Hesitation while accelerating.

Ok, new member, old car (well relatively old, it's only a 1996). It has 98,000 miles on the original 2.2L with automatic transmission.

Here's the problem: As you're driving down the road, the car will sometimes start to hesitate and lurch. I can floor the gas pedal when this happens and the car will hesitate for a 2nd or two, then lurch foward, then hesitate again. I can also modulate gas pedal pressure with no better effects. It sometimes goes away after stopping momentarily, but other times it takes awhile.

Here's the catch: This is a very inconsistent occurence - it's maybe happened around 6-7 times in the last 6 months. I originally chalked it up to bad gas quality, but usually use name brand gas. I don't think it's transmission-related or plugs or wires, as you'd think you'd have the problem all the time. Regardless, I did change the plugs with OEM-replacements (found one electrode cracked). Still experience the problem. I did not change the wires.

One additional item: Just yesterday, the check engine light came on and stayed lit. Took the car in today and the mechanic says the car is in a lean condition. Could the problems be related? He tried a new fuel filter, but the condition remained.

I don't want to throw money at this car, so does anyone have any ideas before I tell the mechanic to change the fuel pump, regulator, fuel injectors, plug wires, MAP sensor, etc., etc., etc., $$$$. Should a mechanic with code access be able to diagnose exactly what is causing a specific condition?

Sorry about the length - thanks for the help.

Ok, new member, old car (well relatively old, it's only a 1996). It has 98,000 miles on the original 2.2L with automatic transmission.

Here's the problem: As you're driving down the road, the car will sometimes start to hesitate and lurch. I can floor the gas pedal when this happens and the car will hesitate for a 2nd or two, then lurch foward, then hesitate again. I can also modulate gas pedal pressure with no better effects. It sometimes goes away after stopping momentarily, but other times it takes awhile.

Here's the catch: This is a very inconsistent occurence - it's maybe happened around 6-7 times in the last 6 months. I originally chalked it up to bad gas quality, but usually use name brand gas. I don't think it's transmission-related or plugs or wires, as you'd think you'd have the problem all the time. Regardless, I did change the plugs with OEM-replacements (found one electrode cracked). Still experience the problem. I did not change the wires.

One additional item: Just yesterday, the check engine light came on and stayed lit. Took the car in today and the mechanic says the car is in a lean condition. Could the problems be related? He tried a new fuel filter, but the condition remained.

I don't want to throw money at this car, so does anyone have any ideas before I tell the mechanic to change the fuel pump, regulator, fuel injectors, plug wires, MAP sensor, etc., etc., etc., $$$$. Should a mechanic with code access be able to diagnose exactly what is causing a specific condition?

Sorry about the length - thanks for the help.

The light is probably due to a the O2 sensor. You sound like you are suffering from fuel starvation. I'd have the fuel filter replaced (only cheap) and then I'd run some injector cleaner though it for a couple tanks. Should get you going again!

I had a similiar prob while using the 94. Had a mech check the coil paks and he mentioned some paks suffered from very small cracks that allowed moisture to enter and divert the spark from the wire. Showed me a few dead ones and close inspection showed some pretty small fissures. also this sounds like a long shot; but your tale reminded me of a friend's lean condition prob. Apparently, after having the car worked on, the mech had disconnected the air intake plumbing and started the car. He'd left a wipe rag near the open end and the rag was sucked into the plumbing. Course this created a mean-lean condition, and after replacing numerous components, the problem still returned. I had him take the car to a friend, and right off he removed the plumbing, and hooked out the rag. The car ran fine thereafter.
A long shot, yeah; but do you know where your rags are sleeping? lol

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