1995 Saturn SC1 sputtering and hesitating

XSHINDIGX

MEMBER
1995 SATURN SC1

Engine Performance problem
1995 Saturn SC1 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

my 1995 saturn 5 speed starts and seems to idle ok but starts to jerk and hesitate when accelerating. Doesnt hesitate while just cruising but getting up to that speed. I used to be able to take off in second gear but its akmost impossible now. This started to happen once it got cold out snd when I let my car run in the mornings to defrost I can smell fuel and it seems theres more exhaust output than normal. I know im over due for an oil change but this clearly seems not oil related.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check and test the following below:

Oygen Sensor
Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Cap and Rotor

Note:If it doesn't apply, disregard.