Mitsubishi Repair: rough running when gas peddle is pushed down, mitsubishi lancer, excessive number

Question
Hi Anthony,

It is relly nice that you do this.

I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0L manual transmission. I really like this car. I has some rattles in the dashboard but, hey I didn't buy a Mercedes so what should I expect.

OK now for my question. When I am using the car and just pulling away from a stop or slow down and I give the car some gas, the car starts bogging down almost like there is too much gas or not enough air. It can happen also when I am going faster meaning that at faster speeds if I push the peddle down it may happen but slightly. If I am real dainty with the car it runs good. I can get the chech engine light to come on when I push the gas down. If I disconnect the battery to put the light out I can get it back on again by pushing down on the gas when I start moving from a stop or slowed situation. Should I take it to a dealer or there anything I can do myself. Air filter is clean and I cahnged the plugs about 40000 mile ago. I have a lot of miles on the car 100000. Where can you get a repair manual?

Thanks for your help
Gregg

Answer
Gregg,
For a car as new as yours, I do not believe there are any aftermarket repair manuals available.  But you can pick up/order a factory service manual from your local dealership.  They are the same manuals the dealership mechanics use.  They are best, though can be a little pricey.

Check your owners manual for scheduled mileage to change your spark plugs and plug wires.  I usually recommend changing plugs every 3 years/36,000 miles.  With the excessive number of miles you have on your car, I'd recommend doing everything by the mileage limit.

Your check engine light is coming on because it's sensing a problem in your emissions system or from one or more of your sensors.  If you have an AutoZone in your area, they can scan your car's computer for trouble codes for free.  They'll be able to give you an idea of what is causing the problem and maybe some ideas of how to fix it.  But what ever is causing your hesitation problem, your car's computer is knowledgeable of it, and it's code will point to the exact problem.  

Once a car reaches 100,000 miles, it needs to be kept on a regular maintenance schedule.  Yes, even if you did buy a Mercedes, you would have to expect this ;-)
Good luck!