Expert: keith - 6/14/2005

Question
i ve been having some trouble with my car.  It runs really rough, especially when accelerating from a stop, sometimes it will barely move even if i press harder, thus i end up releasing the gas and trying again.  It also sputters while at a stop, as well as during beginning acceleration. and the check engine light came on as of late.  i just had it in for its NYS inspection and everything was fine, and the spark plug were replaced recently.  i m guessing it needs a tone up, but i was wondering if there are a few things i could do on my own to try and alleviate the problem.
thanks for your time,
Jacob

Answer
Hi Jacob, it sounds like an ignition problem (ie plugs, plug wires, coil). You can check it by letting the engine warm up, get a spray bottle with some water in it, with the engine running spray the coils and plug wires. If there is a spark leak you will hear a ticking sound and the engine will slow down and run rough. I hope this helps, if you need more info let me know/ Regards, Keith.