2003 Accent performance change
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 23
2003 Accent performance change
This sort of happened all of a sudden. Car has close to 200K on it but was running like a top. getting 40MPG with general use. Manual shift. All of a sudden I noticed a little skipping,needing to shift at times when I didn't used to have to,mileage down to 32MPG. I changed plugs, air cleaner & added some injector cleaner(yea I know).It's better but not perfect.Just looking for the normal chain of things to check/replace at the least cost. I'm profishent with electrical testing if I'm told what to check and what values. I guess I'll get a set of wires next. Should I consider injectors? Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 23
Just thinking aloud here.
I noticed this AM that it runs fine when I have the AC turned off. With it on it's slugish and sometimes farts.It was never this way before. Could the AC compressor be at fault? I hate a 25% drop in mileage.I know 32 is good but 40 was better.
I noticed this AM that it runs fine when I have the AC turned off. With it on it's slugish and sometimes farts.It was never this way before. Could the AC compressor be at fault? I hate a 25% drop in mileage.I know 32 is good but 40 was better.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 36
Hey Silvertones, I'm not an expert but am proficient in most minor repairs. I have an '02 Accent, manual transmission, with 197,000 miles on it. I average 39 mpg on the highway, 37 with the AC blasting.
Some things you could try (if you haven't already tried them):
- Change fuel filter. It should be under your back seat. It sounds daunting, but it's actually a pretty simple job. 4 bolts, remove the seat cusion, and snap a new one in. I think a new filter is $20-25.
- Try a couple tanks of ethanol-free gas. It's a little more expensive, but well worth it. I gained 2 mpg running it, and it seemed to help my engine run smoother. You can search the internet to find stations near you that sell it.
- Timing belt? Have you kept up with timing belt changes? Your engine is an interference engine, so you'll want to make sure you don't break a timing belt. Even if it doesn't break, older belts can sometimes jump a tooth and throw your timing off. Downside? It's pricey.
Again Silvertones, I'm NOT an expert, but these things have helped me. Love my Accent, it's been very cheap, reliable transportation for me.
Some things you could try (if you haven't already tried them):
- Change fuel filter. It should be under your back seat. It sounds daunting, but it's actually a pretty simple job. 4 bolts, remove the seat cusion, and snap a new one in. I think a new filter is $20-25.
- Try a couple tanks of ethanol-free gas. It's a little more expensive, but well worth it. I gained 2 mpg running it, and it seemed to help my engine run smoother. You can search the internet to find stations near you that sell it.
- Timing belt? Have you kept up with timing belt changes? Your engine is an interference engine, so you'll want to make sure you don't break a timing belt. Even if it doesn't break, older belts can sometimes jump a tooth and throw your timing off. Downside? It's pricey.
Again Silvertones, I'm NOT an expert, but these things have helped me. Love my Accent, it's been very cheap, reliable transportation for me.
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 23
I checked wire resistance and they are all a little lower then the values which should be OK.
Then checked the coils. One was at .7 which is right on the money. The other was .9 which is a little out of spec.
What do you think?
Then checked the coils. One was at .7 which is right on the money. The other was .9 which is a little out of spec.
What do you think?
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 23
Hey Silvertones, I'm not an expert but am proficient in most minor repairs. I have an '02 Accent, manual transmission, with 197,000 miles on it. I average 39 mpg on the highway, 37 with the AC blasting.
Some things you could try (if you haven't already tried them):
- Change fuel filter. It should be under your back seat. It sounds daunting, but it's actually a pretty simple job. 4 bolts, remove the seat cusion, and snap a new one in. I think a new filter is $20-25.
- Try a couple tanks of ethanol-free gas. It's a little more expensive, but well worth it. I gained 2 mpg running it, and it seemed to help my engine run smoother. You can search the internet to find stations near you that sell it.
- Timing belt? Have you kept up with timing belt changes? Your engine is an interference engine, so you'll want to make sure you don't break a timing belt. Even if it doesn't break, older belts can sometimes jump a tooth and throw your timing off. Downside? It's pricey.
Again Silvertones, I'm NOT an expert, but these things have helped me. Love my Accent, it's been very cheap, reliable transportation for me.
Some things you could try (if you haven't already tried them):
- Change fuel filter. It should be under your back seat. It sounds daunting, but it's actually a pretty simple job. 4 bolts, remove the seat cusion, and snap a new one in. I think a new filter is $20-25.
- Try a couple tanks of ethanol-free gas. It's a little more expensive, but well worth it. I gained 2 mpg running it, and it seemed to help my engine run smoother. You can search the internet to find stations near you that sell it.
- Timing belt? Have you kept up with timing belt changes? Your engine is an interference engine, so you'll want to make sure you don't break a timing belt. Even if it doesn't break, older belts can sometimes jump a tooth and throw your timing off. Downside? It's pricey.
Again Silvertones, I'm NOT an expert, but these things have helped me. Love my Accent, it's been very cheap, reliable transportation for me.
Thanks