My car is having an issue where every now and then when you hit the gas to accelerate from a stop the car goes and suddenly hesitates as if it has no power and then slowly the power returns and the car starts to go.

Now I'm wondering if it's the transmission. Car only has 78K for mileage. Ideas?

 

It could be a vast multitude of problems causing hesitation. The good news is that it's probably not transmission.

If you could give us a complete run down of your maintainence performed, when it was done, etc... this would be helpful.... i.e. tune ups, belts, filters, etc...?

 

Tuesday I did an engine oil flush, oil change, and new oil filter, and 4 NGK V-Power spark plugs. Friday I put in some seafoam in the tank to clean the fuel system. 2 Weeks ago it got a new air filter. To my knowledge thats all thats been done since I got it. It's going in for 4 new tires today.

 

Did you change the timing belt? How about the fuel filter? What year is your car?

 

I just got it back from town fair tire. They just did the alignment and put on new tires. So thats 2 more things updated. I have not replaced the timing belt or the fuel filter yet. Out of cash now...

 

If you don't know the situation of the timing belt, then that's the FIRST thing you should do. Timing belt replacement schedule is every 60K. If it breaks, your motor is toast, and it's likely new car time for you.

There's a good chance your hesitation is due to a clogged fuel filter. It's a cheap fix, and should be ruled out before you start going crazy replacing other things.

 

changed the fuel filter today and am still getting the hesitation. The car picks up and then kicks down almost like it's going to stall, and suddenly beings to spool up again. Any idea?

 

Take it to Autozone, tell them you have a "check engine" light, and ask for a trouble code scan. If you have some codes, write down the codes down and report back here. Don't let the Autozone guy try to interpret the codes, as we've seen them do some silly things.

Like I said, timing belts get replaced at 60k. It's likely yours was never done, and it's 12 years old now. Good chance it too loose, this could be your problem.

 

I confirmed with the previous owner the timing belt and water pump were both replaced at 70K, car just reached 80K.

The OBD-II DLC will not communicate with scanners. Been having this problem for weeks. So I can't get the codes. Didnt' connect at emissions. My personal Snap On Solus Pro, or at Autozone a week ago.

Ideas?

 

Oh, that's right, you're they guy with the FUBAR obd-II wiring. Sorry, I don't have any good answers for you.