'97 PA Hesitation When Cold and Delayed Shift

[tidmack]

Great wealth of knowledge here, I'm glad I stumbled across this site!

I'm having an issue with my '97 Park (non Ultra). When cold only, there is a very noticeable hesitation from take off. It lasts about 5-6 seconds and then immediately smooths out and then is fine.

In addition, I've also noticed that under 3/4 to WOT when warm, the car has what can only be described as a delayed shift/hesitation. As the RPMs rise, there is a hesitation and then a shift. Very hard to describe, sorry.

Car idles, runs, and shifts VERY smootly otherwise. Mileage is still consistently 30-31 on the hwy, 22-23 around town. I have replaced the fuel filter, tried injector cleaner for last two tanks, and car has new plugs/wires.

No engine light and codes were clear when I read them.

No codes and no noticeable miss kind of makes me think it's fuel related, but I'm not sure. Any help is greatly appreciated. My only thoughts are fuel pressure regulator or injectors. . .Thanks

Jeff

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. I would change fuel brand as an experiment. Second, you may want to have it scanned and look at the tps for problems, a lazy o2 sensor and possible pending trans codes, hard to discriminate a trans shift issue vs an engine performance problem. Remember only a trans function scanner can pick out pending or existing issues with electical/solenoid/slippage errors. Also make sure the coolant temp and intake air temp are pretty close to each other and the actual air temp when the engine is dead cold. Look at the barometric pressure the pcm sees and make sure it compares to your area.

[tidmack]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll go ahead and have the tranny scanned. I'm a Shell guy, but I'll also try switching fuels to see if that helps too! I'll be in touch.

Jeff

[tidmack]

Did some more reading here last night and thought cleaning the MAF sensor would be an inexpensive test to try too. A Q-tip and a drop of alcohol later and my car runs perfectly! Ran her for about 30 miles and it's like the trailer has been unhooked! Chalk another one up to a MAF sensor. . .they're pesky.

Jeff