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Car sputters and accelerates slowly

Tiny
SLEEPER3
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 200,000 MILES
I was having trouble with the power to my windows and, at first, didn't see the relay/fuse was burnt. I was reading online about diconnecting and reconnecting the battery to, possibly, "reset a breaker". (Sounded a little suspect to me, but I was willing to try everything).
anyway, after reconnecting the battery and replacing the burnt 30amp, I went to drive the car and right away it accelerated slowly and somewhat sputtered as it did. I've now taken it for another test-drive and the problem seems to be slightly improving, but I want to be sure im not doing more harm and what to do to fix this.
thank you for your time.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 AT 8:13 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When the battery is disconnected -the computer loses memories-its probably going thru a relearning process give it time
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
1BELONGIAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM
Engine Performance problem
1999 Chevy Prizm 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I know these cars are known to burn a ton of oil, but do they all spit and sputter? I recently replaced plugs and wires, but that did nothing so the most recent thing that I have done was cut off the catalytic converter and replace it with a piece of pipe. I did this because I was told that it was probably plugged. This did not change the performance. I know that there is no cheap/quick fix for the oil burning problem, but can anyone give me any suggestions on how to make the car stop spitting and sputtering / how to get a smoother, cleaner ride?

Thanks
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
The Toyota 1ZZFE or 4AFE are not known to burn oil.

Perfrom a compression test to check condition of rings, then a leak down to check valve guides.

The misfiring is most likely a result of oil in combustion chamber.

Are you getting a check engine light?
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1BELONGIAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The check engine light is on. I will perform a compression test as soon as I pick up a compression tester kit.

Thanks for your reply.

P.S.

Any other advice?
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Measure the oil pressure. The oil pump used in the Prizm produces a lot of pressure directly related to RPM. There is a pressure relief valve on the oil pump.
If it becomes broken, it can cause excessive oil pressure.
You would not want more than 70psi at 3000 rpm. If higher, the oil pump would need to be replaced.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZZGRACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Car listed above is a Vega. Ran and idled fine. Had new plugs installed and it wouldn't run or even start right. When finally start would stall when put in gear. Installed new wires. Still not running. When does start immediately stakes. Popping noises. Please help. How can just simply changing plugs leave me with an undrivable car?
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,882 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the spark plug are incorrect or were installed improperly. Here is a guide to show you how to do the job. make sure the plugs are correct:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZZGRACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your response. Turns out the gentleman who installed the plugs crossed two wires. Car is back to normal.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,882 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAC49
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,890 MILES
Hi, My car was sitting approximately for 5 months. It now sputters in idol and when driving down the road. Can you please tell me what I can do. Thanks, Dan.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Engine running rough or misfiring can be cause by the following:

1. Defective spark plug
2. Inadequate spark/coil, defective spark plug wire.
3. Lack of compression
4. False air leakage.
5. Faulty fuel injectors.
6. Insufficient fuel pressure.
7. Contaminated fuel.
8. EGR valve that is leaking.
9. Oxygen sensors.
10. Throttle position sensor.
11. Idle air control valve.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)

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