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2002 Chevrolet Impala Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Check engine light, Spark.
Mileage: 60,000 miles.

Asked on July 20, 2012

2002 impala hesitates going up hill in hot weather

I noticed on a hot day turning a corner that if I push down on the accelerator too hard that the car hesitates/lurches. I thought that it might be the transmission, but in cold weather or when the engine is running in cool weather i can stomp on it and it does not happen. When I leave the trans in 3rd, it still does it. The car is well maintained. What are the easy fixes that I should try first before taking it to the mechanic?
Thanks in advance!

Avatar Asked by Henrys

Answer

Replied on July 20, 2012

See if it gets worse with the ac on if the ac works?Also have you checked for codes in the computer?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,177 answers provided
Replied on July 20, 2012

Yes the air cond. works very well and the hesitation happens if it is on or off. The check engine light has not turned on. Any way to check codes without a handheld reader?

Tiny Response from Henrys
1 question asked
Replied on July 20, 2012

I was asking if it was worse with the ac on?Also no way to check codes on that car without atleast a code reader.Amazon has the basic one for like 20 and you can get one that reads some live data for 50 something on amazon.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,177 answers provided

Replied on July 21, 2012

It is worse with the air on. Will I get codes without the check engine light in?

Tiny Response from Henrys
1 question asked
Replied on July 21, 2012

You can still have codes without a check engine light.If its worse with the ac on it could be spark plug wires spark plugs etc.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,177 answers provided
Replied on July 22, 2012

I also noticed that at times, when i step on it that there is a sound like a tuning harp that comes from what sounds like behind the radio. Vacuum leak. Think its related?

Tiny Response from Henrys
1 question asked

Replied on July 23, 2012

Could be a vacuum leak but really dont think its related.So is it worse with the ac on?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,177 answers provided
Replied on July 23, 2012

Yes, it is worse with ac on.

Tiny Response from Henrys
1 question asked
Replied on July 24, 2012

Sounds like it could be the ignition system have you checked the plugs and wires?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,177 answers provided
Replied on July 24, 2012

I looked under the hood and did not see any sparks jumping. Any other easy way to check?

Tiny Response from Henrys
1 question asked