No Zoom Zoom on a hil

[Google]

I suspect I may be having fuel pump problems but before i spend hard earned money on pressure testing the fuel system, I'd like to know what you all think.

Just the other day I was accelerating up a hill. I didnt feel like the engine had enough juice. I floored it but it wasn't responding like it used to. There was no hunting of the engine or stalling, just lack of power. I occasionally add techron or other fuel additives when filling up.

However, I tend to wait to fill up until the gas light comes on. I noticed starting the car (most) times takes about 3-4 cranks where in the past it is one or two.

I'vev had clogged throttle bottle or intake issues, I cant recall which and it was cleaned under warranty. My warranty is now expired and I only have 50,000 km. I never replaced the air filter either. I also have no check engine lights either.

Any ideas?

[Default User]

Time for a tune up
Plugs, air filter, fuel filter....

[zmz3]

Hmm, like the OP, I'd definitely be interested in finding out what consists as a 'tune-up'

Im reaching 90,000 soon, so i'd like to tune up for spring :)

please add to the list:

1) spark plugs
2) air filter
3) fuel filter
4)
5)

[miako]

Sounded like Spark plugs problem... I had similar problem with my old car turned out to be a spark plug problem...

[rzapata]

Try to check your oil and test if it smells more of fuel... I had a similar problem before I replaced my spark plugs.. Then when I did, I noticed that the car does not struggle when I accelerate.. :) Just an idea.

[Google]

Plugs? I asked the dealer about that when they just did a LOF and he said something like the plugs are supposed to last to 90-100K and I am only half of that.

@razapta, did the plugs cause the smell of fuel?
@miako, The thing is, my car doesnt struggle when I accelerate it just seems plain out weak. would worn plugs cause weak acceleration? #confused.

As far as air filter goes, I saw a Youtube video where a dude had about 100K and his air filter wasnt THAT dirty. Still, I'll do the airfilter any ways, it's cheap.

[Google]

@zmz3, our car doesnt have a fuel filter. there's a strainer attached to the fuel pump that acts as a fuel filter.

[Default User]

@zmz3, our car doesnt have a fuel filter. there's a strainer attached to the fuel pump that acts as a fuel filter.

sorry - my bad.
My "tune-up" is generally Fire, Air, Fuel. Didnt realize it was just a strainer on our cars. LOL

[rzapata]

@Google

Well, before I changed the plugs, there's a fairly strong fuel smell on my oil than normal (not that it does not have that smell). I know because I check my oil every week and right now, it's not that smelly as before.. So, I guess since there's a lot of fuel in the oil, it means that it's not properly burning, which means that either the air/fuel ratio is off or the spark plugs are not sparking to optimum levels.. When I changed the plugs, it felt like the car regained a bit more horses and the WEAK acceleration feeling is gone.. This is just based on my experience, might be different for you or similar. Worse comes to worst it could be a leak somewhere or perhaps the pedal springs are not into spec..

Just an idea..

[zmz3]

@Google

Well, before I changed the plugs, there's a fairly strong fuel smell on my oil than normal (not that it does not have that smell). I know because I check my oil every week and right now, it's not that smelly as before.. So, I guess since there's a lot of fuel in the oil, it means that it's not properly burning, which means that either the air/fuel ratio is off or the spark plugs are not sparking to optimum levels.. When I changed the plugs, it felt like the car regained a bit more horses and the WEAK acceleration feeling is gone.. This is just based on my experience, might be different for you or similar. Worse comes to worst it could be a leak somewhere or perhaps the pedal springs are not into spec..

Just an idea..

Hmmm... Sometimes when I just turned on the car, I smell some strong fuel from the tail pipe area... is that related?

It happens sometimes, not always.

[rzapata]

Hmmm... Sometimes when I just turned on the car, I smell some strong fuel from the tail pipe area... is that related?

It happens sometimes, not always.

Yes, I've noticed that too before I changed the plugs.. However, the smell on mine is constant. Now, there's still that burnt gas smell but not that strong as before.

[Google]

ARgh. There's so many possibilities. I gots no fuel smell at all. A bit during start-up. For some reason, I am leaning toward clogged intake or throttle body. These kinds of issues drive me bonkers. If it was cut and dry I wouldn't feel so frustrated. It's not a piece of cake for the technician at the dealership trying to troubleshoot either. It's pretty much trial and error.

It's times like these that I want to trade in my car and get a new one but I kinda like not having a monthly payment.

[m3mtl]

Not sure if you have an actual problem...If you haven t done a tune up yet, its time. However I do find the mazda 3 even the 2.3 sucks going up hill. I find the 2.3 engine does not rev fast. I guess its normal for bigger 4 cylinder as this was a complaint about the 2.5 mazda 3 in car reviews.