2003 Spectra weird acceleration problem

mbrady86 · 06-21-2008, 02:04 PM

I have a 2003 Kia Spectra base model with an automatic trannyand 93,000 miles. As I go down the road (or if I am stopped) and try to accelerate, the car does not seem to want to accelerate even if the pedal is to the floor. When it does accelerate, the engine revs way high and it does not go past a certain speed. This happens mostly when the air conditioner is on, but recently, it has been happening without the air ever having been on in any certain car ride. If I shut off the car and turn it back on again, this problem goes away temporarily. The problem goes beyond the fact that the car has to work harder when the air is on; I've had this car for two years (summers and winters) without this problem. I know the car's getting old, but I believe there is an underlying issue. I work at a Toyota dealership and just for kicks, I asked one of the techs there. I told them the same thing and they said that it could be that I need a new transmission. Of course, Kias are not their speciality I know. I cannot afford a new car so I have to keep this car until I'm done with college. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rianna1106 · 08-13-2008, 07:41 PM

Hello everyone! Before I post, would like to say thanks for having me here. I have 2005 Spectra that I've had for 2 years. Good little car.

I'm having kind of the same problem. When I first start the car everything is fine and then I turn the AC on. after going about 50 miles it starts acting like it wants to stall, and revs up. I pull off the road and turn the car off for a few minutes and it seems to settle itself down. But then when I'm on the interstate doing 70, the rpm revs up to 4000 rpm, stays there for a few seconds then comes back down.

If anyone knows anything about what's going on I'd love to know. I was told today that because it was an intermitent problem that it was probably a vacuum leak. If so, is that an easy inexpensive fix?

Thanks,
Rianna

Mspectra · 08-13-2008, 09:47 PM

I have an 01 spectra auto, that had similar problems, I replaced the transmission control module after a cel went off , later the throttle position sensor and also my catalytic convertor was plugged, have you done a full tune up? also checking those things might help, good luck hope this helps.

Rianna1106 · 08-14-2008, 08:52 AM

Thanks. I'll do that. Was actually looking up parts for the car. I think though I'll take it to the mechanic.

bono · 08-19-2008, 11:02 PM

i have had an alternator problem that keeps draining the battery and when it gets to low a voltage i get some of the same symptoms as you with the gearbox recarge the battery and they go away