2003 Corolla S 'Slow Acceleration'

[Forsure]

I recently bought a used 2003 Corolla S w/ 101k miles on it, I thought it would be an easy fix although it starts out very slow when I step on the gas pedal. I recently changed out the Solenoid 'A' (code P0750) because the check enginelight came on and i hoped that once the solenoid was changed it would fix the acceleration problem. However after replacing the solenoid the problem still exists. The car has first gear but everytime I stop it takes off/accelerates very slow, once it reaches 15-20+ mph the car drives nice and smooth. The transmission fluid and filter were changed when the solenoid was replaced. So if anyone knows something about this please do share.

Thanks for reading.

[silver04rollas]

Coming from a 1ZZ 2004 Corolla S, it was not anything abnormal for the Corolla to accelerate sluggishly from a dead stop especially with an automatic transmission. I used to feel frustrated as well with the sluggishness.

You should clean the MAF sensor on the intake (get professional help since it is easy to break) and then disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few seconds to reset the ECU. Once you reconnect, let the car idle for 15 minutes to get the computer used to the cleaner MAF sensor.

[JasonA]

Is the automatic really that power-sapping? The 1ZZ-FE with a 5-speed has posted some rather impressive 0-60 times for having only 126 HP. I've seen as low as 7.9 seconds and as high as 8.3 seconds (for instrumented testing, like from Car & Driver, etc). Mine certainly doesn't feel sluggish, and will easily spin the tires, and even bark them on the 1-2 shift if I want.

[Rdkill]

Is the automatic really that power-sapping? The 1ZZ-FE with a 5-speed has posted some rather impressive 0-60 times for having only 126 HP. I've seen as low as 7.9 seconds and as high as 8.3 seconds (for instrumented testing, like from Car & Driver, etc). Mine certainly doesn't feel sluggish, and will easily spin the tires, and even bark them on the 1-2 shift if I want.

I agree...mine loves to spin the tires. I cant tell you the difference though because I've never driven an automatic corolla.

Anyways what does the engine sound like when you take off? Really low pitched or any vibrations?

[TrdSpeed140]

yea, it is just sluggish, the only time I can break the tires loose is in the rain or snow. lol. the torque converter just loves to eat up our power

[Forsure]

Anyways what does the engine sound like when you take off? Really low pitched or any vibrations?


Thanks for the replies. I will check the MAF sensor.

Well when the car takes off theres really no noise nor does the engine vibrate it just takes a longer time for the car to pick up in gear and move. Just yesterday the check engine light came back on, but i havent had a chance to get the code. I will update once i get it read.

My friend told me his 93 camry had the same problem and when he took it to a local mechanic the mechanic told him that it was the driveshaft on the passengerside going bad. After replacing the the driveshaft his car was back to taking off nicely after stopping. But i'm unsure how the driveshaft can cause the vehicle from taking off properly???

[GTurner598]

what did you think the S stood for when you bought it. lol
S=Slow

[berdman978]

its a type slow

[jeepwranglerg]

Snappy little motha, i test drove a new 2007 corolla ce with manual trans what a dog! Id easy i mean easy beat that in race.

So its not the tranny, what type of automatic fluid did you install and do you know how to read the dip stick. There's a cold with two lines one high one low, then there's high mark with two dashes ones hot full other hot low. Only use toyota brand fluid will be marked with scion on it. I had similar problems with tacoma i had with automatic wished id stuck with factory stuff.You might need some new o2 sensors, if your running rich that would be why your slow? Clean the maf, get the right cleaners there spendy but you cannot use carb cleaner to ruff.

[jeepwranglerg]

smooth,smart just right! You might wanna ask the pros over at *************

[JasonA]

Most times I've seen for auto cars is in the 9-10 second range. Most manuals are in the high-7s to low-8s. Something was way wrong with that '07 if your '03 was a lot faster than it...that or your '03 is turbocharged. Besides, it's '09...you just drove a "new" 2007 model?

[Forsure]

I pulled the code and it was p0750 again. Cleaned the MAF, and took out the driveshaft but the car still runs the same. Thinking about taking it to a mechanic to get is diagonsis.

[REN69]

Originally Posted by berdman978

its a type slow

Say the word "Type" again when referring to a Corolla S and you're banned... I'm serious, my biggest pet Peeve is people calling the Corolla S a "Type S"

You want to use the word "Type" around here... you better buy a Honda.