x46359

I apologize for being a newb...but it was not only the maintenance light but my car was acting weird. I thought it was just my crappy driving but I actually think its the car. Especially yesterday and today. My car just felt sluggish, like something was weighing it down. I'd step on the accelerator and it felt bogged down. Also, when I took off in first, a couple of times it surged back and forth before finally moving smoothly (and no it wasn't my driving, it was after the car was moving...about 15mph)

I checked and doubled checked my hoses on the intake, checked the oil, and looked for anything out of place. I'm not very mechanically inclined so if you guys could suggest something else I should check, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Rich

xviper

Rich, I am assuming that you know the difference between the "maintenance required" light and the "check engine" light. The MR light blinks for a while (maybe a 1000 miles or so) and then will be solid whenever the car is on after that. The CEL is the pic of the little motor and if it blinks, this is BAD. If it is solid, then you have a sensor out of range.
Now, this "bog" or hesitation, if you have no CEL, could still be the MAP sensor acting up. This is a commonly reported issue. The MAP sits on top of the throttle body. You should try to unclip it, give it a few firm whacks with the end of a rubber handled screwdriver (commonly known as the "MAP whack"), clip it back together and see if this has an effect. In many cases, this is all that is needed.
Your intake could still have some incorrect things that would not immediately throw a CEL. Double check all the vacuum lines and the direction of the white check valve.
You may have bad gas or water in the fuel line.
Without knowing more exacting details, all of this is a best guess.

s2ksimon

just to add illustration to my man X's word of wisdom.. the map sensor is encircled in yellow , lower left side of pic

x46359

Thanks xviper...I'll be giving the map whack a shot tomorrow morning. The MR light I took care of. Next time, before I post, I'll take a look in the manual and see if there isn't a solution. I just get a little nervous when anything goes is out of the ordinary on this car. Anyways, thanks for the help.

Rich