back with a problem

ok, here's the sitch. I was sitting in traffic for 3 hours on Friday (gotta love LA) and after a few hours of sitting there, I tried to speed up - 1st gear, totally cool, 2nd gear totally bogged down and jerked hi rpm -lo rpm - hi - low. Then it was ok. So this morning (after letting it sit for the weekend) and the ride was very jerky and it would not accelerate, I lost all speed going up an incline and if I put the pedal to the floor, it wouodn't move. The SES light did not come on, I checked the codes, it is not flashing any. Fluids are good. The alternator belt is cracked, but I wouldn't think that was the problem (though I do plan on replacing that immediately). So what's the opinion?

check your tranny fluid, for both level and color/smell. other than that, it might take a road test with a tech I plugged in to watch the sensor data and look for something out of the ordinary.

Are you one of those valley girl types? I caught "totally" a few times. Nothing personal;)

I'd start with checking the fuel pressure, maybe a clogged filter/failing pump. If that's ok, then rule out a plugged cat, bad ignition module...

i dont know if id call grease a vally girl.........

i dont know if id call grease a vally girl.........
thanks for backing me up on that..... :lol: I am absolutely not a valley girl :nono: although I did say totally twice within the period of six words :wink:

I am going to be checking everything today. My brother said it might be fuel also. I REALLY hope it's not the pump, I absolutely don't have the $$ or the means to fix it myself :disappoin thanks guys :smooch:

I am going to be checking everything today. My brother said it might be fuel also. I REALLY hope it's not the pump, I absolutely don't have the $$ or the means to fix it myself :disappoin thanks guys :smooch:
Check the trans fluid mentioned above (doubtful it would cause bucking). Then check the fuel pressure. Not just at idle (if idle looks good), tape the FP gauge to the windshield so you can see it as you drive. If it takes a nose dive while driving you cn start by replacing the filter and see if that fixes it...if not and idle pressure was no good. Get some clamps to pinch off the fuel hoses (vice grips with the jaws wrapped in tape will do). Pinch off the return line and turn the key on and watch the pressure...is it good? If not you have a bad pump.
No special tools are needed to change the pump, just a day, a friend/helper, jack & stands. The pumps cost less than $50 at most parts stores.

now is the fp gauge already in the car, or do I have to purchase that? I know, it sounds like a dumb question, but I am learning as I go ;)

now is the fp gauge already in the car, or do I have to purchase that? I know, it sounds like a dumb question, but I am learning as I go ;)

hey grease. i was just funnin' with you.

Unless someone installed an aftermarket f/p gauge, you won't have one in your car. You'll need to borrow or buy one. Keep in mind that the type of f/p test gauge you get will depend on whether you car has TBI or TPI, the connections are different.

You want a gauge with a hose long enough that you can tape the gauge to the windshield so you can observe it while driving.

And if you need a step by step on pump replacement can do that too...I've done several of the in tank pumps.

Sounds like your throttle position sensor, thats what my problem was, car got kinda hot to the point that the fans came on, tried to step on the gas and the Maro would move slowly up.. very ghey..

About RPMs ICM, yes thats my solution to everything that has to do with RPMs and im sticking to it, also STP. :lol:

Sounds like your throttle position sensor, thats what my problem was, car got kinda hot to the point that the fans came on, tried to step on the gas and the Maro would move slowly up.. very ghey..

About RPMs ICM, yes thats my solution to everything that has to do with RPMs and im sticking to it, also STP. :lol:

would the throttle position sensor come up in the codes? I just replaced the ICM about a year ago, so I don't think it's that....
I replaced the fuel filter last night, and, although it was clogged, it was not the problem. I checked the tranny fluid, clear and full. I didn't get a chance to check the spark plugs because it got dark, so I still have to do that, but I really don't think that's the problem either.

would the throttle position sensor come up in the codes? Not always.

Not always.

so is there a way for me to check it before replacing it, or do I just replace it and see if that was the problem?
One other thing - my oil pressure is low even though the oil is full.

so is there a way for me to check it before replacing it, or do I just replace it and see if that was the problem?
One other thing - my oil pressure is low even though the oil is full.

advance auto, autozone can test it, but you have to take it off.

The TPS if I remember correctly didnt cost alot..I think around 15 bucks or so.. but hey do put some good STP in your car if you havent lately like RX7 or something like that which I heard is really good, I might be wrong but doesnt hurt because my bro's Lancer started jerking around a bit when we were in Vegas because of all the gas we have been putting in and different formulas because of elevation.

you mean like injector cleaner?

Yeah that's what STP is, helps out a bunch, which reminds me I gotta use some next time I fill up.

if you can, use BG 44k.

also, did this problem just appear out of nowhere. or have you noticed it maybe slowly creaping up on you??

well, I did notice the toneof the engine had changed, but the other stuff just kind of sprung up on me. Or maybe I have been too busy to notice (life has been hectic on this end). But the thing about no power is a complete suprise.

so is there a way for me to check it before replacing it, or do I just replace it and see if that was the problem?
One other thing - my oil pressure is low even though the oil is full.

umm, does the oil pressure fluctuate (dramaticly) during the "bogging" accompanied by a tap or knock?

no tapping or knocking. It doesn't fluctuate dramatically. It starts out at a little under 60 and ends at under 30.

oh, ok then, I had an idea but since the oil pressure does not change in conjunction, the 2 issues are probably unrelated.

my mission in the next couple of days is to check the plugs and wires and check/replace the throttle position sensor (the car is getting hot easily, so that sounds kinda familiar).

my mission in the next couple of days is to check the plugs and wires and check/replace the throttle position sensor (the car is getting hot easily, so that sounds kinda familiar).
I seriously doubt those have anything to do with it heating up.
Instead, take the radiator loose and tilt it back so you can see between it and the A/C condensor...I bet there is a load of crap between the 2, clean it all out.

new development in the car issue.....
When I try to accellarate, it doesn't want to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, and when I lay it down, there is a rattling noise. It smells really strongly of exhaust. my step father says it sounds like the cat. what do you all think?

Possible.

well, it was the cat. I took it to Midas and they took it off and it's insides were shattered. Sooooo, 200.00 later, my car is itsself again. :) thanks for the advice, gentlemen.

cool beans.