vehicle seems to "stumble" during low speed take off. Runs fine at highway speed and mileage is ok. If I step into it, it takes off ok. I haven't changed anything yet. I run a washable oil filter which should be fairly clean. Also, synthetic oil. Should I try the fuel filter? Plug are not due yet.
Saturday, January 19th, 2008 AT 10:13 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
Yes, try a new fuel filter. Also try running two large bottles of techron fuel system cleaner through. Chevron makes this cleaner and it works best. Check or replace the air filter also. Always start with the small things first--like you are doing. Do not change the plugs until there are due, however take them out and check the gap on them. Make sure the gap isn't too big. Anything bigger than.040 should be adjusted. When you do decide to replace these plugs DO NOT use another type of plug other than A/C Delco. If you change the wires use A/C Delco also. I know these parts are more expensive, but from my experience they are the best to use in these high voltage ignition systems.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 21st, 2008 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
BIG_DADDY72113
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've read that the lifetime air filters like K&N can be a problem. It seems that the oil mist from the filter can get the Mass air flow sensor wires dirty.
Also, could the throttle position sensor be faulty causing this condition.
I will try the other things you suggested first.
Thanks,
Dave
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, January 21st, 2008 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
A K&N air filter will definitely cause the problem you have. In your question you said you run a washable oil filter. I assume now that you mean it's an air filter that requires oil like a K&N. Get rid of this air filter. Your MAF sensor must be cleaned also, as a result of running such an air filter. Carefully take the MAF sensor out and gently spray some CRC electrical contact cleaner or some brake cleaner on it. Be careful, this sensor it sensitive. Do this first and see if this cures the problem. K&N air filters should only be used in engines that do not have a MAF sensor. The oil gets on them and they cause all kinds of problems. To check your TPS sensor you need a voltage tester. With the key on--engine off--back probe the blue wire with the positive lead and connect the negative lead to a good engine ground. Slowly open the throttle body to wide open and observe the voltage. It should go from around.04 volts closed- to around 4 volts at wide open. It should do this smoothly. If not change it. Keep me posted.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 21st, 2008 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
GMCW5500
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Does this person know for a fact that K&N oil is getting on the MAF? Have they had the sensor tested to find K&N oil on it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 2nd, 2024 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
Yes, K&N oil can get onto the MAF sensor which will cause a misreading.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 AT 10:21 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links