Hesitation at low speeds

We need to start with running through this guide in order to start crossing things off the list.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

Clearly this is one of a few possible issues. However, I am going to suspect we have a vacuum leak of some sort or it will turn out to be a sensor issue like a throttle or air flow sensor.

Here is a video that helps with how to find vacuum leaks:

https://youtu.be/4ktw1X4W_-k

If you want to start with checking for codes, then that may save us a lot of time if we have something there even if the check engine light is not currently on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run through this info and let us know what you find with this.

Thanks

Hey Stan,

Just want to make sure you get the first response posted as it appears you had one prior. It looks like only the one about the mileage was posted. Let me know what you put in that one and we can go from there.

Thanks

Okay. If this only happens sometimes then the most likely issue is a sensor issue or PCM issue.

However, unfortunately we are going to have to test this as the issue is happening.

You can guess at it but if it were me, I would follow this guide and try cleaning the mass air flow sensor and see if it changes the issue or corrects it all together.

Clearly if it fixes it then we know what the cause was so you can leave it or replace it if you just want to replace it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

Below is the info from the manual on where this sensor is if you want to do this.

Please let us know what you find with this. Thanks

There are not many other things that would cause an intermittent hesitation but I just thought about this earlier today. Two other things to do are the PCV valve and the purge.

However, if you don't mind trying them one at a time that will prove out what it was?

I would suggest starting with changing the purge valve. This make the most sense as when the purge is supposed to be off, but if it is stuck on then it will continue to dump fuel vapor and cause the air fuel ratio to be incorrect.

I have seen this happen on many other engines but not to the point of it causing such a large hesitation as you are describing.

However, if it were me, I would change this out and then see if it happens again.

When you remove it and it looks like there is black/dark chalk on the inside then that is the charcoal in the canister that is breaking down due to fuel being in the canister. If so, you need to change the canister as well.

Please run through this and let us know what you find. Thanks