|
|
2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 6, 2012, 8:15 AM
Post #1 of 15
(5072 views)
|
2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
I'm driving a 2003 Camry Solara with the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine, 80,000 miles on it. Here's what I'm experiencing:
When I step on the gas, after stopping the car (i.e. a stop sign) I will occasionally (5-15% of the time) notice "hesitation." This happens after I press down on the gas pedal, before the car starts moving. It feels like it's chugging up or missing in some way... like it's "lagging" to go. Once I'm moving, it's not a problem, it seems to happen almost exclusively in this type of "idle-to-moving" situation. On rare occasions (twice) I've even experienced an engine cut-out. The engine turned itself off after I attempted to merge out into traffic from a stop (not a very happy situation to be in) It is more likely to happen after first starting the car. I'm noticing a little more smoke than what I would expect come out of the exhaust after starting the car first thing in the morning too. It doesn't stay this way, just the first puff of smoke that comes out after turning the car on... it's a little more than what I would call typical.
I attempted a few routine maintenance tasks to try and remedy the situation:
1) Oil change-- didn't help at all
2) Installed new spark plugs-- didn't help at all
** Also I checked under the hood with the engine running at nighttime.. I didn't see any electrical arching coming from the wires. **
3) Replaced fuel filter-- seemed to help a little bit. The car used to have the above mentioned problems as well as it would shake when idling. Since then I haven't notice any shaking while idling (and the engine hasn't cut out completely since then, knock on wood). I'm still feeling the lag though, but maybe about only 75% as intense now.
Also, I'll note it really doesn't feel like it's a transmission problem at all. Shifts perfectly fine and smooth, goes from park to drive to reverse just fine. I don't hear any grinding or anything from the gears. I'm still learning about cars and don't have much experience. I think that what I've discovered trying to fix it might hopefully be enough information for one of you more experienced members to help guide me in the right direction. My wife thinks it could be because of the battery. We tested the battery and got the code for "needs to be replaced," but I didn't think a weak battery could cause this problem, could it? The headlights and radio all work perfectly fine, and it starts right up without excessive cranking. I've got more research to do, and I was thinking about looking into the exhaust components (catalytic convertor, o2 sensor, etc.), or maybe the fuel pump, or God knows what else.
Can anybody help? Has anybody experienced this before? How did you fix it?
Thank you SO much in advance!
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 6, 2012, 8:36 AM
Post #2 of 15
(5050 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
If battery tested bad than what are you waiting for? That shouldn't cause the smoke but if voltage drops way too low because of inadequate amps no telling what engine controls might do.
Are you up to date with timing belt?
What color is that smoke as that could be a strong clue,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 6, 2012, 7:24 PM
Post #3 of 15
(5017 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
We're definitely going to do the battery... just have to wait for the next paycheck :-)
Maybe that's what's going on... the car is fuel injected and uses Toyota's VVTi technology. With all those electronics controlling everything the engine does, a bad battery could possibly cause something to go wrong. Maybe the puff of smoke is the leftover excess fuel escaping from the last drive, getting pushed out when I start it up. I'll make sure to update this post after replacing the battery, with my findings. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
In the meantime, any other thoughts?
The smoke is grey in color, light grey. Not black, not white, grey. It smells a tad bit "diesely"
Thanks!
|
|
| |
|
|
Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 6, 2012, 7:36 PM
Post #4 of 15
(5016 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
The smoke is probably an oil leak dripping onto the hot exhaust.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 6, 2012, 11:11 PM
Post #5 of 15
(5006 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Quote from first post ">>3) Replaced fuel filter-- seemed to help a little bit. The car used to have the above mentioned problems as well as it would shake when idling. Since then I haven't notice any shaking while idling (and the engine hasn't cut out completely since then, knock on wood). I'm still feeling the lag though, but maybe about only 75% as intense now.<<"
I'm struggling to collate all the symptoms with one reason for all of it and coming up short.
* Battery. If older or has an intermittent small short it may stress out alternator and have a momentary drop in voltage then show nothing wrong when testing it One thing hold true is that they don't age well.
* Also trying to figure how the new fuel filter plays into this and now a smooth idle?
* Still can't figure how this can only happen SOME of the time.
Yes - your engine is controlled by lots of data from sensors on about everything to deliver the correct amount of fuel and timing taking in all factors - temperature, throttle position, load on engine, what gear you are in and how fast you are going among many.
* The smoke, color and odor plain isn't right and if overloading cat/converter(s) causes them harm or destruction.
