I have a 2000 Accent, 1.5L(well its actually my moms) that has been neglected for too long. This spring I plan on bringing it back to health, but I need some help. For about the past year the engine light has been on, and we've just ignored it. I got it diagnosed and the trouble code read "running lean under load." Then, just a few months ago, whenever I started the car it would be barely running and trying to stall. I would pump the gas pedal and nothing would happen. Finally, I went under the car and smacked the gas tank. The car revved right up and idled fine. So the fuel pump has given us trouble before. But now, whenever the car has been sitting in the cold for a while, it will start up fine, but if I try to drive it right away as soon as I let the clutch out it tries to stall. I put the gas pedal to the floor and the rpms would bounce as if the car was getting patches of fuel. Half the time if I pumped the gas pedal it would either do nothing or have a delayed reaction. If I continue to try and drive, the engine light will start flashing and won't stop until I let the car sit and idle for a bit.

My question is... is this just a dying fuel pump, or is there something else in the Hyundai fuel system that I am not aware of? The fuel pump could definitely explain the engine light. Opinions?

 

Don't assume, test. Check the fuel pressure at the rail. If it's within spec the fuel pump is fine.

The problem you are describing could be a few things like bad/dirty injectors, a failing throttle position sensor, a failing MAF, water in the fuel tank, a dirty/clogged fuel filter, etc.

 

I doubt it would be the injectors, I run injector cleaner through the car regularily. The throttle position sensor I would be doubtful about. If that was the problem, why would it only be trying to stall within the first few minutes of running? After a couple minutes the car runs fine.

I am leaning towards the fuel filter though. We've had the car for about 5 years and it's never been changed. That was something I had planned on doing in the spring. I guess I'll just start with that, and go from there. Thanks for your help.

 

Looks like you have it all figured out then.