2000 echo automatic with noisey idle and some while driving

[photographicink]

I replaced the spark plugs, check the gas cap and now put Lucas fuel injector cleaner in it. The engine is much much better sounding since using the cleaner but it seems like it needs it all the time. The check engine light was on and was indicating random multiple misfires. The vehicle has 140 thousand on it and has rust too. It takes a long time to warm up and doesn't switch gears over 35mph until it is totally warm as indicated by the cold engine light.

[vic benson]

The delay in shifting as far as I know is totally normal. Even the 2011's automatics do the same thing.

Maybe you should try using another gas station or high test fuel for a while. If it is not warming up quickly you should change the thermostat.

Vic

[Mercutio]

I searched through the forums and observed the following, which im planning to apply to my vehicle which was water damaged

Symptoms:
Jerking
Stalling
Hesitation
Stuttering
Engine Light on
Chokes when given gas
Check Engine light comes on

Error Codes:
p0300: random misfire
p0302: cylinder 2 misfire
P0303: Cylinder 3 misfire
P0031: o2 sensor related
P0133: intake leak
P1310: Ignitor #3 Circuit problem
p1349: Gear stuck in lean position?
P1310: Ignitor #3 Circuit problem

Causes:
One guy drove through high water
One guy drove in rainy weather
One guys car sputters driving rain
My car was underwater essentially

Suggested Solutions:
Change Fuel Filter
Check the air filter
Use fuel injector cleaner
Clean/Change Mass Air Flow Sensor ****Most Popular Solution***
Change/Repair Oil control valve (OCV)
Reset the ECM by disconnecting the battery **Fairly Popular**
Tape up/Check/Change Throttle vacuum related hoses *So So*
Silicone spray ??????<-dont know what thats for.

Information from MSN AUTO


......Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and the Evaporative (EVAP) Emissions system. Problems with the MAF Sensor and EVAP system cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $151.10 for parts and $58.50 for labor. The cost for parts to repair the EVAP system can range from $88.00 - $350.00....

[Mercutio]

I used the MAF cleaner made by a company named CAC. Got it from Autozone, it also sells at. Pep Boys

1. Disconnected the battery.
2. Disconnected the MAF.
3. Took the 2 screws off the MAF.
4. Pulled it from the Air Box.
5. Layed it on the flat side
6. Sprayed it down along all the cracks and crevices(soaked it basically).
7. Let the cleaner evaporate
8. Put it back in, put in screws, reattached wires, reconnected battery
9. Started it up.
10. Took off.

WOOOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!



Much better now. Still sputters a bit, new MAF sensor will probably fix that.

My totally unscientific deduction is:
Pressing the gas pedal gives the engine more gas so it spins faster.
But for the gas to have more power at higher revs, the fuel to air ratio has to be richer.
The MAF tells the carburetor to mix in more gas when more air is coming into the air box.
So if the MAF cannot tell how much air is coming in, the carburetor doesn't know that more power is needed. Blah Blah Blah

[Mercutio]

Also I was messing with my spark plugs and broke the rubber tip off one ignition coil. Car was sputtering, surgung. Boutght a used ignition coil and replced the one i broke. Now the car pulls. Wrooom. Misfire could be a spark plug, maybe ignition coil issue. But be careful keep the area clean if investigating plugs, you dont want anything falling in the o-course.

[1086 Francis 2]

quote (excerpt):
"My totally unscientific deduction is:
Pressing the gas pedal gives the engine more gas so it spins faster.
But for the gas to have more power at higher revs, the fuel to air ratio has to be richer.
The MAF tells the carburetor to mix in more gas when more air is coming into the air box.
So if the MAF cannot tell how much air is coming in, the carburetor doesn't know that more power is needed."

obviously "unscientific".

pressing the gas pedal gives the engine more air, so it spins faster... and it goes downhill from there. There is no carb in this car. The MAF sensor detects the amount of air entering the engine, so when the throttle is opened, the computer commands the fuel injectors to stay open longer. So, if the MAF cannot tell how much air is coming in, the computer doesn't know how much fuel is needed.