New owner having problems

seeodywhy · 01-22-2013, 08:05 PM

Hi, today I bought a 2000 with 108,000 miles. It has some issues that I need help with. I first and second gear it makes a noise that sounds exactly like an exhaust leak. It only make the noise while accelerating in first and second gear. I am pretty sure it is an exhaust leak but I can't feel it when I put my hand near the joints while some one revs the engine. The auto stop doesn't seem to work and it idels at either 1000 rpm or one notch above. It is also pretty sluggish.I am going to tune it up tomorrow. Also, it was pretty cold today, and the auto stop was working last week when I test drove it. Thanks in advance. I am really psyched to finally have one of these cars.

samwichse · 01-22-2013, 08:15 PM

Hey Cody,

The high idle is normal. It's a 3-banger with no balancing shaft...

The no auto-stop, check the sensor that should be mounted in the front bumper, make sure the wires haven't been chopped (very common). Also: try turning the heater/AC system completely off and see if that makes it works. Also: no auto-stop unless the AC system is in ECON mode. And no auto-stop in ECON mode if outside temps are less than ~40F, only option is to turn the heat all the way off.

The exhaust leak you're hearing is probably the flex gasket on the exhaust downpipe... replace it and the springs/bolts. It's also often associated with a torn rear engine mount... check this by putting the car in gear on a flat surface and have someone rock the car back and forth while you look at the engine from underneath.

TopFuelTim · 01-22-2013, 08:18 PM

Does the first and second gear noise resemble someone shaking rocks in a coffee can? If so, it is possible the transmission input shaft bearing has gone bad.

What kind of tires does it have, and what is their pressure? I drove my red 2001 MT this morning with Potenzas aired to 46 psi. The one I bought this afternoon had Michelins aired to 25psi. Felt like I was trying to drive through slush.

My 0.02 worth,
Tim Glover

seeodywhy · 01-22-2013, 08:28 PM

It sounds like a fast putt-putt. I am worried about it because I should be able to feel it right.
I will check the sensor now. I did notice that the two grounds on the driver side are missing.

seeodywhy · 01-22-2013, 08:52 PM

The rear motor mount looks brand new suggesting that it may have recently gone bad. How necessary is it really to get the stamped plugs.

**freezin4** · 01-22-2013, 09:33 PM

It'll run with the wrong plugs but your efficiency will be lowered. Correct plugs are $14 at Majestic. And you only need 3

Sent you PM, I am close to you and if you need, can assist with some of this stuff.
What color is your car?
Congrats on your purchase. Welcome to the forum.

seeodywhy · 01-23-2013, 07:57 AM

My car is silver. I am willing to drive up to 100 miles. The problem definitely isn't the exhaust. I noticed last night that when I put it in reverse I can feel the clutch pedel shudder according to the noise. It sounds more like a rubbing noise. In first gear also I can definitely feel it when I let off the clutch pedal and it goes away as soon as the clutch is fully engaged.

I am going to the Jessup crazy ray's today to see if I can get those ground straps

Is the stamp for the plugs under the coil packs?

seeodywhy · 01-23-2013, 09:09 AM

Engine Noise

I am getting this exact noise except its not nearly as loud. As soon as it gets warm I am putting in new bearings

talonmike · 01-23-2013, 11:15 AM

Check your input shaft bearing.

seeodywhy · 01-23-2013, 07:03 PM

How do I check the bearing? Where is the OBD2 port on this car?