Ive noticed that when its cold the past few weeks my car will idle a little rough and act like its going to cut off, like its not getting enough fuel or something. Today when it was doing it, the check engine light came on. I will get the code read but I was wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what could be wrong? Spark plugs not firing? Fuel pump? Clogged fuel filter?

1/16/2009 1:39:08 PM

let the car warm up? if it stumbles, then give it a little gas till the engine smoothes out. Probably a knock sensor throwing a code...?


obligatory

MOTHERFUCKING YEAR, MAKE, MODEL

[Edited on January 16, 2009 at 1:42 PM. Reason : --G]

1/16/2009 1:42:15 PM

2003 toyota matrix, 85k miles

1/16/2009 1:45:31 PM

have you done a FIC or changed the fuel filter, tune up?

1/16/2009 2:02:12 PM

have you done any of the maintenance other than changing the oil?

have you read the manual? if you don't have one, buy one.

take it to zxappeal.

1/16/2009 2:30:28 PM

most maintenance has been done, oil changes every 3k-5k, air filter every 10-15k, tranny fluid replaced a few times, serpentine belt replaced...the fuel filter isnt even on the maintenance schedule, spark plugs havent been replaced i dont think. i havent tried FIC, would that be the first thing to try?

1/16/2009 2:40:47 PM

might be an intank filter, yes try the FIC first. not the kind you pour into the tank. stuff that goes through the brake booster tube to the intake.

1/16/2009 2:44:14 PM

fuck the FIC. replace the plugs, even though i'm not sure what your problem is.


[Edited on January 16, 2009 at 7:26 PM. Reason : z]

1/16/2009 7:25:24 PM

^stupidest response yet.

1/16/2009 7:27:35 PM

^ but typically a good, easy place to start

1/16/2009 7:48:52 PM

^And more money spent, yeah great, just throw parts at that bitch, it will stop

1/16/2009 7:53:57 PM

Quote :

"^And more money spent, yeah great, just throw parts at that bitch, it will stop "

smartest thing this guy has ever said

throwing money at it != doing a damn thing worth the time or money

1/16/2009 8:03:24 PM

the tune up can only help.

[Edited on January 16, 2009 at 11:39 PM. Reason : might not fix the problem, but it's needed anyway.]

1/16/2009 11:38:31 PM

1/17/2009 6:19:12 PM

Quote :

"might not fix the problem"

1/17/2009 6:27:40 PM

first thing you need to do is go to advance and find out what the code is

1/17/2009 7:09:06 PM

Our 2005 matrix had same issues when we first got it. Not sure if it applies to 2003s but the dealer ended up finsing a service bulletin that recommended some software update. Solved the problem for us and it was no charge.

1/17/2009 7:27:02 PM

Quote :

", yes try the FIC first. not the kind you pour into the tank. stuff that goes through the brake booster tube to the intake."

Common sense and logic dictate that if you want to clean the fuel injectors, your chosen cleaning method must some how flow through them.

I also realize that you have none of this common sense, so i'll provide you the kindness of a brief explanation-

The seafoam through a vacuum line trick is for de-carbonizing. The only ways to clean the injectors (at least where it matters) is through the tank, with a motorvac or similar apparatus connected to the fuel rail, or remove and send em out for cleaning and flow matching.



As for the OP's problem-
Step 1- go to Advance, Auto Zone or wherever you want and get the codes read. Write down the code number and name/brief description (if any)

Step 2- return to the internet. Post that info here. Also do a quick google search. Do no further speculation until you have completed this step.

Step 3- using the amazing wealth of knowledge available to you, determine the correct course of action to properly remedy your mechanical maladies without undue expense.

Step 4- do whatever you came up with in step 3.

Step 5- win.

1/17/2009 7:43:39 PM

^ good catch i missed that gem, you just get numb to the ignorance spewing out of his mouth after a while

1/17/2009 7:53:38 PM