Hi, I have a 1997 doutback sports (2.2l engine) which has rarely given me any trouble. But last week on a long, long drive from Winnipeg to Toronto I noticed that it started loosing power (speed) quite dramatically when driving up steep hills. After a bit of analytical thinking and observations, I noticed it was occurring only when the gas tank was getting low. In fact the emptier the tank the more painstakingly slower it went up steep hills. I therefore assumed it was either the fuel pump or the fuel filter (air filter is ok). But as it happens only going up steep hills and going along the straight and level (or down) the response and speed is it's usual brilliant self. Therefore I came to the conclusion it must be a dirty fuel filter. Am I correct in this assumption? Or, does anyone have a better or correct idea of what is happening? My assumption about the fuel filter lies in the fact that the same thing happened to me years ago when I had a Toyota (loss of power going up hills). In that case the fuel filter was easily opened, checked, cleaned and replaced. I would appreciate any relevant comments, ideas or suggestions. Thanks. William.
- posted
19 years ago