Many, even most of this things should trigger a check engine light and code and think this car would be a yellow icon of an engine.
Still thinking on what to do and or check next,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 7, 2012, 12:02 AM
Post #6 of 15
(5001 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Yeah, it's strange... No check engine light is coming on. And it really doesn't happen all the time. I have very limited knowledge of car components, but I would think its either a part of the car that is meant to constantly engage that is halfway functioning or intermittently, or there is some kind of buildup of clogged something in one of the parts of the fuel line or exhaust that's just blocking up the operation every once in a while? I really don't know, just a speculation...
In response to the other poster, I just did an oil change, it's not leaking oil and has never left drips or an oil puddle and the oil level is not depleting...
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 7, 2012, 8:11 AM
Post #7 of 15
(4990 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
The other poster is "Hammer Time" - sharp tech still at it. Others here are no doubt watching too.
So far I say forget oil drip if at all and think concentration on anything to do with fuel and fuel delivery. That may take watching fuel pressure and might have to wait for it to happen. I'll suggest a professional fuel injection cleaning which takes a special machine. Of course strong solvents are only going to work on certain types of debris if that and it wouldn't hurt anything.
Make sure that check engine light works too. It should light up as a bulb check with key put to run position but not starting it. If that doesn't light fix that.
.
An enhanced code reading may show or tell of something noticed but not enough to keep that light on but IMO with the symptoms should be now.
This is still only a web site and pales vs a pro with proper equipment to diagnose this out in person. Intermittent problems are almost always a pest unless same thing has happened many times to same vehicle.
If this car has been well cared for, not overheated and maintenance things done on time with just 80K should be fine still at least the basics but never say never as crap happens to brand new cars of any brand so hard to rule out anything for certain.
In short this may need a tech to drive it, witness this and make a diagnosis. Some may be available to take the car for a day or two and do their own commute with it for ideas or nail this. A parts tossing party on this would be a waste IMO vs diagnosing exactly what.
Keep trying and if not known now find out who in your area has the know how and equipment for help,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 7, 2012, 12:50 PM
Post #8 of 15
(4983 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Thank you all for your help! You are not only saving me money that I don't have, but you're helping me learn a lot, and I can pass this information on to someone else in the future. 
I also asked this question at ToyotaNation, and some members mentioned replacing the PCV valve (because it's a cheap part, easy to do, and probably due to be replaced anyway) and running some throttle body cleaning solvent (o2 sensor safe)... what do you all think? Worth a shot?
Thanks!
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 7, 2012, 1:55 PM
Post #10 of 15
(4973 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Tend to agree with cheap (low cost not low quality) parts like most common PCV valves. I suggest do one thing at a time not several at once so you know which one was the problem if it happens again. Not certain of how PCV is done here but if it uses a rubber hose that MUST be in good shape AND any grommet if used.
Cleaning throttle body shouldn't hurt anything. Use a brush too like an old tooth brush to scrub it and if really trashed I gotta wonder why?
For injector cleaning go easy on any snake oil in a can as most is just a joke or makes things worse. I do endorse Techron in fuel more to prevent problems than a cure. SeaFoam makes a nasty strong solvent but I really suggest NOT using too much of either as directions will suggest a lot mostly to sell more product IMO.
!!!!!
Just had a wild thought on a maybe. Vacuum boosted brakes have to be tight too. Since this seems to happen from a stop this is now on my list to check out. If all is right with booster it will have vacuum after an overnite without starting engine for one or two pushes at the brake pedal or it's leaking it's reserve. When those really go bad an engine might not even run or so bad easy to diagnose. You can feel the pedal (engine off) go hard with no assist as vacuum is depleted. Just another thing that if slow enough won't throw a code which WILL not tell you exactly what item is definitely bad but info on where to go from the information.
Side note: Several things are dirt cheap or no cost but time to check and some real cheap and easy and overlooked.
No harm in learning anything. If not said yet do try to find and fix this asap as an engine that isn't running properly is or will be fatal to cat/convert(s) unnecessarily and just a huge extra expense. Keep at it. I like your vigor to find this
T
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 11, 2012, 9:46 AM
Post #11 of 15
(4951 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Thanks for your help. My vigor would mean nothing without your experienced assistance!
