Hello,

I have a Protege LX 97, and every morning I have to push the gas pedal a bit to have it start and then allow one minute or so giving it gas to stabilize the engine, because otherwise the engine will stall.

Once the car is warmed up no more problems.

Also my fuel economy sucks. Could it be related?

Thanks

Pablo Quintana

 

It sounds like your fuel system needs a cleaning. You can always try to with additives... STP, Gumout, etc. If that still does not help, it is probably your fuel pump. How many miles or kilometers on your car, and when you refill tank, is it almost empty or is there at least 1/4 or 1/8 of the tank left?

 

109200 mi and counting. To be honest, I bought this car two weeks ago, and drove it below 1/4, haven't filled above that yet.


If it is the fuel pump, how can I test it? Does this car primes the engine with gas before you start it? My Ford Contour does that.

 

Well, since you just bought the car, there are probably many more variables that could contribute to your situation. I would still recommend using some fuel injector cleaner, and try to check your EGR valve. Other than bad start and bad mileage, do you notice anything else unusual? Is your Check Engine Light on?

 

I have to start by pulling out the codes. Some how the CEL is not on, but because maybe somone disconnected or burnt out, because it doesn't appear when you turn on the ignition.

I'll be receiving my Haynes manual soon, so I will be able to check more thouroughly.

I'll let you know when I get the codes.