Poor Engine Performance at Low RPMs?

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
I have the vehicle listed above GLS. A few weeks ago, I started experiencing poor engine performance. Nothing drastic, but not as it should be. It has since then been slowly getting worse to the point that without feathering the clutch more than I am comfortable with, I am struggling to get up hills that weren't previously an issue.

I have run fuel cleaner through the system, changed the spark plugs, changed the oil and oil filter, changed the transmission oil (a few months ago), and replaced the air filter. I also fixed a couple wires that a mouse had chewed through - a wire to the throttle body (unsure which connection the wire carries) and the wire to the oil pressure sensor. I also changed the oil pressure sensor after fixing the wire going to it, as the factory sensor was quite rusted, and the engine performance went back up to normal when I initially fixed the wire then got worse again.

When the engine's RPMs pick up to 4,000 or so, the engine begins performing as expected. It's almost as if proper torque cannot be generated at the lower engine speeds. The issue is also somewhat intermittent - it will be sluggish then start performing normally for a couple minutes then go back, though it has mostly been performing poorly and slowly getting worse over the past 3 weeks or so.
Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 2:13 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

This sounds very familiar to me. Are you in Latrobe? Also, was there a code that is still present? I'm sorry, I had so many customers today. I hope I'm speaking to the correct person. LOL

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 16th, 2024 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I was lol. The code was for the ABS, which seemed unrelated to me, but it is C1611. There is an open recall for the ABS, and I have an appointment scheduled for that.

Here is a link to that recall paper:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCMN-23V651-4592.pdf
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
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And other things started happening last night (at least I started noticing last night): the tachometer and speedometer appear to be lagging a bit behind what is actually happening. I'll rev the engine, get some speed, but the tachometer and speedometer won't shoot up until 0.5-1 second or so after.
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the code is concerned, I attached the diagnostics below for you. That seems to be directly related to the ABS issue.

As far as the engine is concerned, it's odd that both seem delayed. Does it still seem to not get power until the RPM's increase? I'm starting to question if the crankshaft position sensor may be failing. That could explain the tachometer delay, but it shouldn't affect the speedometer. Have you ever checked or replaced the crankshaft position sensor (CKP)?

Just so you have a reference, I attached the diagnostics below related to the code. However, I suspect this will be taken care of by the recall.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, June 17th, 2024 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
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Sorry for the slow reply. I have not checked the CKP but will do that. I found out I have "rodent coverage" with my insurance, so I am dropping off my car tonight and maybe there's some wire/s that are damaged that I haven't been able to find. If the shop doesn't find anything, I'll check the CKP, though the delay in the tachometer and speedometer seems to have stopped and they're behaving normally.

What do you think about the possibility of the fuel pump or filter? I noticed that the engine doesn't seem to be firing as hard when under heavy load (eg going up a steep hill from a stop). Maybe enough fuel's just not getting to the engine? I'm not sure about this, but I may be hearing slight whine now and then when I press the gas pedal.
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Anything is possible. There are many different things that can cause the performance issue. For example, it could be something as simple as a plugged air filter (mouse nest) LOL to the powertrain control module.

Let me know if they find anything. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
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I will. The shop seemed a bit busy and they said they'll probably take a while to do diagnostics. Might be a week or so. I'll be sure to come back here with an update.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 5:10 PM

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