| Subject: | seems to have miss in engine only after reaching operating temp |
| Question: | problem comes from a 1991 eagle talon 4 cyl non turbo.after a cold start up the engine runs smooth as silk after it runs for a few minutes it starts into a miss of sort that is audible at the tail pipe and a n obvious chug in the engine.Upon driving you can actually feel a miss or hesitation while cruising down the road.The miss is scattered with no type of pattern discernable.Ihave changed the plugs,one coil pack and all of the injectors.Each time I test drove the vehicle I was convinced I was finished with the repair.When I drove a little bit further I would experience the same problem each time....the dreaded hesitation or miss whatever it is.I forgot to mention that it is a automatic.I am at wits end I am close to 500 bucks into a repair and i have no clue where to go now. |
| Answer: | Brian, There are so many "little" things that can cause this problem. I'll just go over the most common ones. Odds are, you already may have investigated some of the following. I will assume that you checked your spark plug wires when you replaced your plugs. If you notice any cracked ends, replace them. Since you replaced your injectors, be sure that you replace your fuel filter as well. Check the electrical connector on your fuel pump. It may have wiggled loose, or may have fraid ends. Clean your throttle body and be sure there are no cracks in your intake hose. Replace your air filter if it has more than 12k miles on it. It is possible your timing is off. If you have the 1.8L SOCH engine, and its been over 60k miles since your last timing belt change; change your belt. If you have the 2.0L DOCH engine, you should replace every 45k miles. Also, replace your PCV valve. Its a very quick and easy fix that will relieve any excess pressure in your crankcase. Since you mentioned you are hearing an audible "miss" at your tailpipe, it sounds to me like a backfire in your exhaust system. It is possible you have a burned out catalytic converter or bad oxygen sensor. The last thing that comes to mind is a common problem that is happening
more and more in Mitsubisi cars made about 9-13 years ago. You can
read about this problem here: |