Engine slow to respond to gas

[vip3r87]

Hey guys, new member here!

When I start my car, and once it warms up, it is very slow to respond to gas. Ex. I put foot on gas to rev to around 3-4k, nothing, 2 seconds later it does it. My dad says this could be because it needs new plugs. It also is in DESPERATE need for an oil change, not only is the oil level low, but it is also pitch black, another thing I am changing tomorrow. So inshort, what could be the problem? Is my father right? (please say yes, easy fix :P )


PS* Car is 1990 Corolla GTS

[REN69]

Nothing wrong with trying.. it could be anything. I'd love to drive this car and see what it is, because even Derek (the previous owner before the guy that sold it to you) had the same problem. The car is supposed to have a newer motor in it but who knows, it's probably nothing.

[DoubleEdgedWomb]

I spent forever trying to solve the same problem in my '69 Bug, and it ended up being something as simple as the throttle cable had come loose and developed some slack.

[diver9000]

Originally Posted by DoubleEdgedWomb

I spent forever trying to solve the same problem in my '69 Bug, and it ended up being something as simple as the throttle cable had come loose and developed some slack.

Damn, you took my idea. The oil level should have no effect on how quickly the engine responds to the throttle. I have to agree with a loose throttle cable, it may just need adjusting.

[toyotaspeed90]

first see if you are throwing any codes.....

if not, then i would check the AFM or the TPS...... the TPS is easy.... as most toyota's will still run fine with them disconnected (may run a bit rich)... but if the TPS is connected and reading inaccurately, then it could cause some lag (ie, you hit the gas, the TPS opens, but doesn't respond.... the injectors don't fire as much.... finally the o2 reads lean and the injectors richen it up....)...

same goes with the AFM....and also that the AFM trap door isn't reacting slowly..... if it's sticking (for whatever reason) it will cause airflow to, uh, not flow..... also, if there is a problem with the voltages from the AFM to the ecu, the injectors will react slow and cause problems.....

i have a hard time thinking it would be the throttle cable...... because if he pushes the pedal to the floor, then the steel-braided cable is pulling the tb open..... even if it's frayed it will still pull it open (ie, would stick when you get OFF the gas)..... and if the cable is broken, then the TB wouldn't open at all....

[Bitter]

it sounds like a fuel problem, like running really rich when the pedal is planted and then the O2 sensor clears it up and off it goes. def check the plugs, they should be gray or tan on the porcelien part. i bet theyre all black all over.

[diver9000]

Bitter, you thinking fouled plugs?

[Bitter]

well fouled plugs would be a symptom contributing to the problem, but not the root of the problem. what fouled the plugs is the root of the problem.