QuestionHi Anthony,
I have a 2000 Mitisubishi Mirage automatic at 80,000 miles, I have notice recently that when that when I am idle then hit the accelerator, I get a jerky 1-2 second hesitation then it goes into gear. It does not always happen. It seems to happen more with the A/C on and when the engine is cold, sometimes even when warm.
The engine never sounds like its going to stall when idle, and when once in gear, it runs perfect like it always has. I have noticed that startup can seem kinda "klunky" at times, like the battery is going or I was thinking maybe the fuel filter and or fuel injector? The car always has the proper servicing since I have had it the past 2 years, what do you think?
AnswerSteve,
It sounds like you may need a good old fashion tune-up. At this point, your car should have had its spark plugs and spark plug wires replaced, and the distributor cap and rotor. Also, it should have had all it's belts replaced; power steering, alternator belt, A/C belt, timing belt, and balance belt. The timing belt is critical to have replaced. Also items like your fuel filter, air filter, and PCV valve should have all been replaced. Your coolant should be flushed every 40,000 miles and your transmission fluid should be flushed and the transmission filter should be replaced. Have your alternator and battery tested just to make sure they are working properly.
Other things you may wanna have done are cleaning your throttle body and your EGR valve. That could help too.
Good luck!
