04 Elantra Acceleration is SLOW

[Jpm383]

Hey Guys. New to the Forum. Girlfriend just bought a used Elantra so that means I'm the designated mechanic.

She told me about an issue shes been having with the car and how it feels as though its towing a trailer. I drove it for a day and noticed a few things.

Vehicle has 110,000 miles

1. No CEL
2. Tranny seems to NOT be slipping (Revs climb just as slow as Speed)
3. Car feels VERY heavy at times. Especially on a start up-hill
4. No sputtering/misfires
5. Shifts up and down smooth

What I've tried so far:

1. Replaced Spark Plugs
2. Sea-Foam
3. Cleaned MAF/Checked Airfilter
4. Removed and Inspected BOTH Catalytic Converters and both seem to be intact. *plan on doing a back-pressure test as soon as I get the gauge from my buddy*
5. Checked timing marks

I put 1/4 can of seafoam in crank case and plan on letting it "run-in" for 25 miles or so. I plan on doing an oil change tonight as well as make sure the brakes are not hanging up (I should have checked this first, thinking back...but hind-sight is always 20/20 )

Let me know what you think.

Im on the verge of being stumped and getting tired of investing time/money and seeing no results.

Throw me a bone. SOMEBODY

haha

Thanks

Joe

[someguy]

How do the vacuum hoses look? And the exhaust system? Maybe a leak somewhere. Just a guess

[PLP]

fuel delivery?

vacuum leaks?

binding brakes? (How does it roll?)

loose gas pedal? adjust/replace the linkage

Can't think of more now...

[santa06]

Next time you drive the car check the rim temperatures afterwards; sticking calipers could be cause.


As somebody aleady stated.

[mvandiermen]

Hi Joe. I have the same problem with my Hyundai Elantra 2004 purchased a few weeks ago (Acceleration is SLOW). i will bring it to the mechanic in a couple of weeks. to save them some time I was wondering if you found out what made it accelerate slow. mechanics can take time to figure this out which cost me more and I am interested to know.

[mvandiermen]

i found this as recommeded
Check tire pressure, air intake filter, clean the throttle body and induction system, could be time for a tune up. Also check fuel filter. I would try a tune up first. Wouldn't hurt to service the tranny also. Good Luck

[Em-squared]

^ mvandiermen.

[jsinton]

If it's a case where it idles okay, but you have a hard time breaking 60 mph, then suspect the CAT has collapsed and the exhaust is restricted.

[CleanSE-R]

Originally Posted by jsinton

If it's a case where it idles okay, but you have a hard time breaking 60 mph, then suspect the CAT has collapsed and the exhaust is restricted.

I'm thinking the same thing.

Then again "slow" is such a relative term. I had a Saab turbo before my Elantra and my Elantra felt "slow" compared to the Saab. My Elantra was brand new and I can chirp second gear with the traction control off so it can be that... slow...

[mubai]

Had the same issue (sluggish, took a couple seconds to get it moving when starting up hill, bit noisy) and I saw that the exhaust flex pipe had rotted out at each end. It was hard to see it under the car, but I could feel the exhaust pouring out as well. Anyway, I replaced the flex pipe which includes the front cat, pretty easy replacement and my wife is happy with her "new" found power. Feels like a new car now.