Runs sluggish when RPM's are below 3,000?

Hello and thank you for using 2CarPros.

This could be the result of a lot of different things. With that, have you checked fuel pump pressure? Have you checked for engine vacuum leaks? Is the catalytic converter original? It could be starting to plug. Is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running?

Lets start with those things. First, if the check engine light is staying on, the computer should be scanned to identify trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how that is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner. If that is the case, most parts stores will do it for free, so have it done if the light is on.

Next, I need you to first make sure there are no engine vacuum leaks. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Take a look through these links. They discuss the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter and how to check one.La

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Last is a fuel pressure test. Here is a link that shows in general how one is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the specific directions for fuel pressure testing. The attached picture correlates with these directions.

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COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
Inspection
1. Relieve fuel pressure.

picture 1

2. Remove the service bolt on the fuel filter while holding the banjo bolt with another wrench. Attach the special tool.
3. Start the engine. Measure the fuel pressure with the engine idling and the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator disconnected from the fuel pressure regulator and pinched. If the engine will not start, turn the ignition switch ON (II), wait for two seconds, turn it off, then back on again and read the fuel pressure.

Pressure should be: 260 - 310 kPa (2.7 - 3.2 kg/Sq.cm, 38 - 46 psi)

4. Reconnect vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator.

Pressure should be: 200 - 250 kPa (2.0 - 2.5 kg/Sq.cm, 28 - 36 psi)

If the fuel pressure is not as specified, first check the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is OK, check the following:
- If the fuel pressure is higher than specified, Inspect for:
- Pinched or clogged fuel return hose or line.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- If the fuel pressure is lower than specified, inspect for:
- Clogged fuel filter.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- Fuel line leakage.

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

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

Do me a favor. When the key is first turned to the run position, the light should come on for a few seconds and then go off. See if it does.

Let me know what you find.

Okay, then the light is working. I would start with checking the converters. If they are partially plugged, you will notice it the higher the RPM's get.

Welcome back:

I have to be honest. The compression doesn't look good. Standard reading should be 135-184 psi. The maximum variation between cylinders is 28 psi. You are below the minimum on cylinder 3 and the max variation of 28psi is exceeded in two cylinders. Have you tried a wet test?

Welcome back:

Between all of us here, we can usually get what you need, so never worry about asking. I don't have a video, but I do have the directions for testing along with the fuel pressure specs.

First, here is a link that shows how in general it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the specific for your vehicle. The attached pic correlates:

Inspection
1. Relieve fuel pressure.

See Picture 1

2. Remove the service bolt on the fuel filter while holding the banjo bolt with another wrench. Attach the special tool.
3. Start the engine. Measure the fuel pressure with the engine idling and the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator disconnected from the fuel pressure regulator and pinched. If the engine will not start, turn the ignition switch ON (II), wait for two seconds, turn it off, then back on again and read the fuel pressure.

Pressure should be: 260 - 310 kPa (2.7 - 3.2 kg/Sq.cm, 38 - 46 psi)

4. Reconnect vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator.

Pressure should be: 200 - 250 kPa (2.0 - 2.5 kg/Sq.cm, 28 - 36 psi)

If the fuel pressure is not as specified, first check the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is OK, check the following:
- If the fuel pressure is higher than specified, Inspect for:
- Pinched or clogged fuel return hose or line.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- If the fuel pressure is lower than specified, inspect for:
- Clogged fuel filter.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- Fuel line leakage.

_____________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

The engine code would tell you the engine model.

At front of engine near the transmission you would see the engine code and serial number.

D15? = 1.5 L

The engine wire harness, ECM/PCM, transmission and drive axles are the items you have to contend with.

The PCM is the controlling component for rev limiter and you need the correct PCM to get the desired results. There are various DB15 engines and their PCM might differ.

What you need is a PM5 or P04 ECU to have the rev limiter at 7200.
If the PCM on vehicle is the correct one, you would need to check the TPS adjustment.

When it dies and won't restart, I need you to check fuel pump pressure and check for spark. Whichever you check first isn't working, there is no need to continue. If you need directions on how to do this, let me know or go to our homepage under the repair and service and select either video or guides for directions. Once you do it, tell me what you find.

You're welcome.

Have a nice day.