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.

Replace the spark plugs with the same ones that came in the vehicle, if they have not been changed in 3 years.

We just changed all the spark plugs.

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.

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.

Okie dokie, thanks for the advice! I will try that!

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

Ok, so check the spark plugs and the timing belt. Check and check.

So the spark plugs are changed, and the problem persists... We will be checking the timing belt soon.

Wait, the roomy just said that he checked the timing belt... and it was fine. What else could be the problem??

Fuel filter?

Already replaced it. Almost a week ago.

Ah, it was just a guess.

Yeah, I've done too much work to this car and STILL don't have the title... I'm so over it.

Plugged catalytic converter?

I will check that next.

'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.

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by KISS

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.

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I see, I see.