Low power going uphill?

[Ferraz]

Hi, don't know too much about cars but could some mention the possible causes of the car (Echo 2004) stalling when going uphill. Basically if I'm on second gear it stalls, but if I'm on first it struggles along.

Someone told me to check the spark plugs (?), and I read on the net that the fuel injectors may need cleaning.

Any ideas/suggestions on this?

[soloecho2]

More details please. Are you starting to move while on a hill. How steep is the hill. Is there any hesitation when accelerating.

[Ferraz]

Not sure how steep the hill is, it seems fairly steep (I know the description probably doesn't help, but I was in second gear on another hill which was less steep and it went up fine).

When I tried it in second gear (on the steep hill) I was moving pretty slowly (maybe 5-10 km/h?). The car went up bit then it started stalling until it eventually cut off (even though I was flooring the accelerator).

Then I tried it in first gear (flooring it as well) it did go up but like I said there was a noticeable drop in power (didn't cut off though).

Anything else I might need to add/take notice of?

[2005RS]

we're talking about an automatic transmission here right?

sounds like I would start with a basic maintenance / tuneup first, then see if something else is broke.

no check engine light while the car is running?

[Ferraz]

Originally Posted by 2005RS

we're talking about an automatic transmission here right?

sounds like I would start with a basic maintenance / tuneup first, then see if something else is broke.

no check engine light while the car is running?

Nope, manual. Also the engine check light is not on.

[2005RS]

hmmm: 5 to 10km on a steep hill in second gear? unless you're slipping the clutch I would think any car would stall. I don't mean to be facetious, but are you familiar with driving manual?
how is acceleration otherwise?

[Ferraz]

Originally Posted by 2005RS

hmmm: 5 to 10km on a steep hill in second gear? unless you're slipping the clutch I would think any car would stall. I don't mean to be facetious, but are you familiar with driving manual?
how is acceleration otherwise?

Yes I fully understand this, maybe that's my setback (I'll try it again). For the record, after it stalled the first time I took off in first gear from the point of stalling and it was ok, albeit struggling a bit (as I mentioned in my first post).

Anyway the reason I'm in second gear while going that slowly is because the hill is immediately after a u-turn, so I need to slow down, and I can't gear down into first.

[vic benson]

has this just started. Was it running ok before, how long have you had the car, has it had a recent service??

[Ferraz]

Only got the car about a week ago. Has about 200,000 km on it. Dunno when was the last time the previous owner serviced it, so I suppose it's about time for a tune up?

[vic benson]

Some times if the valve clearances are too tight, this type of problem occurs.

Vic

[2005RS]

Originally Posted by Ferraz

Only got the car about a week ago. Has about 200,000 km on it. Dunno when was the last time the previous owner serviced it, so I suppose it's about time for a tune up?

mine's coming up on 190,000 km and there's no problem with pep.

you can't go wrong with doing or getting the basic maintenance done.

[Ferraz]

Thanks for all the advice. Just changed the spark plugs and it's running way better now. Didn't try going up a hill just yet, but it's definitely getting more power.

Still guess I need to run some checks but this is a decent start.