2002 Chevy Impala hesitation on engine while driving

Tiny
GTURN77
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,000 MILES
Harmonic balancer was wobbling was told it need to be replaced-replaced immediately- after harmonic balancer being replaced the engine seemed to be hesitating (didnt have this problem prior to harmonic balancer being replaced)to get up to speed the mechanic told me the intake manifold gaskets or valves were leaking-could this be causing the hesitation
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 11:51 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Well, yes an intake could cause the problem, but it doesn't make sence that it started as soon as the harmonic balancer was replaced. The two are not related. Regardless, is the check engine light on? Also, check the crank sensor to make sure they replaced it correctly and securely.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
GTURN77
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No check engine light-everything else on the car is ok but that hesitation-Is it a timing issue?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
The crank sensor could cause a timing issue if it damaged, loose. Take a look at it to make sure it's not damaged. Also, it's located on the timing chain cover near the harmonic balancer.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
GTURN77
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No other problems with the car-just took it back to where the harmonic balancer was replaced and the mechanic claims the trans is having trouble shifting from 1st to 2nd gear possibly a solenoid valve and I should have a transmission flush-I have already had one in the last couple months-Would the crank sensor cause this kind of problem-thanks for all your help
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
The two are not related.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
POOPOOPOOROO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Any answer to this? I have exact same issue on 99 malibu. Changed harmonic balancer and now there is a new hesitation, usually at cruising speeds with light acceleration.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, February 17th, 2012 AT 8:02 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Hesitate Content

Vacuum Leak Test and Repair
VIDEO
Vacuum Leak Test and Repair
Instructional repair video
Hesitation
GUIDE
Hesitation
An engine hesitation is an interruption of continuous power during acceleration. When a engine is hesitating it will cause the car to lunge or surge which will cause a...
VIEW MORE