Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
Page 1 of 2 1 > Last»
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #1

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:43 PM
    Car not accelerating properly
    I have a 1997 Kia Sportage and I am having a problem. My car won't accelerate properly. It'll take up to 1 minute to get to 35 mph. I just replaced the fuel filter, and that didn't seem to be it. The oil change guys said that I really need a new AC belt. Could that be a contributing factor? I clearly know nothing about cars, please help me figure out what is going on. There are no free diagnostic places around here, they only do it free if you agree to fix the problem there. Anyway, it's a big problem. It scares me that my car will explode. It's been this way for a week or so.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:47 PM

    Replace the spark plugs with the same ones that came in the vehicle, if they have not been changed in 3 years.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:50 PM

    We just changed all the spark plugs.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:55 PM

    That could be the problem, if they were not identical (same brand and plug no.) to what originally came in the vehicle. Cross-reference plugs often don't perform the same. I've seen no start situations on new cross-reference plugs, after several weeks.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:58 PM

    If the old spark plug wires were dry rotted, they may have developed thousands of internal breaks. You may want to replace the wires, if they have never been done. These are possibilities--you be the judge.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #6

    Aug 11, 2010, 06:59 PM

    Okie dokie, thanks for the advice! I will try that!
    kitch428's Avatar
    kitch428 Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 152
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #7

    Aug 11, 2010, 07:43 PM

    A minute to get to 35?! You got a problem. Heck, a model T Ford would whip your butt!
    This sounds like a timing belt has slipped a tooth or 3. Does a Sportage have a T-belt? :confused:

    Guess they do.
    http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/kia...W4b7a599a692e4

    http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you...age_in_spanish
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #8

    Aug 11, 2010, 08:14 PM

    Ok, so check the spark plugs and the timing belt. Check and check.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #9

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:21 PM

    So the spark plugs are changed, and the problem persists... We will be checking the timing belt soon.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #10

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:22 PM

    Wait, the roomy just said that he checked the timing belt... and it was fine. What else could be the problem??
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
    Expert
    		  
    #11

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:26 PM

    Fuel filter?
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #12

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:27 PM

    Already replaced it. Almost a week ago.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
    Expert
    		  
    #13

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:27 PM

    Ah, it was just a guess.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #14

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:29 PM

    Yeah, I've done too much work to this car and STILL don't have the title... I'm so over it.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #15

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:42 PM

    Plugged catalytic converter?
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #16

    Aug 17, 2010, 06:43 PM

    I will check that next.
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #17

    Aug 18, 2010, 07:05 PM

    '97. That's OBDII compliant.
    Any pending DTCs or scan tool data would be great. It may not answer the question but could provide significant data. Hence... well...
    Have you done any maintenance to the induction system? i.e.: cleaning the throttle plate and throttle body surfaces
    Professionally cleaned the fuel injectors? That can really help.

    Driving habits can contribute to sluggishness, too, if you don't occasionally "drive it like you stole it!"
    Bill Cosby called it "Burnin' the gunk out of it!"

    Don't forget: some vehicles just don't respond well to ethanol laced fuels.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #18

    Aug 18, 2010, 07:51 PM

    Dude, that was ALL jibberish to me. I have no idea what any of that means. I do drive my car rougher than maybe it was designed for but this is really pushing it.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #19

    Aug 18, 2010, 09:33 PM

    Is the "check engine" light on?

    Autozone can read the codes for free. See if there are any history codes.

    Is the acceleration problem due to being in the wrong gear? Manual or auto transmission?

    DTC = Diagnostic Trouble Codes

    OBDII = On Board Diagnostics Version II. There is USUALLY a connector under the steering column to plug in a scan tool. A light on the dash usually illuminates when something is wrong. This light is sometimes called the "Check Engine" or "MIL" Malfunction Indicator Lamp.
    ChihuahuaMomma's Avatar
    ChihuahuaMomma Posts: 7,378, Reputation: 608
    Vision Expert
    		  
    #20

    Aug 19, 2010, 11:10 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by KISS View Post
    Is the "check engine" light on?
    Yes, it is, has been for the last two years. I've spent more money putting this car back together than its really worth.
    Autozone can read the codes for free. See if there are any history codes.
    So does Shucks, we will take it there on payday.
    Is the acceleration problem due to being in the wrong gear? Manual or auto transmission?
    No. It's Automatic.
    DTC = Diagnostic Trouble Codes
    Gotya
    OBDII = On Board Diagnostics Version II. There is USUALLY a connector under the steering column to plug in a scan tool. A light on the dash usually illuminates when something is wrong. This light is sometimes called the "Check Engine" or "MIL" Malfunction Indicator Lamp.
    I see, I see.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 
Page 1 of 2 1 > Last»

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

What could be causing the RPM in my car to be bouncing around when accelerating? [ 2 Answers ]

It is not a steady increase. It's bounces from 3 to 8 and all over in between It's a '92 Honda Accord LX

Faint Hissing noise while accelerating on my Accord [ 2 Answers ]

I recently bought a Cert-Pre-owned 05 Accord with a Vtec and auto-tranny. I hear a faint hissing noise when I accelerate (usually higher rpms). It happens in city conditions when I get up to the 40's or when am getting on the ramp. What could be the source?

Accelerating Bodies velocity [ 1 Answers ]

Is it possible to have 0velocity in an accelerating body? If yes please explain:confused:!

1996 Honda Passprot not accelerating right [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 1996 Honda passport and it’s been running pretty good up until about a month ago. When I accelerate it seem like it not getting enough gas and it does not want to go pass 30 MPH press all the way down on the accelerator it does not go as fast as it should. I gave it a tune up change the...

Instructions Needed On How To Properly Use Booster Cables For Dead Car Battery [ 3 Answers ]

HELP! I am embarressed to say, that I DO NOT know how to use my Booster Cables to boost a dead battery in my car. :( I have in the past been nervous of getting an electric shock! That was then, and now I no longer want to be IGNORANT! :D Can someone please tell me, with very EASY SIMPLE...

View more questions Search