Pontiac TRANS AM 1977 Service Manual page 534

6-4
1977 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
SYMPTOM DEFINITION
A. Dieseling
B. Detonation
C. Stalls
C. Rough Idle
D. Miss
E. Hesitates
F. Surges
G. Sluggish
G. Spongy
H. Poor Gas Mileage
I. Cuts Out
J. Hard Start
-
Cold
K. Hard Start
-
Hot
Engine continues to run after the switch is
turned off. It runs unevenly and makes
knocking noises.
A mild to severe ping, usually worse under
acceleration. The engine makes sharp
metallic knocks that change with throttle
opening. Sounds like pop corn popping.
The engine quits running. It may be at idle
or while driving.
The engine runs unevenly at idle. If bad
enough, it may make the car shake.
Steady pulsation or jerking that follows
engine speed, usually more pronounced as
engine load increases. Not nromally felt
above 1500 rpm or 30 mph. The exhaust has
a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed.
Momentary lack of response as the accelerator
is depressed. Can occur at all car speeds.
Usually most severe when first trying to make
the car move, as from a stop sign. May
cause the engine to stall if severe enough.
Engine Power variation under steady throttle
or cruise. Feels like the car speeds up and
slows down with no change in the accelerator
pedal.
Engine delivers limited power under load or
at high speed. Won't accelerate as fast as
normal; loses too much speed going up hills,
or has less top speed than normal.
Less than the anticipated response to incresed
throttle opening. Little or no increase in
speed when the accelerator pedal is pushed
down a little to increase cruising speed.
Continuing to push the pedal down will
finally give an increase in speed.
Self describing.
Temporary complete loss of power. The engine
quits at sharp, irregular intervals. May
occur repeatedly, or intermittently. Usually
worse under heavy acceleration.
Self describing
Self Describing