Unpredictable bogging-down when accelerating

Tiny
THURMJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,000 MILES
I've been experiencing - not all the time- when I accelerate my car just starts to die- as though it's stalling. But- if I let up a little on the pedal it regains it's power, and I have to feather the pedal off and on to get it accelerate. Even though I get it up to speed it will still bog-down if I try to accelerate to hard. By the way, I've recently replaced plugs, wires, coil packs, timing belts, oil, and filters. What's strange is it stops doing this sometimes for weeks, even months and then for no apparent reason it begins this hesitation first while it's cold, and continues for days when I accelerate and then it goes away again. No back-fire, not popping. Any ideas? It's been a great car for eleven years and 260,000 miles otherwise.
Friday, June 20th, 2014 AT 6:51 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
When this happens, has the check engine light come on? Have you ever checked fuel pump pressure? It sounds like it is going bad.

Heres a couple guides that may help you figure out which direction to go in

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-engine-power

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms
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Friday, June 20th, 2014 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
THURMJR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No - check engine light has never come on. I'll see if I can get the pump pressure checked.
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Saturday, June 21st, 2014 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
As far as checking the pressure, it is easy to do. However, you need a fuel pressure gauge. Most parts stores will lend them to you. Here are the directions and a video on how to check.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fuel-pump-pressure-and-regulator-test-video-all-cars

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, June 21st, 2014 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
THURMJR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The pressure check came back ok. It's bogging-down on acceleration (like a choking problem) all the time, now, keep in mind that I am capable of feathering the accelerator when It starts to bog-down so I can pick up speed (I pushed it up to 80mph to see if if it would). At lower speeds I don't have a problem (from 25-30, or 40-45mph), it's usually when I'm at higher freeway speed that I need to play with it, on-ramp or up-hill. I've spent more than expected with my shade-tree mechanic already guessing a remedy. A fuel pump R&R from the fuel tank is $$$$. Just sayin'. Thanks guys.
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Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
You know, it really sounds like a fuel issue. Do you know what pressure was found? Also, has anyone checked the catalytic converter to see if it is plugging?
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Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
By the way, the reason I am questioning the items mentioned is because there is no check engine light coming on. That leads me to believe there are no sensor or electrical issues with the vehicle.
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Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
MARIJA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 MITSUBISHI GALANT
Engine Performance problem
1998 Mitsubishi Galant 4 cyl Automatic 90000 miles

I have a '98 Mitsubishi Galant with 90,000 miles. Wen accelerating the car would 'drag'. The check engine light is lit. I have to floor it, it sputters forward and then kicks into motion with a jerk. I've had the car tuned up - all filters and belts changed. The mechanic put additive in the gas - thinking it was the result of a bad batch. The problem seemed to be solved for a day but it is now happening again. It does not happen all the time. This problem happens without notice while stuck in traffic, at red lights, when acceleration is needed. At times it also feels like it will stall. This has been on-going for a few months but is now becoming worse. I live in the NYC area - yes it is cold now but this problem happened even in the warmer weather.
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
HI
First thing need to have the codes read that has turned light on. This will help in diagnosis. Take to Auto zone or similar and they will do for free. Then post will advise.
Let me know
Thanks for Donate
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARIJA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My mechanic did do the diagonostic test on the car. The codes are normal and correct. When the mechanic takes the car off the machine the light is off for a day and the problem returns. This is what is frustrating about this issue.
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)

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