QuestionQUESTION: I am having 2 problems with my minivan. It is idling when I'm stopping and it keeps hesitating when I step on the gas it acts like it just doesn't want to go. If I put the pedal to the metal then it will go, then every time I have to stop and go again it hesitates. The hesitating is only occurring at speeds of 45-55. Can you give me some ideas of what could be causing this so I don't end up paying for costly repairs.
ANSWER: Hi Erica,
You could get a readout of the engine controller memory to see if it has noticed these faults and logged them into the memory as a fault code (4 digit number). An Autozone parts store will often do the readout for free, or an independent shop for $40. Write back with the code numbers and we'll go from there. It could be that your egr valve is sticking ajar which will cause this sort of problem and it can be freed up easily, but lets see what the codes are. Tell me which engine size you have in the vehicle, if you write back.
Roland
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QUESTION: The issue isn't registering when I had the diagnosotic performed. The check engine light came on today and when I'm driving it feels like the van will stall at any moment. Could this be a fuel filter issue?
AnswerHi Erica,
No, if the check engine light is on (but the engine is still turning over) then that means there will now be a fault code stored in the memory. Of course if the engine actually dies with the ignition switch in the 'run' positon then that would too turn on the check engine light, and without setting a code. But if the engine is still running and the light is on, then there should now be a fault code to read. I doubt it is a fuel filter, but it could be a fuel/air mixture ratio problem, but there are several reasons for such, and a fault code would really be helpful to solving it. Again, which engine? I hate to see you have to pay for another readout, so see if you can get a free one at Autozone, or a discount on a re-read from the place you already took it.
Roland
