2003 Lesabre rough idle and studder on hills
My 2003 Lesabre has rough idle and studder on hills. This is what I have done so far.
At first I got a SES, had code read at Autozone - Miss fire #5 cylinder.
So,
- Did wire and plug change - same issue, SES light now out
- Cleaned MAF, replace PCV and MAP sensor - same issue
- Cleaned fuel injectors and replaced fuel pressure regulator - same issue
- Replaced forward O2 sensor - same issue
- Pulled each ign. coil cleaned ICM post, checked Ohm at ICM plugs .5 and posts 5.5 on each (good) - same issue
I am out of ideas especially with no SES displaying. Seems to happen with engine hot and pulling a load up a hill but also rough idle.
Up next replace ICM, TPS, IAC
At first I got a SES, had code read at Autozone - Miss fire #5 cylinder.
So,
- Did wire and plug change - same issue, SES light now out
- Cleaned MAF, replace PCV and MAP sensor - same issue
- Cleaned fuel injectors and replaced fuel pressure regulator - same issue
- Replaced forward O2 sensor - same issue
- Pulled each ign. coil cleaned ICM post, checked Ohm at ICM plugs .5 and posts 5.5 on each (good) - same issue
I am out of ideas especially with no SES displaying. Seems to happen with engine hot and pulling a load up a hill but also rough idle.
Up next replace ICM, TPS, IAC
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 172
From: Northern California







Are you loosing coolant? That engine is famous for ingesting coolant at the upper and lower intake manifolds. Cylinder 5 is right next to a coolant port as well.
My 2003 Lesabre has rough idle and studder on hills. This is what I have done so far.
At first I got a SES, had code read at Autozone - Miss fire #5 cylinder.
So,
- Did wire and plug change - same issue, SES light now out
- Cleaned MAF, replace PCV and MAP sensor - same issue
- Cleaned fuel injectors and replaced fuel pressure regulator - same issue
- Replaced forward O2 sensor - same issue
- Pulled each ign. coil cleaned ICM post, checked Ohm at ICM plugs .5 and posts 5.5 on each (good) - same issue
I am out of ideas especially with no SES displaying. Seems to happen with engine hot and pulling a load up a hill but also rough idle.
Up next replace ICM, TPS, IAC
At first I got a SES, had code read at Autozone - Miss fire #5 cylinder.
So,
- Did wire and plug change - same issue, SES light now out
- Cleaned MAF, replace PCV and MAP sensor - same issue
- Cleaned fuel injectors and replaced fuel pressure regulator - same issue
- Replaced forward O2 sensor - same issue
- Pulled each ign. coil cleaned ICM post, checked Ohm at ICM plugs .5 and posts 5.5 on each (good) - same issue
I am out of ideas especially with no SES displaying. Seems to happen with engine hot and pulling a load up a hill but also rough idle.
Up next replace ICM, TPS, IAC
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 172
From: Northern California







I would do a coolant pressure test and take a hard look at the lower intake gaskets.
You might also have a vacuum leak somewhere causing a lean missfire which also can be caused by the lower intake gaskets. They were a crappy plastic design from the factory. The gasket has since been updated with a aluminum gasket.
You might also have a vacuum leak somewhere causing a lean missfire which also can be caused by the lower intake gaskets. They were a crappy plastic design from the factory. The gasket has since been updated with a aluminum gasket.
If I remember right, by 2003, wasn't the redesigned upper plenum, with a larger EGR hole used?
Plus, he says he is not losing coolant.....
Certainly sounds like a misfire.....he changed plugs and wires(OEM?), but did he check spark output for each coil terminal?
He should drive the vehicle on the highway, at 55 mph, up a slight grade....then, SLOWLY accelerate(to keep the TCC engaged).....if this can induce a misfire, then it'* generally secondary ignition......
Plus, he says he is not losing coolant.....
Certainly sounds like a misfire.....he changed plugs and wires(OEM?), but did he check spark output for each coil terminal?
He should drive the vehicle on the highway, at 55 mph, up a slight grade....then, SLOWLY accelerate(to keep the TCC engaged).....if this can induce a misfire, then it'* generally secondary ignition......





