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Lack of power and too much sputtering while accelerating?

Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 385,000 MILES
My car listed above has been having a lack of power and sputtering too often. Just not running like it used to. I have replaced the spark plugs; spark plug wires and the PCV valve. I noticed today that after disconnecting the battery the problem is intensified, lack power enough to almost stall if I don't give it enough gas and sputters in every gear for about 5 minutes or until after I get into 5th gear and/or over 60 mph, then it seems to be back to where it was before the battery disconnect. I am now thinking maybe I need to replace or clean the manifold pressure sensor (MAP) or replace the ignition coils, or maybe even something else.
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 4:33 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
This can be caused by several different things. First, before we replace anything, is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running? If it is, have the computer scanned for codes. They will point us in the right direction. Also, most parts stores will do it free of charge.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Also, let me know if there are any odd odors or smoke from the exhaust or if the exhaust sounds different. It could be related to a partially plugged converter.

Don't laugh, but at night when it's dark, start the engine, open the hood, and inspect around the plug wires and coils. In the dark, you should be able to see if there are any sparks from arcing.

Let me know what you find and about the codes.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
The check engine light has been on sometimes, and occasionally would flash, which I was told it means its misfiring. I did have the guy that told me that plug in his scanner, it appeared that cylinder 2 was having misfires. That was before I replaced the plugs, wires, and PCV valve. I'm not sure about the exhaust sounds due to it idling higher than necessary most of the time. Thanks for all the info, I will have to get back to you about the odors and looking for sparks at night and pay more attention to everything you mentioned.
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if this engine does have 385,000 on it.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
I'd have to double check but the engine does have 385,000 or will in a day or two.
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Yep, now over 385,000 on the engine, it ran pretty good early this morning when I drove it 30 minutes, little weak in 2nd and 3rd gear. After 30 minutes I left it idling, no odd exhaust smell and no visible arcs. After a couple of hours and drove it another 30 minutes and did the same. As I smelled exhaust and checked for arcs, it does sputter a little while idling, not as smooth as it should be. I won't be driving it more than 5 or ten minutes the rest of today.
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 AT 4:02 AM
Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Hi, I did a 5-minute drive about 7am and it didn't run as smooth as it did at 2am and 5am. Drove it one more time at 4:30pm and it was sputtering most of the 5 minutes, not nearly as bad as after a battery disconnect. Makes me think it is temperature sensitive, maybe the air intake temperature sensor? I guess that is what I will try next.
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

You indicated replacing the spark plugs. Is the check engine light still staying on while the engine is running? If so, have you had it scanned again?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
DARG49
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Engine light has not been on the last couple of days, but all that usually gets reset when the battery is disconnected. Today the 2 morning drives didn't go as well as the day before, more of the usual sputtering when changing gears while trying to accelerate. Have not had it scanned again.
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Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

If the CEL isn't on, you may not find any codes, but it wouldn't hurt to check.

Have you checked to make sure the catalytic converter isn't plugged? If it is, it will cause a large power loss as well as very poor running performance.

Take a look through these links:

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

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

Let me know. We may need to consider checking engine compression. It may be getting low.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 AT 8:22 PM

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