Engine or Electric Later on in the day, it refused to start?

61,140 MILES • 1.4L • TURBO • AUTOMATIC
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BROKEAH310
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So, the main problem was fixed by a mechanic I am close friends with about a week ago, when everything started going haywire. So, at the beginning of that day, I was driving. This is the morning of last week's HEAVY downpour in Fort Worth. My car was pointed nose up overnight as the storm began. So, I doubt moisture in the exhaust is the main problem. Anyway, as I started driving that day, it was consistently shaking very aggressively whenever I was idle at a full stop (at any intersections). Enough that the whole car shook, and it jiggled me around, and I am a big guy.

Later on in the day, it refused to start, and I was stranded in the Stock Yards. The mechanic who came charged about $160. And that was all of my emergency funds. He said it was a bit of both. Cylinder synchronization and the computer within the car. Even after he fixed it the bare minimum I could afford to get me from point A to point B- I am now left with the problem of getting a new plug (not sure what to call it; maybe an adapter) for part of the engine compartment that controls AC.

What do you think is the problem? The system computer? or the engine itself?
Oct 10, 2026 at 6:14 PM
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STRAILER
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So, in the video it looks like the engine is running? Does the engine crank over but not run or does the engine not crank over? Also, what codes does the car have? Here are three videos to to go over to help us fix the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

and not cranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY&t=2s

and to get the codes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBCpCWEFnTg

Let me know what you find so I can help you.

Oct 12, 2026 at 10:09 AM
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BROKEAH310
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Hello, the videos were very helpful, and I have watched both of them. I will go check again right now to make sure that the sensors are plugged in where they need to be.

To answer your questions, however. There is no issue with cranking.

And I am truly broke at this moment, to the point where I cannot afford even the cheap code reader. But I will certainly get a mid-grade one for myself after the first paycheck this week. I have finally landed a PT job after a month... Anyway.

Does all of that answer your questions?

1.) No issues with cranking upon ignition
2.) No more issues with the car shaking at idle or during full stops
3.) However, when trying to drive, if I do not push on the gas a little to make sure it goes about 40 rpm immediately after ignition. the car does not go above 25-28 mph.
Oct 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
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BROKEAH310
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Ok. Everything that is supposed to be plugged in is plugged in. But the same issue: not accelerating or playing nice with rpm going above 30 when pressing slowly down on the gas. I don't remember the last time the spark plugs were replaced. Do you think that might be the biggest culprit? A lot less elaborate than I am imagining the problem to be?

OR do you think this may be a transmission issue?
Oct 12, 2026 at 11:13 AM
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STRAILER
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Can you please upload a video when this problem happens? Codes will be the biggest help here. I would service the throttle bore first. Also, can you confirm the car has 61k on it? Here is a guide to help service the throttle bore.

https://2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service/

Oct 13, 2026 at 6:40 AM
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BROKEAH310
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Yes, sir, I will do so asap today.

Oct 13, 2026 at 7:25 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,684 POSTS
Sounds good, this will help us fix the problem.
Oct 13, 2026 at 7:34 AM
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