2002 Mercury Cougar with an engine problem

[akshatp]

At lights, seems like the car is "bucking" and not getting enough fuel

This only happened when idling until recently.. Now I feel it when driving at normal speeds too. It feels like the car is not getting enough fuel or something. It has never stalled when idling, but sometimes it feels like it is going to, and then it gets what it needs and "bucks" forward (but doesnt move since my foot is on the brake)

Any ideas what could be the cause? My only thought turns to clogged fuel filter. What else could it be?

 

[jagec]

clogged fuel filter, water in the gas, vacuum leak, unmetered air getting into manifold (or bad sensor), water getting into manifold (had a car where the former owner had duct-taped a leak in the intake, which had come loose and allowed snow into the cylinders)...

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: jagec
clogged fuel filter, water in the gas, vacuum leak, unmetered air getting into manifold (or bad sensor), water getting into manifold (had a car where the former owner had duct-taped a leak in the intake, which had come loose and allowed snow into the cylinders)...

In other words, take it to a repair shop to get a professional opinion.

Im hoping its just the fuel filter!

BTW, 70,000 miles on the car, first owner so i know there is no duct tape. What are the chances its something like a vacuum leak or bad sensor as opposed to something simple like a fuel filter?

 

[jagec]

If it's a 1-owner car and the problem came on gradually (rather than suddenly appearing one day), it's more likely to be the fuel filter. It might be worth changing out the fuel filter (cheap and easy) to see if the problem goes away...if so, fine, if not, you're hardly out any money.

 

[nakedfrog]

Probably due for a tune-up if you haven't gotten one done.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Probably due for a tune-up if you haven't gotten one done.

I will change the fuel filter this weekend. Whether or not that clears it up, your point is valid. It could use a tune up, cant remember the last time it went in for service

 

[cbrsurfr]

That generation of Cougar had known fuel pump issues. Did it ever have the pump replaced under recall?

http://www.autosafety.org/04N02Owner.pdf

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: cbrsurfr
That generation of Cougar had known fuel pump issues. Did it ever have the pump replaced under recall?

http://www.autosafety.org/04N02Owner.pdf

I dont think so. Its actually my wifes car, and I doubt she would know. I presume I can call the dealership and have them check against the VIN?

BTW.. THANKS! That indeed does sound like the exact problem after reading the recall letter. I wonder if she ever got this done. Funny thing is, we took it to the dealer last year for a radio problem (fixed under warranty) and they didnt mention anything about any recalls. Do they not say anything unless we bring it up?

I remember when I took my Honda in for something, they asked if I wanted to have the three recall fixes done while the car was in. I didnt know about them until the dealer asked.

 

[bctbct]

If the problem you are describing is hestitation, it could be a bad ERG valve.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: bctbct
If the problem you are describing is hestitation, it could be a bad ERG valve.

Whats an ERG valve? And is it difficult to replace? I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow, but they said if it isnt the Fuel Pump then I would be responsible for a $147.50 diagnostic fee.

I would rather confirm its the fuel pump before taking it to the damn dealer. How can I do this?

 

[alfa147x]

I had the same problem and had to change the MAF (Mass air flow) sensor; but this is on a 1994 nissan altima

 

[alfa147x]

Do you see a white smoke ish thing coming out the exhaust pipe ?

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: alfa147x
Do you see a white smoke ish thing coming out the exhaust pipe ?

Nope

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: bctbct
If the problem you are describing is hestitation, it could be a bad ERG valve.

Whats an ERG valve? And is it difficult to replace? I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow, but they said if it isnt the Fuel Pump then I would be responsible for a $147.50 diagnostic fee.

I would rather confirm its the fuel pump before taking it to the damn dealer. How can I do this?

He meant EGR valve. Exhaust Gas Recirculation. You'll spend more throwing parts at the car than you would having it fixed.

 

[jmagg]

Try some drygas

 

[BUTCH1]

Check the condition of the air filter, if it's filthy it could cause the MAF sensor the malfunction.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Check the condition of the air filter, if it's filthy it could cause the MAF sensor the malfunction.

Air filter was already replaced, it was the first thing I changed when the problem started. I automatically thought air or fuel filter.

 

[cbrsurfr]

The fuel pump replacement was only done if you came in to complain about it. If you bought the car new you should have gotten the letter.

Did you replace the fuel filter yet? It's only about $9 and is really easy to change.

My dealership recomended the fuel filter be changed every year when I had my Cougar. I only had diagnostic work done there so they had nothing to gain. It seemed to run better and get slightly better gas mileage when I changed it last. It also ran like shit on certain brands of gas (namely Clark).

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: cbrsurfr
The fuel pump replacement was only done if you came in to complain about it. If you bought the car new you should have gotten the letter.

Did you replace the fuel filter yet? It's only about $9 and is really easy to change.

My dealership recomended the fuel filter be changed every year when I had my Cougar. I only had diagnostic work done there so they had nothing to gain. It seemed to run better and get slightly better gas mileage when I changed it last. It also ran like shit on certain brands of gas (namely Clark).

Have not changed the fuel filter yet. Will take a trip to Pep Boys and pick one up tomorrow.

 

[akshatp]

Update:

Took to dealer, they said it wasnt the fuel pump.. Told me needs plugs, wires and a coil and they could do it for $700. Obviously declined the offer and picked up the car (Had to pay $150 diagnostic fee RIPOFF)

Question.. Any idea how hard it would be to change the wires/plugs/coil at home on this car? I changed the fuel filter by myself with little trouble apart from getting the rusted clamp off. Local shop wants $347 to do the work.

 

[DougK62]

V6 or I4? It's simple work really, the V6 will be hard to reach the firewall-side plugs, but other than that it's really easy. If you've done a fuel pump you can easily do plugs/wires/coil.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: DougK62
V6 or I4? It's simple work really, the V6 will be hard to reach the firewall-side plugs, but other than that it's really easy. If you've done a fuel pump you can easily do plugs/wires/coil.

V6. Sorry, I meant fuel FILTER not fuel pump.