No Power

tashalaughs · 01-18-2009, 03:41 AM

Hey I drive a 1990 Sidekick. 5spd, 4x4. Over the past year I have been experiencing what I can only imagine are fuel related problems. Only, they have been getting worse, and now today, I can't go anywhere.

I started with once in a while, on the highway or something, it would kind of cut in and out really quickly, just for a few seconds and then it was fine.

Then it started to just die when I was doing a hill start. It would die in first or second if I shifted a bit early.

For the past week or two, my check engine light will come on and then I have about five seconds before I stall. (usually in first, second, or third gear)

Today when I was driving home, I just seemed to have a complete lack of power. Couldn't climb hills at all. Still obviously have gas because I am still moving. But downshifting didn't help. The engine is working really hard.

Finally got home, was stalling out on nearly flat ground in first.

Now since this has been going on and getting worse for a year now, I can't imagine that it's the fuel pump. Wouldn't that have just given out by now? Someone told me that there is a strainer in fuel pumps that could be clogged if I often run with under a quarter tank of gas? Sorry, I don't know really where to go with this. I would have done something about it sooner, but I don't really have the cash. Can someone point me in the right direction or is the zuk done for?

Thanks,
Tasha

Rhinoman · 01-18-2009, 05:54 AM

I would start by replacing the fuel filter, its mounted on the frame near the fuel tank.

tashalaughs · 01-18-2009, 05:41 PM

I've already replaced the fuel filter. I changed it again a couple weeks ago.

CodyJ · 01-19-2009, 02:47 AM

I would test the ECU and look for problems with a short or something. Could be many things. Does feeding the car propane gas keep it running? If so its fuel related, otherwise it goes electrical... do some testing and be smart about it. Propane gas into the intake is the safest and easiest way to tell if a car has fuel problems.

jtgh · 01-19-2009, 01:46 PM

codyj is correct , propain down the short, is safest test.

First, did you do a tune up.
new cap, rotor,wires, and plugs ( if the ignition is flashing over , then you are just wasting time and money troubleshooting expensive parts.. (fuel pump and what not)

your history is missing.
total miles on clock
miles since last tuneup ?
has car sit for a year or more unused ?
you said it got worse and worse but never said where it ended up, NO start at all?

possibles ( but short)
1: tuneup (full)
2: fuel pressure low ( yes fuel pumps can do what ever they please, including bank on tank and start working again) measure the pressure here.
http://carfix.stufftoread.com/INJECTORS/TBI-conn-1w.jpg

3. ECU bad. Bad capacitors in the unit.

4: ground behind left rear tail light at 2pm position( fuel pump ground) is corroded.
this #1 fail for fuel pressure loss. as is #2 the connector hidden behind rear bumper going to said pump. corroded, again.

how to measure pressure
Fuel-pump-testing

chriisvw · 01-22-2009, 01:26 AM

Tash i had the same problem on my suzuki which i imported from japan about two years ago mine is the 2.0 V6 motor, what i eventually found was that the HT leads which sit above the spark plugs were breaking over there were small white pit marks on the rubber interconnections to replace these was a bit expensive so i bought a set of bogey leads cut them and fitted them into the tubes this was a bit trickey but worked and all the power returned and my fuel consumption was great after the mod.

jtgh · 01-22-2009, 02:36 PM

home made HT spark wires. (WOW !)

but if it burns out the $250 ignitor. then what.?

Hi Tasha
a real tune up. Im sure you did one.
No mention of the CEL lamp (check engine lamp) on at KEYON, notstarted then it must go out after starting. RIGHT , that is what it does?
then (8v ) [ no order things break as the wish , right?)
check fuel pressure.
http://carfix.stufftoread.com/INJECTORS/TBI-conn-1w.jpg

if that is good and CEL is out.
then check
compression.
compression

then check vacuum for steady non pulsing 19 inches of HG (mercury column)
if you need , KPA or BAR conv. ,let me now.

a sticking intake valve can make for lose of power and cause the EFI to go quite nutz.
tripling the effect.

cheers.

Rhinoman · 01-22-2009, 03:42 PM

If you want to make up your own leads then you can get extended reach spark plug caps from any good motorcycle shop. Its a good idea to make up (or reuse the original) a rubber bung to stop any muck getting down the side of the plug.