Hesitating, problems accelerating

[Sephy93]

Forgot about this thread lol.. Mine is still doing the same thing, did a tune up and it still hesitates badly going up any kind of incline, still doesn't go if I push the pedal to the floor, have to slightly press the pedal in to get it to go..

[FordFestiva]

Unplug, do a visual check of all your connectors, plug back in, check for vacuum leaks, make sure your air filter and enclosure is clean and clear, etc... Think simple.

[JohnGunn]

Forgot about this thread lol.. Mine is still doing the same thing, did a tune up and it still hesitates badly going up any kind of incline, still doesn't go if I push the pedal to the floor, have to slightly press the pedal in to get it to go..

I thought our work was done when FordFestiva reported his problem solved. I assumed he had been the one who started this thread.

I guess this is one of the problems caused when more than one car's problems are dealt with in any one thread. It my experience, it would be rare for two complex problems to be identical. So the whole diagnostic process is quickly confounded and becomes muddled. Best to simply monitor existing threads which are of interest while starting a new thread devoted exclusively to your particular problem.

So back to Sephy93's problem.

Tell us more about the tune up you did. What was replaced. Did you do the work yourself. How did the old plugs look. Were you able to notice any changes at all after the tune up? What were they? Would you say the hesitation you experience results from the engine misfiring? Describe your car -- year, mileage, significant modifications? I need to shift gears back to thinking about your car's problems.

By the way, you do realize you can request that the system notify you by email whenever a new post is added to a thread. It's called subscribing and can be requested when you post to a thread or by clicking on the "Thread Tools" tab at the top of each thread page.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

[Sephy93]

Thanks for the reply and help John.. I did Cap, plugs, wires, also changed the oil.. They're is no aftermarket parts on it at all except the tps maybe.. I did the work myself and the old plugs I took out looked good actually.. It runs exactly the same after the tune-up.. It was also compression tested several days before I got the car and the compression was good.

I noticed the tps on it is a denso model, so I am guessing it is an aftermarket one..

1993
5 Spd
A little over 130k miles..

[FestYboy]

check that your TPS has WOT switch contenuity. then double check the air tube for cracks in the corigated part, and verify that the VAF door moves freely. if all is good there, have your coil tested for output, it may be weak.

[Pu241]

I noticed the tps on it is a denso model, so I am guessing it is an aftermarket one...

Why would you think because the TPS was labled "Denso" That it was after market?

You do know that the Festiva is a Mazda designed and KIA built machine?

The only thing Ford had to do with it were the Ford logos on and in it.

Denso is a major Japanese OEM manufacturer of many imported and domestically produced automotive parts.
Generally, good stuff.

[Sephy93]

It might be stock then, I had no idea. I just had some bad luck with Denso products for my Probe, but probably just my bad luck lol.. Thanks for all the help guys, will do some more checking tomorrow..

[JohnGunn]

is it missing out or just a lack of power?

Not missing, just a lack of power. Compression is all good, just can't figure it out lol.. Even going up a small upgrade it loses lots of power..

Just went back and read this thread again, skipping the parts where FordFestiva described his problem.

The answer you gave to the above question is crucial. Are you sure that the engine is not misfiring?

Also, since you just bought the car, can we assume that this problem evidenced itself when you checked it out before purchase? If so, what did the previous owner have to say about the problem? Had any work been done on it just before this problem showed itself?

This uncertainty about the genesis of the problem makes me suspect something that I would not normally. Something that doesn't usually change in normal driving, the timing.

If the timing is much too much retarded, the engine will generally lack power at all times. I would suggest you check the timing with a timing light.

If the timing belt has recently been replaced by the previous owner I would want to check whether he aligned the timing belt correctly on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Not hard to check. Only requires removal of the top timing belt cover.

Also, use a can of starting fluid to test for leaks in the air intake duct and vacuum system. That's easy and should be done first.

Someone asked about the air filter. In theory at least, it could be so dirty that it would restrict air intake and make the engine run as if the throttle were not able to fully open.

Grasping at straws, because the most likely culprit, the ignition, is not at fault.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

[89newb]

Mine does it too. That's how all my problems started. N ow I don't even have to be on a hill. From take off it hesitates and is extremely slow to accelerate. Let me know what you come up with cause due to money issues I haven't been able to do anything to mine

[Sephy93]

I was thinking timing could be the culprit too, going to check it out today if I have time.

[denguy]

Check your ground connections. Sounds like timing and/ or mixture changes not happening when you step on it, computer not responding.

[blkfordsedan]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see anyone including a new fuel filter in any of their tune-ups. A semi-clogged fuel filter will cause fuel starvation at higher rpm & load conditions. Just like the oil & air filter, you can't change the fuel filter too much, so start with the basics!

[crazyrog17]

I had trouble with the same symptoms. No power, stuttering and hesitation under load. It idled 'fine' or so I thought...

The problem was incorrect plug wiring order on the distributor.

Check that again! After correcting it, my car now runs like a CHAMP.

[Sephy93]

Update, changed fuel filter and air filter as well, still same problem.. Thinking it could have something to do with the timing..

[scottie]

Am having the same problem on a 91 Festiva, Rev smooth up until about 3000 RPM but once you go deeper the engine goes right back down.