I checked the smoke color very carefully this morning, and it really does look like more towards the "white" end of the spectrum of smoke colors. It's still not pure white, more gray, but if I could only choose between black, blue or white, I'd say it's white. I've been having to rest the last few days (hernia) so haven't had much of a chance to look at it, but I think I'll be able to check it out some more tonight. I'll be checking for:
Brakes as you suggested
Check engine light comes on when turning the key before starting the car
Antifreeze levels (I found somewhere that antifreeze can leak through the head gasket and produce smoke at startup)
ATF fluid levels (also heard that this can sometimes contaminate combustion chamber)
Also I wanted to include some things I found on answers.com to think about:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_can_cause_white_smoke_from_the_exhaust
"It often means that you are burning antifreeze. You asked if it needs antifreeze, have you noticed any leaking out of the reservoir tank while you are running it? Sometimes when the head gasket goes it will produce a passage for the antifreeze to pass from the capillaries into the combustion chamber. It is easy to check if you have an air compressor. Remove one of the rear sparkplugs and the radiator cap. Fill the radiator and then push some air into the sparkplug hole (get a good seal in case a valve is open). Repeat with all the cylinders and watch for air bubbles coming up into the radiator. If bubbles come up or fluid is pumped out, the head gasket is blown and must be replaced. It is more likely to happen at the back of the engine because it is farthest away from the fan and therefore gets less cooling. Also check your oil for discoloration. If it is a brownish color it could mean your oil and antifreeze are mixing and has the potential to damage your bearings.
Read more: link deleted...... not allowed"
"If the exhaust billows white smoke for a few seconds when first starting the engine after it has been sitting for a while, such as overnight, and then runs normally," (this is EXACTLY what happens!!!) "it could mean that the rubber valve stem seals have perished - especially if the vehicle is a few years old and has done over 60/70,000 miles. Another clue is: does the exhaust smoke smell like fresh, rather than burnt oil." (this is also true, it smells fresh, not like burnt oil! it smells mildly "diesely")
Read more: link deleted ..... not allowed
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jan 11, 2012, 9:53 AM)
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 12, 2012, 2:19 PM
Post #12 of 15
(4936 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
I'm also researching bad valve stem seals or guides. I found a lot of people determined that was the problem when I isolated the smoke plume symptom. It never really went with a side order of stalling/lagging car, but who knows... maybe this is it too?
|
|
| |
|
|
Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 12, 2012, 5:01 PM
Post #13 of 15
(4930 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
The smoke could also be condensation in the exhaust system turning to steam on a cool humid morning.
What did the old plugs look like when you pulled them out? How were they burning.
One thing that I do know that the 2.4L 2AZ-FE in that year range are known for is head gasket coolant leaks. They usually leak on the back side of the engine. What usually happens is the head bolt threads in the block pull out and the bolts don't clamp the head down. You can usually see if it is leaking by looking at the backside of the engine with the vehicle in the air. Underneath the intake manifold is a foam diaper. You see pink stains around there, the head gasket is leaking.
If the head gasket is allowing combustion gasses into the coolant system, the engine would be overheating. Removing the spark plugs and pressurizing the coolant system is a good idea. Leave pressure on it overnight. Then check to see if coolant is leaking into the cylinders. You'll be able to look down the spark plug holes and see coolant laying on top of the pistons.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jan 12, 2012, 5:15 PM)
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Jan 13, 2012, 12:20 AM
Post #14 of 15
(4911 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
By the way, I just looked at oil and it's not low, it's right where it should be, and the oil is brown, not milky, and smells normal as far as I can sense. Coolant level is fine, coolant is nice and red still... PCV valve passes the shake and blow test, but I'll replace anyway...
Thanks Discrete for the tip. I found the intake manifold, but am having a hard time getting to the diaper underneath it. I'll have to borrow a jack and take a look.
Thanks
(This post was edited by lv2drft on Jan 13, 2012, 1:04 AM)
|
|
| |
|
|
lv2drft
Novice
Dec 20, 2012, 1:05 AM
Post #15 of 15
(3438 views)
|
|
Re: 2003 Toyota Solara, Lag / Chug-up After Pressing Gas Pedal:
|
Sign In
|
|
Sorry it took so long but here's the follow up, the problem was resolved.
I just gave in and took the car into a trusted local mechanic. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it just needed a fuel system cleaning. I didn't believe the mechanic at first because I thought there's no way a dirty fuel system could cause THIS much trouble, but all it needed was a good cleaning of the throttle body according to the mechanic.
He was right on the money! Haven't had any hesisation or chugging since!
Thanks for all the help!
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
Drive Shaft Repair
2006 Toyoto Camry XLE Driver Side Electric Window Trouble
Grounding Cable, 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
equipment
Howdy
