Expert: Josh Fields - 3/8/2006

Question
I just acquired this car (less than 2 weeks) and it stalled and wouldn't start again.  Had to have it towed.  I want to know more before I have it towed to a repair shop.Before it quit,was taking two tries to start.Lot's of hesitatition when accelerating when cold.Now engine turns over fine and it is getting spark.  Fuel pump looks brand new(looks like a Bosch) and so is fuel filter.Also, when I had it smogged, technician said it was burning really clean but idle was set too high (I could tell it was) and they had to adjust idle for it to pass smog.  From what I have learned, it sounds like fuel system for this car(model and year)is problematic.  Any ideas about what could be wrong?  Or what to do to fix?  Thank You, Marianne  

Answer
Marianne,
 I would suggest a tune up.  Since I have no way of physically looking at the car, it's best to make sure everything is in good working order, before trying to diagnose the problem.  I know you have had the car for a short while, but have someone take a look at the distributor cap and rotor, the sparkplugs, coil and plug wires and make sure these are new. If not, then replace all these parts.  It's a 4 cylinder, so you should be able to do this for less than $50.  Once that is done, if your problem isn't solved, then have it towed to a shop.  I haven't messed with the 4 cylinder versions of these cars, so I know little of the fuel systems on them.  I will say that I haven't heard about them having a "problematic fuel system".
 It's probably something simple (like the coil) that is just worn out.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh