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Car is lacking power

Tiny
LINDA CRASHBANDICOOT TURNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FIESTA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Mainly when cold weather. I start it and have to keep my foot on gas to get revs. Is semi auto and once I am going she sorts herself out. Have changed spark plugs, +leads, cleaned the air filter, put a new coil. But nothing changed. My last resort is I unplug a lead as a trial and now she revving a little above normal.
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 12:52 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would start by having a compression test done to check the valve timing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Then I would check the catalytic converter for being clogged.

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

Roy
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
LINDA CRASHBANDICOOT TURNER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Have had car plugged in, shows no misfires or fault codes either (even after she cuts out when I have to stop). I have to admit I saved glow-plug three years ago for next to nothing I don't want to let her go. :) Any ideas? :)
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, got it.

You need to do the test I recommended.

Roy
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
LINDA CRASHBANDICOOT TURNER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Have checked your links asemaster6371 and thanks. From what the link says and the sound I hear I pretty much think it is the catalytic converter. (Which I have no idea about) Big question now is, is it worth the fixing?
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Well, to be sure, I would disconnect it and drive it and see if it has more power.

If it does, then that's the issue.

As far as whether it is worth it, that is your decision. Can you replace the car for the price of a catalytic converter?

Roy
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
LINDA CRASHBANDICOOT TURNER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for your knowledge. :) Had unplugged a lead earlier yesterday. She started from cold half 5 this morning, and didn't cut out on way to work. Was holding higher revs though (about 2) on idle and she was slow changing up gears. Had to take her out of auto just to change to third, same on way home. Figure I am going to have to admit defeat on this one take her in to get fixed (last car I did that on was my Rover) got duped paid over $600.00 for various things then head gasket went on way home, lol. If I knew then what I know now I would've seen it in the water, hence why i'm trying to get advice, so at least when I get a garage I sound like I know something.

Linda
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome Linda.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 1:15 PM

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