Help~Our Kia is acting up AGAIN!

Question

We have a 2002 Kia Rio 4-dr. I've researched on the internet and discovered the mechanic's terms for what goes on with our car (hesitation, missing, rough idling, sluggish-ness, spongy-ness) but can't seem to find a cause, much less a resolution. Hopefully someone on here can help.

When we turn the A/C on it runs fine for a minute then starts losing power and jumping all over the place. Very annoying.

When go from a stopped position it takes awhile to build up speed, then every time we have to stop or slow down it does the jumping again, and is slow to pick up speed again.

My husband replaced the CAM sensor about 3 weeks ago and after he did that, it felt like a brand new car! We were so thrilled and thought our days of worry were over for the time being. WRONG. Now I wonder if each time I go somewhere I will be able to make it home.

Someone please help! Give us some ideas of what to do ourselves; we can't afford to go to the shop and have them tell us, plus be overcharged for a bunch of unnecessary stuff, so if anyone can help we would be grateful. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Answer 1

Do you have a check engine light on?  

It's possible you have a simple vacuum leak.  Check intake and vacuum hoses for holes or puntures.  Also listen to the engine idling.  If you hear a hiss then it's probably just a bad tube.

Answer 2

sounds like you may need a new compressor pump.but just to be safe go to your nearest auto parts store and get a can of sea-foam, it works great. put it in your gas tank or in your air intake tube

good luck,remi

Answer 3

It could be so many different thing wrong with your car , is the check engine light on , if so take it to a auto parts store and let them scran it for you ,they will do this free.Have you changed the fuel filter & air filter,  it could be your throttle/pedal sensor are your idle position sensor.It would be much easer if the check engine light was on.

Answer 4

its a kia. wtf u expect??? u get what u pay