2000 sportage running rough

[gr8pmpkn]

I have been having issues with my 2000 sportage for almost a year now. The check engine light is on and it idles rough. When I accelerate, the engine light flashes on and off and I have very little power. When I get to highway speed, it seems to run ok, but when I shift up or down, it sputters. There is also a burning smell and the occasional pop (backfire I guess). I went to autozone to have the codes checked. The computer is displaying 2 (P0303 Misfire detected - Cyls. 1-4. & P0326 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance - Bank 1 or Single Sensor). So far I have cleaned the IAC, changed out the sparkplugs, inspected the wires & mass air flow sensor (both look good), and replaced the fuel filter with no success. If anyone has any ideas of what I can try next I'd appreciate it. A dealership wants to charge me an arm and a leg just to change out everything and hope for the best.

[MeettheCreeper]

Originally Posted by gr8pmpkn

I have been having issues with my 2000 sportage for almost a year now. The check engine light is on and it idles rough. When I accelerate, the engine light flashes on and off and I have very little power. When I get to highway speed, it seems to run ok, but when I shift up or down, it sputters. There is also a burning smell and the occasional pop (backfire I guess). I went to autozone to have the codes checked. The computer is displaying 2 (P0303 Misfire detected - Cyls. 1-4. & P0326 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance - Bank 1 or Single Sensor). So far I have cleaned the IAC, changed out the sparkplugs, inspected the wires & mass air flow sensor (both look good), and replaced the fuel filter with no success. If anyone has any ideas of what I can try next I'd appreciate it. A dealership wants to charge me an arm and a leg just to change out everything and hope for the best.

Look closer at the wires and make sure that there is no carbon tracking on them. You may have a small spot of white on the wire were it is arching thru. At any rate I would change them anyways, they are inexpensive.

If you keep running the vehicle with a misfire you are going to damage the converters.

Thats where I would start.

You may also have a sticking injector but it is unlikely because it usually comes and goes.

[gr8pmpkn]

Thank you for the info. I will change out the wires and let you know if that helps.

Originally Posted by MeettheCreeper

Look closer at the wires and make sure that there is no carbon tracking on them. You may have a small spot of white on the wire were it is arching thru. At any rate I would change them anyways, they are inexpensive.

If you keep running the vehicle with a misfire you are going to damage the converters.

Thats where I would start.

You may also have a sticking injector but it is unlikely because it usually comes and goes.

[gr8pmpkn]

Thank you MTC! You were right, there was a white mark on one of the wires. I installed the new wires and my sportage now runs great. The check engine light is out, I have power back, and no more backfire. Pep boys is making a killing for those wires though. 52$ for 2 wires. Even the guy at the counter had to do a double take when he was ringing me up. Anyway, thank you again for helping me out. You saved me a #$#* ton of money!

Originally Posted by MeettheCreeper

Look closer at the wires and make sure that there is no carbon tracking on them. You may have a small spot of white on the wire were it is arching thru. At any rate I would change them anyways, they are inexpensive.

If you keep running the vehicle with a misfire you are going to damage the converters.

Thats where I would start.

You may also have a sticking injector but it is unlikely because it usually comes and goes.

[MeettheCreeper]

Originally Posted by gr8pmpkn

Thank you MTC! You were right, there was a white mark on one of the wires. I installed the new wires and my sportage now runs great. The check engine light is out, I have power back, and no more backfire. Pep boys is making a killing for those wires though. 52$ for 2 wires. Even the guy at the counter had to do a double take when he was ringing me up. Anyway, thank you again for helping me out. You saved me a #$#* ton of money!

Ouch thats a little pricey.

We sell them at 15 bucks a piece.

Never thought the dealer would be less than the aftermarket.

At least its running right for you. Anytime you need any help, let me know.