Hyundai Repair: Stuttering 2001 Hyndai Elantra, spark plug wires, hyndai elantra

Question
Greetings,

I need some help.   Today my car started stuttering really really
bad.    Didn't cut off, but the whole car was shaking.. and I'd  
have to give it a tun of gas to get it to go.     I replaced the spark
plugs and one did look bad.    It was a little better, but still
bucks and stutters pretty bad.   So, now I"m thinking of
replacing the Fuel filter, but I can't seem to locate it.   I took out
the back seat and there was what looks like the fuel pump.   I'm
hella confused and need help.    Where is the fuel pump on a
2001 hyndai elantra?    How do I replace it?   Would you think it
could be anything else?    The spark plug wires?   Any and all
help appreciated.... like especially where is the best place to buy
the parts.


Thanks again as I couldn't find any info on this on the web.


Justyn Rowe  

Answer
Hi, Justyn.  From your description, it sounds like the engine is misfiring.  This should also cause the check engine lamp to be on or flashing.

Before you start attacking the fuel pump, I'd recommend checking the rest of your secondary ignition components (plug wires and coil).  Pay particular attention to the wire on the cylinder that had the bad looking plug-- if the spark never gets to the plug from the wire, then the plug will be fuel fouled after running the car.  Also, if you can check the trouble codes, a P030x code indicates a misfire on cylinder number x, telling you which specific cylineder to check.  (e.g., P0302 represents misfire on cylinder #2; P0300 would be a random or multiple misfire).

I seriously doubt the fuel pump is the issue.  Typically, when the fuel pump starts going bad, the car runs worse the *farther* you depress the accelerator.  If you still decide you need to replace the fuel pump, the assembly is in the fuel tank, but you can access it by pulling off the plastic cover on the floor under the rear seat.

I'm a strong proponent of dealer/factory parts.  I'm a strong enough believer in this that I use them for my own personal car, a Ford.  In my opinion, factory replacement parts are better quality, better fit, and less work to install.  Of course, they're likely to be more expensive, too.  So, ultimately, it's your money and you'll need to make your own decision.  But if you do need plug wires, I recommend factory only.  I have had no good experiences with aftermarket plug wires.