Juddering When Gently Pressing Accelerator + Engine Mgmt Light.

[Steve T]

Hi All,

 

My 2001 2.3 MK2 Gal has been drinking the fuel. A full tank under normal driving would return approx 350miles so yesterday I set about changing the spark plugs (wanted to try this first). This may or may not be contributing to my probs but wanted to let you know the recent events.

 

I hadnt changed the plugs myself before so before i nipped to Motorworld for my new ones I thought id find where they go. Removed the 10 bolts holding plug cover on and there they were. I left the cover off while I went to the shop.

 

I told MWorld my make model etc and they handed me a set of 4 plugs. sorted..?

 

As I got back in the Gal to go home (this is before any fitting had been done except for removing the plug cover) the engine warning light came on... coincidence?

 

I got home, fitted the new plugs and the new air filter I bought at the same time. Went for a quick run round the block, no engine warning light..sorted??

 

A few hours later I was dropping my wife off, the engine warning light came back on and the Gal started quite volently juddering under gentle acceleration. If I gently touch the acc pedal nothing seems to happen revs wise. If im cruising along, and gently touch the acc pedal the juddering starts. If I get a bit more lead footed and the revs increase the juddering eases off.

 

Something I noticed: The new plugs have a gap of 0.8mm. The manual states 1.0mm gap. The new ones do list the 2.3 Gal on the packaging. Im not entirely sure if this would have an effect or not and the fact the engine warning light came on before fitting the new plugs indicates that the problem may lie elsewhere. Could it be the MAF? Please help.

 

Steve.