Hesitation

[bartmanS4]

I read though a few threads on engine hesitation but wanted to add a symptom to see if anyone has an idea of what's going on.
My VX hesitates under acceleration and is not displaying a CEL. It feels like a fuel delivery problem and seems to happen more when the tank is below 1/2. Here is the kicker though. While driving if it begins happen I can push in the clutch, turn the key off then back on and release the clutch which starts the engine running again. The problem immediately goes away and I can accelerate normally. What is being reset to allow this to happen. My thoughts are that the issue is with one of the following:
Fuel pump
Fuel filter
Throttle position sensor
Fuel pressure reg
Mass air flow sensor

Anyone want to theorize what is taking place?
Scott

[tom4bren]

Prolly not the MAF since that would throw a code.

Prolly not the FPR, TPS, or Fuel Pump since I don't think that a re-start would fix the problem.

That leaves the Fuel Filter.

If I were in your shoes, my attack plan would be:

1. Replace Fuel Filter & clean MAF with MAF cleaner (just because it's easy & cheap). See if that fixes the problem.

2. If problem persists, clean the TPS (again, easy & cheap).

3. If problem persists, clean the FPR (cheap but not as easy). Research this since you'll need to modify a tool to do the job.

4. Lastly, I'd try the fuel pump. There was a write up recently about cutting through your floorboard to access the pump so you don't need to drop the tank. Also mentioned that Trooper fuel pumps fit.

[bartmanS4]

Prolly not the MAF since that would throw a code.

Prolly not the FPR, TPS, or Fuel Pump since I don't think that a re-start would fix the problem.

That leaves the Fuel Filter.

If I were in your shoes, my attack plan would be:

1. Replace Fuel Filter & clean MAF with MAF cleaner (just because it's easy & cheap). See if that fixes the problem.

2. If problem persists, clean the TPS (again, easy & cheap).

3. If problem persists, clean the FPR (cheap but not as easy). Research this since you'll need to modify a tool to do the job.

4. Lastly, I'd try the fuel pump. There was a write up recently about cutting through your floorboard to access the pump so you don't need to drop the tank. Also mentioned that Trooper fuel pumps fit.

Thanks Tom. I'll use your troubleshooting flow and let you know if/what I find. The write up of the floor board was mine so I've got easy access already. Also, when I replaced my fuel pump I just took the one off of the parts Trooper that I had so it wasn't a new part. This could be the problem but I can't get my head around the restart part.

[tom4bren]

Not really a troubleshooting plan. KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid is actually the process I use. Start with easy (as long as it's logical) & progress towards the more difficult & expensive.