So my friend has a 95 SE 5-spd with 170k miles on the clock. It has developed a problem that my 96 hasn't had, and it is somewhat puzzling. Below 3k rpm if you floor it, it will start to act like it is misfiring really bad, to the point where it is bucking and shaking pretty violently. The CEL isn't on, but I am going to see if it has any codes this weekend. It doesn't do it consistently, just every once in a while if you get on it below 3k rpms, mostly on the highway. Any guesses as to what may be causing this? I have a old VQ with 60k on it (hydrolocked) with most of the sensors, hopefully the ecu will tell me something.

 

It could be clogged up fuel injectors, bad coil packs, or maybe even a bad MAF. The codes will tell you exactly.

 

Is this a symtom of a bad MAF?

Potential causes according to the Haynes manual (engine stumbles on acceleration):

- spark plugs fouled
- problem with fuel injecion system
- fuel filter clogged
- incorrect ignition timing
- intake manifold air leak
- EGR system malfunction.

If you checked the above out with the assistance of a Haynes manual you might be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

 

Thanks guys, hopefully the ECU will tell me something. The light isn't on, but there still could be some codes. What seems odd to me is that it doesn't do it everytime, just randomly every once in a while.