Sluggish Acceleration

[oasisnutt]

Newbie here. This forum has been wonderful for opening my eyes about doing some self-maintenance on my Saturn. I have spent over 2K in the last 6 weeks getting things fixed on my car, but a new problem has developed. In reading a lot of posts here, I think I have some ideads about what the problem is, but wanted some expert opinions.

The Car:
98 SL2, 110K miles, Automatic

Recent Work:
Oil Change
Tune-up
Spark Plug Wires Replaced
Brakes Replaced
New Fuel Pump
New Fuel Filter
Transmission Flush
Throttle Body Cleaning

The Problem:
My Saturn seems sluggish when accelerating, whether on an inclined or flat road. The engine will rev very high when changing gears. Sometimes it seems like it is catching before it actually shifts. The car does NOT buck or shift hard, and I can usually get it going by fiddling with the accelerator pedal. The car has never stalled even though sometimes is does seem like it wants to when changing from reverse to drive. The mechanic who did the transmission flush said the transmission was ok and does not show any extensive damage that needs repair. Everything seems to be ok once I get above 35-40 mph, even though there is the occasional stuttering. Engine light is not on, and does work since I just had it checked and there are no error codes.

I looked through the forum extensively and found several posts similar to my problem, but usually with something else going on that my car does not. I decided I am tired of spending all the $$ when I might be able to handle some of this myself.

Anyone have any ideas what is going on?

Thanks,

Paul

[alordofchaos]

Has it always been like this, or is it a recent development?

How did your old spark plugs look? I'm guessing "tune up" = new copper spark plugs? Air filter?

I didn't see a new brass ECTS on your list... was that done?

Welcome to saturnfans!

[ZacMan-Sc1]

Front 02 sensor? Also might wanna try to clean your egr, just a guess.

[oasisnutt]

This is a recent development, before the transmission flush. I was hoping that the flush might help but it didn't. I had a similar problem (less noticable than now) before the tune-up which led to the new spark plug wires.

Cleaning the EGR, checking the O2 Sensor, and checking out the ECTS are my first steps tomorrow.

I feel dumb not knowing, but I am not sure what type of plugs they put in during the tune-up. Does a standard tune-up usually include a new air filter?

Anything else besides the three things I mentioned above warrant a look during my preliminary investigation?

Thanks you all for you help. Even though I am frustrated with the car, I love my Saturn, and I am actually a little excited about learning more about it through manual labor.

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by oasisnutt

I feel dumb not knowing, but I am not sure what type of plugs they put in during the tune-up.
I am actually a little excited about learning more about it through manual labor.

Best part about doing it yourself (well, other than saving a few thousand $$$ ) is you know exactly what went into your car and whether it was done right!

Does a standard tune-up usually include a new air filter?

It used to, a loooong time age. "tune up" confuses me as it does not have a standard definition.

Most places charge you to replace an air filter, somewhere around $25~$30 for the two minutes it takes to pop a couple of clips, take out and replace the $6 part, and put the clips back on. If you don't have a separate charge on your bill, it probably wasn't done. It takes about 10 seconds to undo the clips on the airbox to look at the air filter and see whether it was done.

Normally, back in the olden days tune up would include new spark plugs, ignition timing and idle speed/carb check. On modern cars, the timing and idle speed are computer-controlled, as well as the fuel mix. So there's basically nothing left to a garage "tune up" to tune, just replacing spark plugs. If your "tune up" cost you around $40, it was just spark plug replacement.

Just noticed "fuel filter"on your list... the 98 uses a combined filter/regulator. If the mechanic used an aftermarket part, this can cause serious problems as most don't maintain the proper pressure (usually goes with a code, though). Did your problems happen shortly after the fuel filter replacement, or any other work?

[MickSaturn]

Sounds like ECTS problem causing your motor to run rich and crappy. Replace it and your car will run much better.

[adventureoflink]

I'd say check the cataclytic converter (and possibly the whole exhaust), as a clogged one can cause sluggish acceleration.