My 03 Lancer LS is trying to kill me. Here's a video of it acting up: YouTube evidence of my car's issues.

Over the past 6 months, it has been having an issue where it will randomly lose power while driving. The car acts normally until it has "warmed up", at which point it will eventually begin jerking/losing power. Basically, it gets to a point where I can't get over 4k rpm's, then 3k, 2k, etc. The crazy thing, is that if I turn the car off and then back on (in neutral, of course), I get all power back! Today, I got down to about a 1/4 of a tank of gas, and the symptoms started happening REALLY frequently (every 1-3 minutes). Usually after re-starting the car, I can get between 15-30 minutes of full power before it starts acting up. Once I filled the car up, I drove for 15 minutes with no power loss.

Here's what I've done so far in trouble-shooting:
- New NGK Iridium spark plugs at 0.040.
- New boots/wires.
- New air filter.
- Oil change (using full synthetic).
- Cleaned MAF and Throttle Body.

My guesses as to what to could be the issue:
1. Fuel pump/filter. (I just rented a fuel pressure test kit from AutoZone, but I can't find a valve on the fuel rail?? Anyone know how to test it?)
2. Ignition/spark coils.
3. ECU.
4. Cam Position Sensor.
5. Knock Sensor.

Any ideas what might cause this, or any tips? Because of how it began acting today when it started running low on gas, I'm thinking it has to be something in the fuel system. I don't get any CEL's or codes, so it has been very difficult to figure out. It's got 97k miles, and I was hoping to get a lot more out of it....but it's getting too scary to all of a sudden lose all power when stuck in the middle of an intersection. I wish I could trade it for an EVO

Huge thanks to anyone who has ideas!!!


EDIT: Forgot to mention that before it was throwing a code about the rear O2 sensor. Replaced it, code went away, but the problems persisted.

Sounds like A CRANK POSITION SENSOR. I was experiencing similar symptoms as your describing. But I was experiencing complete loss of power to the car. I remember driving to the auto store to get the new crank position sensor, and the car stalling several times. Attempting to get the car to fire several times. Id look to that first.

That's next to the timing belt, right?

....looks like another weekend lost to the Lancer....

Any suggestions on where to get one for cheap and by this weekend? Or are there any special considerations I should take when buying one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Airtex-5S185...ht_1400wt_1139

Bad Gas? Check to see if you have water in your fuel causing these issues. Just an option to consider.

That was an idea that's come up, but I'm just not sure about it... Where it's been happening for months (getting worse and worse, thought) when using multiple different gas stations, I would think there's some kind of mechanical or electrical issue. I do live in Utah, though, the land of the garbage gasoline.

I'm planning to pull out the fuel pump tomorrow to see if I can spot any crap floating around, or if the fuel filter is clogged. Any tips on testing for water in the fuel?

Bringing back my old thread to see if anyone has further ideas. After extensive testing and research, we have confirmed that my fuel pump (and the new Walbro 255 I bought) work perfectly fine by running them in a bucket of fuel, had plenty of pressure.

So, we put the assembly back in the car, and ran more tests. Once the car starts to have the power loss, we noticed the return fuel line had greatly reduced fuel coming back.

My next hunch is the entire fuel pump assembly module, as I believe it houses the fuel filter inside. Trying to just blow through, I was able to get some air, but definitely seemed restricted. Have also wondered about the fuel pressure regulator, though it appeared to be fine.

Anyone have tips? Or know of cheap places to get the entire fuel assembly module? (for the older 02-03's) Everywhere I have looked is around $400, unless if I go junkyard or used on eBay.

THANKS!!

Hello I'm having similar issues with my 2004 es lancer at the moment and am wondering if you ever came up with a solution. I'm actually in Utah as well go figure.

Yes! Figured out that my fuel pump's filter was all clogged up. To get to it:

1. Rip out the back seat.
2. Remove 4 philips head screws from black plate.
3. Remove 6 nuts (I believe they're 8mm or 9mm) holding pump assembly in place. This is a HUGE pain, and you will want the smallest socket wrench you can find to get the two nuts at the top.
4. Replace the big plastic thing.
5. Install by doing reverse of steps.

Now, be careful where you buy the assembly..... I saw places charging around $500 for it, which is crazy. AutoPartsWarehouse has it for around $93, and it's been working fine in mine for 6+ months. If you need the direct link, let me know. Part #: W0133-1607944 | Mfr #: W0133-1607944

You might also want to check the other suggestions in this thread. Also, your fuel pump might be going bad, so I'd make sure that that's not the issue (though I believe for fuel pumps, either they work or they don't work). I also had issues with the wire going from the assembly to the pump, so make sure you're getting a good and steady amount of power to the pump.

Again, let me know if you have any questions! It's a bit annoying to replace, but can be done easily if you have the right tools (see: super tiny socket wrench).