Sluggish Drive, Gas Hog & Grinding?

[CyberFyber]

Hello all,

My car's a Suzuki, 95 Sidekick.

It's done pretty well with some adjustments/work done over the past year. But here's my latest problem:

It's been pretty sluggish going up hills and speeding up along the road with a minor grinding feel to it when picking up speed.

Also, it's been a huge Gas Hog with my refilling every Friday and hardly driving it enough to substantiate all that refilling.

Any ideas? I'm taking it in to the shop today but thought to see what consensus there might be here if any regarding these problems.

Note: I'd spent half of winter bedridden due to a hospital stay and found this all to be taking place shortly after I finally began driving again (about a month ago?). Of course everything was quite fine before I went into the hospital.

Any thoughts would be quite welcomed.

[Igovert500]

Well just the obvious...have you checked to make sure nothing is rubbing against the wheels/rotors that would cause all the problems you mentioned.

Also other things that could effect gas mileage:
1) plugs
2) air and fuel filters
3) tire pressure
4) changed driving habits

You might just need a tuneup.

Also the grinding...any chance you have an idea roughly where it is coming from...engine/tranny/wheels?

[SnoopisTDI]

If the vehicle sat for an extended period, it's possible the fuel is bad, and has now plugged the fuel filter. It's also common for mice or other rodents to build a nest in the intake, or chew away at wires for sensors or ignition components.

Another thought, was the parking brake set? Maybe it's stuck, or possibly the brakes just built up some rust or are dragging somehow.

[CyberFyber]

Thanks folks for the replies. Yah, as I said, I'd taken it in someplace. 'and they did a tune up, changed the air filter, oil change amongst other things.

OH Yeah, ugggghhhhhh

They originally wanted to replace the fuel filter but the fella told me that the thing-a-maJig that holds the filter (or something like that) was totally rusted and ready to break if anyone tries to play with it.

So if after a week of driving, if I notice the gas consumption is still high then of course I'll take it to yet another place, since these folks are now on my sh*t list for others reasons I'd rather not get into.

[Ridenour]

It sounds like you could have a leaking injector(s). An injector / fuel system purge or injector replacement should solve the problem if that's it. If you take it to an auto-diagnosis place, they should be able to confirm it.

[CyberFyber]

Hmmmm, thanks Ridenour,

'just read up quickly on your suggestion and yeah, the symptoms of a faulty Fuel Injector sounds right on target. Of course with my luck these days, it could be something else as well.

Anyhow, I'll definitely take it someplace to be checked.