Okay, I know this could be many things, but I thought I'd throw it out there:

Noticed with cruise on at 65 mph, car randomly misses a beat (a little skip or shutter) did same this morning while going 65 w/out cruise on.
Car tends to ping a little going up hill under load. Also idle drops to about 400 then up to 900 intermittantly when hot. Not sure if any of these are related. Running 87 octain gas.

Car had recent (about 10k ago) tune up. Still haven't done timing belt @ 77K yet. Got parts, need time.

Was gonna through a can of injector cleaner in next tank of gas for starters. Any other idea's?

 

it sounds like ignition but if you just had a tune up im not sure

 

if its pinging then check the timing. hence the timing belt most likely needs replacing.

 

Well I would assume part of the proceedure after doing the belt is to check/adjust the timing. So I'll do it then. Belt will be replaced soon if it doesn't blow up first, Ive been babying her everyday, no hole shots!

 

how many miles overdue is the timeing belt

 

if the timings a bit off higher octane gas like 93 may help save it in the meantime till you get it done.

 

17K overdue

 

KS ohm test. Or try a 470k ohm resistor

 

Things to do and try with SOHC engine:
- Change timing belt (1st priority)
- Change distributor cap/rotor/spark plugs/wires
- Use 91 or better octane gas
- Run fuel injector cleaner with every oil change
- Ohm check injectors
- Change air/fuel filter (since you are doing all of this)
- Clean throttle body and AAICV
- Check ECU for codes

 

Sounds good, I need to spend some time under the hood of this car for sure. But I wish it looked as nice as yours w/190K miles, I got 77K and its a wreck. I guess we know what the North East winters can do to cars. Thanks, once I get into it I will update post, hope to do belt in next 2 weeks.

 

A couple of things that I forgot to mention.

- Change PCV valve
- Inspect (and replace as necessary) vacumn hoses

Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.

As for the picture of the GXE, that was taken when I had about 178K on it; however, it still looks the same. Now, me SE is a different story. Not that it looks bad, but it is not where it I want it to be. No rush though since I only had it about three months now.

I am orginally from Philly so I know what the winters and salty roads will do to a car. Not to even mention the pot holes.

 

Ya, my struts are shot, but my goal is to get a year out of this car and sell it. Only paid $3200, I put about 30K a year on cars back & forth to work. I dumped a 2002 Toyota Camry for this, and like the cheap ride better! I just cruise in the granny lane & relax, it seems to do the trick so far. I get a real charge out of the remote start!

 

Dumped a 2002 Camry!!!?? Wow, for what reason may I ask? Did the Camry let you down or something?

Or, do you mean that you passed up a 2002 Camry for this?

Although the Camry is slightly half-balled in the power department, they look wonderful (especially with aftermarket wheels installed).

 

Hey, I live in Norwell, MA if you want help with your belt let me know I did mine.

 

Thanks for the offer, I tore it down tonight, does not seem to be such a hard job, just a little back pane !

 

Even though I'm not a teen ager, I came to the conclusion it was ugly! I like the older Camrys myself like 94-95. Decided all I need is transportation, hey I put 10K in the bank and still have a good ride.

 

10k in the bank$$$ Now that is what I am talking about. Congrats!