Fluctuating RPMs while driving?

Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,500 MILES
While driving, specifically cruising, the RPMs do not hold steady. It will fluctuate a couple hundred RPMs. There is an occasional shudder, especially at high gear/low RPMs. I have noticed that while dynamic fuel management has some cylinders turned off that the RPMs become steady. The shudder is also likely to happen when driving up a hill.
Saturday, November 25th, 2023 AT 1:25 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
An engine misfire will cause this issue as well as a throttle bore that needs service, if you have not installed new spark plugs and wires, I would do that first. I have also seen ignition coils go out as well, but I would definitely do the tune up first. Also, do you have a check engine light on? if so, please follow this guide:

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

Here is another guide to help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

and of course, please read before attempting.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
and
https://youtu.be/N2nC4V9DrdQ?si=_f5NSb5lIfgCcB_Z

You won't need to reset the throttle body if you leave the wires connected.

The recommended spark plugs are typically iridium spark plugs,
ACDELCO 41168 (GM Original Equipment; Iridium)

Here is how the job is done on your vehicle and specs as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, November 26th, 2023 AT 1:04 PM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No check engine light. I changed my spark plugs and wires after submitting this question. The issue still exists, though the truck does seem more responsive. I will follow the guides and update further.
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Monday, November 27th, 2023 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Also, when the engine is idling does it sound okay, no ticking? I have seen the cylinder deactivation system take out lifters due to the lack of oiling. Even though there is no check engine light you still may have a code pending, so we should run the codes anyway.

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I cleaned the throttle body and found instructions for the reset. RPMs still fluctuate while driving. Idles at about 500 RPMs. It does sound fine idling. I only hear my serpentine belt squeaking a little. I have noticed that the auto stop/start never stops the engine like it used to. I haven't heard any ticking other than when I had my wife rev the engine to 2,000 RPMs and hold it there after I finished with the throttle body. I used an OBD2 code scanner, and it didn't show any codes. Showed something with the emissions control but didn't offer a code.
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Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,602 POSTS
That could be a clue, what did it say about the emissions system? In the meantime, lets remove the EVAP system purge solenoid valve to see if you can blow through it, if so, the valve is bad and causing the engine to ingest fuel vapors which can cause the problem you are having, here is the location of the valve so you can check it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Monday, December 4th, 2023 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It just says two or more of your emission control monitors have not completed their test or that there could be a DTC pending. I have removed the EVAP system purge solenoid, and I could not blow through it.
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Saturday, December 9th, 2023 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,602 POSTS
The valve is probably okay, we will need the code number to see if it is a circuit high, low or open code.
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Monday, December 11th, 2023 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I haven't had the codes read yet but I have ran some monitor test and I have a Oxygen Sensor Monitor - Bank 1 Sensor 2 showing a high value and a Fuel System Monitor Bank 2 showing a low value (both were taken from ignition on, engine off), as well as a Catalyst Monitor Bank 2 with a high value (engine on). Also, could it be the throttle position sensor going bad? Watching live powertrain data while idle and driving shows fluctuations.
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Friday, December 22nd, 2023 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You could have a leaky fuel injector or one for the cylinder activation lifters is going bad, when at idle can you hear a slight ticking sound? It might be worth it to do a compression test and at the same time we can inspect the spark plugs for discoloration.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

The codes should help us let me know when you can supply them. Have a good holiday season. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I had my vehicle checked. No codes. Emission status is green. I don't hear ticking while idling and I changed all spark plugs and wires about a month ago.
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Friday, December 29th, 2023 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have seen a MAF sensor hot wire get dirty and cause this kind of problem without showing a code. Unfortunately, there is no way to test the sensor except to compare it to a new sensor which is why the dealership mechanics have one in their toolbox just for this reason. Here is the sensor location so you can check it out. Also please make sure there are no leaks between the sensor and the throttle body. Also, do you have any exhaust leaks? Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2023 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JAMESSURFACE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
MAF was the first thing I checked and cleaned. It has a brand new air duct from the filter box to the throttle body so there shouldn't be any leaks.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2023 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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How was it checked? Did you use a scanner to see the grams per second flow rate and how it compared to a new sensor? Like I say cleaning will not help it once it is too far gone. If you get it from Amazon, you can send it back if it doesn't help.
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Sunday, December 31st, 2023 AT 1:29 PM

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