SO lately, when ive started my car, it will idle normally until i press the gas pedal, at which point it starts to chug and struggle to stay running, even to the point of not actually doing anything when i hit the gas, it just goes on chugging around idle rpm even with the pedal floored until it 'catches' and shoots back up. This is not helped at all when i try to back it out of a parking stall or move forward, in fact it doesnt even seem to change anything, it just wont move lol. Itll do this for a good couple minutes, and shutting the car off and starting it again works occaisionally, as does letting the car sit in 'on' without actually starting it for a few seconds.
My first thought was the fuel pump, and im wondering if this would be ruled out bt the fact that once it is goin, it has no issues running all the way to 6500 rpm under load. My other thought was a nasty fuel filter, since i cant remember the last time it was changed, and it would make sense that the fuel would struggle to get through initially, but then once its worked it in a bit it goes fine.
Feel free to shoot down my logic with a real explanation, but im just curious to what this may be so i can start to look for solutions.
ps: its a 98 2.4L with 237000 km on it, never replaced th fuel pump
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:10 AM
Changing fuel filter won´t hurt also spark plugs I would start that way and cleaning the IAC valve and throtle body with a good cleaner spray safe for sensors.
So i just read that a fuel filter should be changed once every 30k, ive had the car for 70k and havent once changed it... would it make sense that its causing this? i havent had a chance to get anything done on it, this is just for discussions sake while i get some cash together
Based on your statement that leaving the key in the on position for a few minutes solves the problem, it sounds like your fuel system is loosing its prime. Aka- you either have a leak in the fuel lines somewhere, or yes, you do in fact have a bad fuel pump
