HELP! SERIOUS STUTTER!

[scitzz]

I had pretty much the same problem for awhile, (not gumout related just the stuttering) replaced everything from the throttle position sensor to the o2 sensor, fuel filter, MAF, etc.... it ended up being the fuel pump itself. got a new one off of ebay for less then $40.00 haven't had a problem since. hope this helps.

Hi! Welcome to the forum! Always glad to see a new face, so to speak!

In regards to your post, you may notice my signature line. One thing is Diagnose, THEN replace. It saves tons of money. Wanna know how I know? Because I used to throw parts at a problem, until I started learning how to make a diagnosis. I would say that this site would help a LOT with that! There is so much info to be found with the search bar, that you can literally spend days reading and not learn it all! Hopefully, we can help you on this road

[pickster1107]

So this morning I was driving... In 2nd gear between 20-25mph the Festiva shuttered. Kinda hiccuped. Once I was going faster it was fine. It kept doing it in 2nd. Drove it a while, and it started doing it in first too! The on the way home it was stuttering clear up to when I was doing 75 on the freeway! The only thing I could think of is that I put a bottle of gumout fuel system cleaner in it, and i put it in AFTER filling up my last tank, instead of before.

Any ideas what could be happening?

I had pretty much the same problem for awhile, (not gumout related just the stuttering) replaced everything from the throttle position sensor to the o2 sensor, fuel filter, MAF, etc.... it ended up being the fuel pump itself. got a new one off of ebay for less then $40.00 haven't had a problem since. hope this helps.

[TheresGabe]

Cleaned the distributor cap. All is well.

[Huli]

Re: HELP! SERIOUS STUTTER!

Have you checked the coil? Sounds to me like it is spark related and unless I missed it, you still have an old coil.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[scitzz]

Detach the connector from the throttle position sensor.

Connect an ohmmeter between terminals IDL and E.

Insert a 0.004 in. (0.1mm) feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and stop lever.
Verify there is continuity between terminals IDL and E.

Then replace the feeler gauge with a 0.02 in. (1.0mm) feeler gauge, verify there is no continuity between terminals IDL and E .

Then open the throttle wide and verify there is no continuity again between terminals IDL and E.

Next, connect the ohmmeter between terminals POW and E.
Insert a 0.004 in. (0.1mm) feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and stop lever.
Verify there is no continuity between terminals POW and E.

Then replace the feeler gauge with 0.02 in. (1.0mm), verify there is no continuity between terminals POW andE.

Then open the throttle wide and verify there is continuity between terminals POW and E.

When you are looking at the sensor connector, the pieces inside, from top to bottom, are:

POW
E
IDL

It probably isn't broken, but if it is out of adjustment, it COULD be causing your problems, and is such an easy check.

[RhodeStiva]

I don't think so, that sounds like maybe a loose connection at battery.

[TheresGabe]

Another fun fact, that might have something to do with this issue. (Maybe?)

When I got to start the car, sometime it won't start. Like it won't send power to the ignition. It'll just sit there, wait a few seconds and it'll start. What would cause this? Could whatever is causing this, cause my stutter?

[TheresGabe]

MAF plugged in tight. plugs look good, distributor wiped clean (Though probably could replace the cap and rotor). I'm really starting to bang my head on this one.

Probably remove the fuel pump and check it out tonight. (In my past with Festivas/Aspires, the fuel pump either works or it doesn't right? I'm contemplating on the dirty pump bag filter).

Also, how do I check the TPS?

Weird... I ran the car for 15 minutes idling last night, and revving it up, and it didn't hesitate at once. I held it half throttle for like 2 minutes. NOTHING. What would cause it to buck under load (driving) but not at idle?

[scitzz]

Check the TPS if you didn't see those sparks.

[David88]

Weird. My yellow car will idle unplugged until I touch the gas pedal.

[crazyrog17]

^^Definitely yes since if the air box is unplugged it will not run with throttle. Only idle.

It won't run for more than a second or two without the VAF installed. If the vane doesn't move, the VAF "sees" no air entering the engine.

Once the key is turned, the fuel pump stays on for only a second, then it's the VAF that runs the pump. The vane hits a micro switch at rest which opens the circuit to the pump. No air entering the engine, no fuel being pumped.

[whatle]

mine would do that when fuel was below quarter tank.. turned out fuel pump strainer in the tank was clogged

[David88]

^^Definitely yes since if the air box is unplugged it will not run with throttle. Only idle.

[Huli]

Same issue in a jeep. Turned out the leads to the ignition coil would loose contact when the wire got warm and relaxed. As soon as it cooled off it was fine again. Took me a week to figure that one out... well my buddy did at least.

Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk 2

[TheresGabe]

The plugs and wires were replaced in the last 6 weeks. I just remembered that it started doing this the next day after I replaced the Air filter. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the MAF wasn't plugged in tight. Could this possibly cause this issue?