The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

It's been cold but not that bad, I'm in Washington. I noticed my gas mileage had been seeming like I wasn't getting but 10mpg or so, so last night I got a full tank to check here and see for sure. My change oil light just came on and I don't think it's time for a change yet but I should check when I did last and the oil level. Anyways, this morning I turn the key and usually there is a gush of power like any other cold start, but this time it barely got going and sounded really weak, I gave it a little gas (only a small throttle blip) an it went to 1200 like normal but then falls very low to around 500 and sounded like it was going to die. Then it gets it's self back up to a somewhat normal running rpm around a thousand. I did this a couple times, same thing. I had to go though so I had to get a ride and check things later. Anyone know what this could be? Plugs? Maf? Fuel line? I haven't seen any leaks I did check that..

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Oh and also this car has been very reliable and strong so far. No new mods put on. And nothing is different with the car or driving as far as I can remember

KevinR

Maf, IAC, or possible vaccuum leak.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

I was thinking about taking it to autozone and getting a scan, but I haven't messed around enough to see if it will even get out of the driveway. What should I start checking?

KevinR

Is is throwing an ses light?

Try cleaning the maf, and see if you can find any vaccuum leaks.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

It used to throw an egr or air code for a while I think due to unplugged o2s but it ran fine. Now there's no more ses light.. How do i check for vacuum leaks?

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

And I was reading on cleaning the Maf last night ironically enough. Do I get that spray stuff and just shoot it into it?

KevinR

It's not the "safe" way to do it, but I would spray a little bit of starter fluid under the hood while it was running and see if the car idles up. Again, most people don't recommend doing it like this.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Ok like into the Maf?

KevinR

No, just around the engine bay if you are trying to find a vaccuum leak. Again, this is just how I've done it.

As far as cleaning your maf, I know that's a delicate process because you can end up screwing it up if you aren't careful. I don't run one, but I'm sure someone can chime in to walk you thru it.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Ok! Yeah I just need to be pointed in the right direction I can search for all that too. Haven't encountered this before so it's a new experience. Should come out learning more though! hopefully it's not too extensive..

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Well i got the idle working good again and it seems to be doing just fine, just some cleaning and letting it run/opening it up. Must have gotten gummed up. But now i have found out for sure that my milage is cut in half! It normaly gets upper 20's close to 30 when i drive and its getting exactly half, 15mpg. I did a milage/fule use check so im not going by the gauge, what would make me get such shitty gas milage all of a suddon?

elwood2

iTrader: (5)

You still have the O2's unplugged without tuning them out?

patSS/00

iTrader: (6)

vac leak would probably idle too high not low
maf seems doubtful
IAC seems likely

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Well i just scanned it and the only code showing up as the P0410 which is the senconday air injections system which can be:

Circuit relay defective or fuse open
Check connector and wiring
Air pump defective or hoses blocked.

However, this could not be the reason for going from 30 to 15mpg. If i am not mistaken all the secondary air system does is put more air out to get the exhaust hotter and get the cats 'primed'. Anyone know what could cause my gas to be going?? I checked for leaks on the ground and there are none. Doesnt look like anything is unplugged in the engine bay.. Thanks for all the help so far guys!

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

You could have a leaky fuel injector, that will kill your gas mileage and cause rough idling and hard starts. No codes for this either...........

I'd check my battery too, that can cause idle issues especially at cold start up. It could have short.

.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

If there was a leak with a fule injector i would be able to notice by looking in under the hood while its running right? I havent really seen anything obvious..

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

No. You must lift all fuel injectors out of the intake, leaving them all plugged in electrically and connected to the fuel rail. Then turn the key to "On" so the fuel pump primes and see if any of them leak.

.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

Ok ill try that.

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

I was messing around with the car this weekend and i cant figure out how to get all the injectors out while still leaving them plugged in and connected to the fuel rail. Can anyone tell me how to go about doing this or direct me somewhere. I was also thinking about taking it into an auto shop and just gettting a compression test and leak down as well. Would like to fix it myself if i can however