need help

gskaggs · 03-10-2007, 11:09 PM

this evening, not long after starting my 98 sportage, as i would throttle the car would start jerking and sputtering. my engine light then came on. seems if i get the rpms up and "pop" the clutch it runs better, but as it winds out starts jerking again. can find a somewhat smooth area while driving on highway, but as i start up a hill, jerks and sputters. have also noticed last week or so, bad sulfer smell. please help. this is my every day vehicle, and financially there is not alot of cash i have to spread around. I hope i was able to explain the problems well enough. thank you in advance for any help.

mgbgt1972 · 03-11-2007, 12:12 AM

If you have a CEL (check engine light) then go get the code read, most part stores will read the codes for you, once you have a code come back and we can help further!

From the sounds of it, you have a blocked cat, the sputtering jeking is a good indication there is a blockage in the exhaust, and the bad smell points to the cat!

Although the cat may just be 'stinky' and not collapsed and you have other issues, like a slipped timming belt, failed injector, etc!

gskaggs · 03-11-2007, 12:32 AM

thats what i kinda thought. CEL will flash some and then remain steady some. not sure if that means anything or not. not sure bout timing. blew timing belt mid last year, replaced it and have had no problems like the problems i had tonight. thanx for your advice, will try to check all i can tomorrow and hopefully get a code #,. may have to come back here and beg for more info though. lol thanx again. its much appreciated.

ron1004 · 03-11-2007, 04:39 AM

That rotten egg smell is generated in the CAT when the exhaust gas carries unburnt fuel.
This could also be a bad spark plug, HT plug wire or bad injector, which would trigger the CEL.

Pull the plugs and compare their colour - one dark one would signify a bad plug or wire.

The CEL number should shed more light on this.

gskaggs · 03-11-2007, 11:23 AM

thank you . will try to get to auto zone asap. I will post the code #'s and hopefully you good folks can shed some light on all this. thanx again

gskaggs · 03-11-2007, 04:16 PM

the code auto zone said was 0301. said something about #1 cylinder not firing, and a couple other things. any one have an idea where i should start? and if i change the plugs and new plug wire for #1 cylinder, how heavy a task is this job? do it myself or have to take it somewhere. again, thanx in advance

ron1004 · 03-11-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gskaggs

the code auto zone said was 0301. said something about #1 cylinder not firing, and a couple other things. any one have an idea where i should start? and if i change the plugs and new plug wire for #1 cylinder, how heavy a task is this job? do it myself or have to take it somewhere. again, thanx in advance

I would start by changing all the plugs using the original NGK make, then if that doesn't solve the problem go for changing the wires.

It's a real easy job, but we have no idea of your tech skills and tools available.

It should be real cheap to get done as a service center.

mgbgt1972 · 03-11-2007, 10:07 PM

Like Ron said change the plugs, if that dosn't solve it change out the coil packs, use the GDS site Global Service Way to find out how, it's real simple and should take no more than an afternoon if you follow the instructions and have the correct parts!

p.s the cause of a P0301 could be any of the following:
1) Vacuum leak in air intake system.
2) Crank Position (CKP) Sensor circuit malfunction.
3) Faulty CKP Sensor.
4) Ignition circuit malfunction.
5) Faulty ignition coil or plug wire.
6) Spark plug malfunction.
7) Low compression due to blown head gasket, leaking valve(s) or piston ring(s).
8) Low/high fuel pressure due to faulty pressure regulator, plugged fuel filter or faulty fuel pump.
9) Fuel injector circuit malfunction.
10) Faulty fuel injector.

gskaggs · 03-12-2007, 12:32 AM

i hate to sound like a total moron, but the GDS site just confused the hell outta me. lol. im sorry folks, somewhat car illiterate. already bought the plugs. auto zone only had one set of coil packs. was told by them the code said # 1 cylinder was not firing. they told me to change that coil pack and see if it helps. was i told the right thing ans secondly, how do you decifer which is cylinder #1. Please bear with my ignorance. believe it or not last year took motor apart to repair timing belt, have head work done and replace valves. but also had a buddy here to kinda guide me. again, all advice is greatly appreciated and thanx for taking the time to help

hower610 · 03-13-2007, 03:44 PM

Cylinder 1 is the front cylinder/spark plug