Vehicle Stutters and coughs

[asterix]

I tried starting my 96 Disco yesterday monring and it took a few minutes before it started even though it turned. I though it was because it had barely over a quarter tank of gas in it. Went to the gas station filled it up and noticed the gas cap was missing, ignored it and went on my merry way. Later had to go to a meeting and when I started the car, it took a while to start...... this time when it did start (I had to press the accelerator), it stuttered and coughed then started when I tried to drive it, it went out. Went through starting process again, this time when it started, I reved it and then it drove fine.

Unfortunately on 3 different occasions, it did that to me even though after the 2nd experience I went and bought a gas cap but that didn't change the stuttering, slow start and coughing. This morning again, I went through the same experience.

Any ideas on what might be wrong? I am thinking of going to do a tune-up with the presumption that the spark plugs are bad.

 

[Moose]

Could be a lot of things. I would start with a check of the "stepper" motor (a/k/a Idle Air Control), which probably needs to be cleaned. Other than that, it could be bad gas, or a dirty Mass Air Flow Sensor.

Do some searching and see what you can fix.

 

[joey]

Worse case issues.... having the gas cap off the fuel pump got over worked trying to pressurise the system and you may end up replacing the fuel pump.

 

[asterix]

Could be a lot of things. I would start with a check of the "stepper" motor (a/k/a Idle Air Control), which probably needs to be cleaned. Other than that, it could be bad gas, or a dirty Mass Air Flow Sensor.

Do some searching and see what you can fix.

Thanks, I'd look into your suggestions.

 

[asterix]

Worse case issues.... having the gas cap off the fuel pump got over worked trying to pressurise the system and you may end up replacing the fuel pump.

Very possible situation considering that I drove it for over 20 miles before getting a replacement cap. Thaks, i'll also look into that possiblity.

 

[asterix]

I had the fuel filter changed yesterday and I still experienced the same problem today, so I think the next step is to change the fuel pump.

 

[joey]

check the fuel pressure before you change the pump.... there is a shrader valve on the fuel rail... check it first.

 

[asterix]

check the fuel pressure before you change the pump.... there is a shrader valve on the fuel rail... check it first.

The fuel pressure was low that was why I had the fuel filter changed.