Car help please 1997 Cavalier?

Question

Ok, Car is not getting power it used to and when I push on gas pedal it kinda goes then jerks a little then goes?
I can't figure out if it's the fuel pump or the transmission or both?
Please help or tell me which direction to check.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Sounds like you need a tune up. Have a certified mechanic do a diagnostic first to make sure you arent spending money you dont need to. I would change spark plugs, transmission fluid, and fuel pump at very least.

Answer 2

First, I'd check the transmission fluid level, you do this with the engine running assuming it wil lstay running long enough to check it, and if this looks OK, then you should have the fuel pressure checked. The transmision fluid level has to produce a very well defined line on the dipstick in the operating range which is in the cross hatched zone that looks a bit like this: \\\\\\\\\////////. If the fluid level is not defined and there's just spots or splashes of fluid on the dipstick then it is too low.

They sell relatively cheap fuel pressure gauges at the auto parts stores, like maybe $20, and they might even show you how to check it in the parking lot. The car does not have to be running to check the fuel pressure but the key has to be turned to the "on" position. This energizes the fuel pump, which is in the gas tank, and creates the necessary pressure to the fuel rail and fuel injectors.

If this sounds too complicated then I'd recommend you have an engine diagnostic and this will check many of the engine functions as well as the fuel pressure. Most engine diagnostics cost about one hour labor or less.

Fuel injectors rarely clog or stop functioning and may out last one engine or even two engines. If your air filter has never been changed this would steal power but not stop the engine.

One additonal thing to think about before spending too much money on diagnostics is the battery. If it is weak and dying the fuel pump will not get the correct voltage and this makes it seem like a fuel pump problem when it's really a battery problem. The battery provides all of the power to the fuel pump even when the motor is running. They do free battery checks at AutoZone. Even if the battery is relatively new, couple months or years, it can still die earlier than the warranty.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Catijoe has a lot of great tips except the battery part. Once an engine is running, you can disconnect the battery and the engine will continue to run from the power created at the altenator (just don't over load it with every electrical load, although it should be able to handle it....)
A popular problem is the locking torque converter, this will cause the engine to stall when shifting from Park to Drive unless you gas it, then it will jump and jerk to start and then go normally until you stop the car again. Does the car sometimes shudder and shake before stopping? If so, then it's this locking torque converter. Cheapest fix is to disconnect it and forget about it. The car will then spend a little more gas (perhaps $1 each fill up) but it's cheaper than spending $500 to repair. You can find the plug for this on your transaxle, unplug it and test drive.
Good Luck
Oh, Fuel pressure is a very good check, also change the fuel filter (just good maintenance). Also, check for a stuck EGR valve... these are common problems.

Answer 4

Could be a number of things. Air filter, fuel filter, vaccum leak, fuel injector, bad ign. coil, spark plugs or wires. It could even be the catalytic converter is bad and restricting the exhaust.

Answer 5

try transmision fluid it might have a leak and if so you can put a little not a lot of brake fluid as a temperary fix, Get a tune up have them check your tranny and the timeing on your car just to be safe

Answer 6

howdy farmgirl,from what you say i believe your cars' fuel injector/s are dirty and might be somewhat clogged.if after it jerks it goes on fine ,its' probably fuel injectors.don't let anyone tell you its the trany, unless you have the car ckecked by computer diagnostic tech.good luck
jules

Answer 7

Does it crap out in park or only when you drive

Answer 8

i would agree with {twinturb}