QuestionWould you still suggest I take my car to Cottman and have them scan it or is this something you would recommend I take to a local mechanic or dealer for service?
Nate
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Followup To
Question -
Hi and thanks for the quick response! Actually, my check engine light isn't on which, considering the degree of hesitation, surprises me, too. Could a code be set in memory without the light being on?
Thanks,
Nate
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Followup To
Question -
I own a 2001 Mercury Cougar 2.5L V6 with about 75,000 miles on it. I've not really had any problems with it (other than alternator trouble) up until about 2 months ago. When I start off, the car hesitates severely for about 5 seconds. For lack of a better way to describe it, it feels kind of jumpy.
There is no odd noise or loud clanks or anything of the sort. It also does this sporadically; it doesn't do it every time I start off and, quite the opposite, it just as often starts off perfectly. I notice much greater hesitation with the air conditioning on and it seems to hesitate much worse when it's hot and humid out (although admittedly, I use the air much more during these conditions).
Another symptom is that sometimes I can be idling at a stop sign or what have you, and it will - for lack of a better term - sputter. Quickly and sharply the engine feels like it's going to die (again, noiselessly) just once or a few times, but it never dies. I don't have to hit the accelerator to get this, it just happens sometimes. This occurs much less frequently than the hesitation.
Any ideas? Please let me know!
Thanks,
Nathan Smith
smith.605@gmail.com
Answer -
Hi Nate,
I almost want to ask How long has the check engine light been on? But you didn't indicate that in your question. Knowing that car, there is likely a code set in the computer memory. These are the symptoms of a bad MAF sensor. But it could be a bunch of other sensors too. If your check engine light is on then please have your car scanned at a repair shop. Cottman Transmission will scan your car for free. Once you have the codes, let me know what they are and we'll take this up a notch...
Answer -
Yes it can, in fact, the MAF sensor is famous for not throwing a code and also the codes reset when you turn off the key and restart the car. This problem will take some one with strong diagnostic skills who knows how to read a data stream.
AnswerHi Nathan,
By all means. This gives us a place to start. If it was an old Chevy I would be suggesting trying different things, but these fully electronic, computer controlled cars of today are a bit different. First we need to scan the computer for codes, then we need to watch the data stream for clues to what might be causing this. I suggested Cottman because I know, for a fact, they do a diagnosis for free. Hopefully, the one you take it to has a sharp guy and can give you some insight. If not, it was free... But I am certain that we'll find something with the scan tool. Your welcome to call me at my office 702-878-1837 for more info after you have someone scan it to let me know first hand what was or wasn't found. I'm here for you.
