2000 corolla hesitates above 65MPH

[crypticlineage]

2000 Toyota Corolla VE
118000 miles
Engine swap done last week (previous engine was burning too much oil)

Car drives fine at lower speeds, but as I try to get above 65MPH, there is definite hesitation, I can feel the car shaking erratically, until I let the pedal go, to come down below 65MPH. Tried to accelerate quickly beyond 70MPH to see if that will make the hesitation go away, but it only gets worse.

What could this be? Hope its not the transmission. Scanned the obdII port, no codes were set, not even pending. Could this be fuel injection problem? How to get the correct diagnosis done? Transmission fluid is at correct level and is cherry red in color.

Service done at 117800:

1zzfe swap (new engine has only 6k miles, runs fine, doesn't burn a drop fo oil, oil looks clean)
new spark plugs (denso iridium)
new air filter
new oil filter (obviously)
new catalytic converter (at mile 116500)

[travismorg]

Possible timing may be off?

Does the force thats holding you back feel like it's choking your engine , or is it like a fuel-cut?

Odd that it didn't throw a code when you experienced the hesitation.



You probably don't have access to such equipment, but if you do, using the Vetronix Mastertech or the Techstream PC software, you could monitor the real-time data while you reproduce the problem. That should definately point you in the right direction.

[crypticlineage]

I was just at the garage. The mech drove it and confirmed the problem. He doesn't think its the transmission. He says more than likely the gas filter, bad gas or injection problem. He said change the gas filter, fill 91 octane gas for one time and use fuel injection cleaner once. That should solve the problem.

Does anyone know where fuel filter is located on 2000 Corolla? If possible, I would like to change it myself, unless of course the car needs to be lifted.

I checked 1sttoyotaparts and there are two fuel filters available for 2000 corolla, one for $8 and another for $34. What is the difference between them? I don't know which one needs replacement.

When I called local dealership, they said fuel filter ($34 part) was a lifetime part and that Toyota thinks it doesn't need replacement during the life of the car.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[rice]

Originally Posted by crypticlineage

Toyota thinks it doesn't need replacement during the life of the car. .

i think we have a wiNNaR.

hmmm....you said car shaking......so this "hesitation" is only the shaking, right? and nothing else? where is the shaking from?? check your axles, tires, wheels, hubs, etc. The search button is probably your best friend, i know this topic has been discussed.

[crypticlineage]

well may be I overemphasized shaking. The shaking is directly coming from the hesitation and it is erratic, not continuous. It only happens when I push the gas pedal beyond 65MPH. I don't think that hints towards wheels, tires, or axels because if it were the cause, the problem would appear even at speeds like 40 or 50mph.

In any case, I am gonna try replacing fuel filter (by the way what is the diff between those two filters?), add 91 octane gas, and pour fuel injection cleaner in the tank. Let's see if that will take care of the problem.

If it doens't, then I will start exploring other possibilities.

[stubborn1]

Have you tried coasting in neutral at speeds above 65 to rule out tire/suspension/transmission issues? Did the mechanic measure your fuel pressure?

[crypticlineage]

How do you coast in neutral above 65? I don't have manual transmission.

No, he did not measure the fuel pressure. Just my engine is under warranty so I dont think they'll do it. I can have it done at my regular mechanic, if it needs to be done.

[stubborn1]

Originally Posted by crypticlineage

How do you coast in neutral above 65? I don't have manual transmission.

No, he did not measure the fuel pressure. Just my engine is under warranty so I dont think they'll do it. I can have it done at my regular mechanic, if it needs to be done.

Assuming they have hills where you live, take the car up to 75 or so then pop in neutral and coast for a bit down the hill. See if you still have the same vibration while coasting. If the problem still persists, it's probably tire or suspension related.

[Zalthras]

I had this exact same problem with my old 94 geo prism, it ended up being a slightly bent left drive axle, so low speeds it drives like normal. But Highway speeds, especially long right curves it shakes real bad and feels like you're not accelerating when you give it gas, but feels smooth (normal) when you let off the gas.

Try looking into your drive axles. or maybe even your open differential if it's been doing this for awhile.