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Hello: I have a 1999 Hyundai Elantra (about 85,000 miles) ...

Sent to Car Experts March 29 10:57 PM

Hello: I have a 1999 Hyundai Elantra (about 85,000 miles) bought in 2001. First problem I am having: gas mileage is getting worse. Lately, I seem to detect the odor of gasoline when the car is running or turned off. At last fillup, I got about 17 miles per gallon. New spark plugs were put in just over a year ago. I have changed air filter and fuel filter. What else can I do to improve mileage?
Second question, I was having problem with car power seeming to diminish. Also "check engine" light was coming on. A friend did a diagnostic check on car and found "cylinder 3 misfiring". We put on new spark plug wires which seemed to alleviate problem for a couple of months. Now vehicle is beginning to be harder to start and once again, power is not as good. But no trouble light has come back on. Any ideas you can give me would be much appreciated. I am a single woman in my early sixties and on social security disability income. Thanks so much, Judi

 

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1999 Hyundai Elantra 4 cylinder

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
March 29 11:06 PM (9 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
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Dan -- Automotive Management -- 98% Positive Feedback on 613 Car Accepts
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March 29 11:23 PM (16 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
So you are telling me to check the distributor cap and rotor. I doubt they have ever been replaced. I purchased the car when it only had about 28,000 miles on it. Can these parts be easily replaced; or will I have to hire a mechanic to do the job? I can go to my local Auto Zone and buy these parts.

If this does not solve the problems, do you have any other suggestions relative to both issues?

Thanks again, Judi
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 30 8:01 AM (8 hours and 37 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
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Judi

This is a relatively easy thing to change. The most important thing is to inspect the cap and rotor for wear. The electrode contacts if corroded and worn will be a good indication of a problem. I don't want you to just replace parts, I like to make sure there bad first. Let's take one thing at a time. Check the cap and rotor first.

The link provided below shows and explains what a bad cap and rotor look like. This is NOT the cap and rotor for your car but it's a general description.

http://www.automedia.com/Distributor/Rotor/Replacement/ccr20020901dr/1

 



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Dan -- Automotive Management -- 98% Positive Feedback on 613 Car Accepts
36 Plus Years of Direct Automotive Experience
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