Running a Little Slugish

[ProVibe]

Hi guys,My '05 is running a little sluggish lately, other then a oil change what should I do to it. I was thinking of taking it in for a Tune Up but I've heard that new cars don't need tune ups, is this true?I've been a bit carely with my baby. I've only had the oil changed about three times. I've put a lot of miles on it in the 13 Months I've had her. Right now it's almost at 24K. I travel a lot.Anyway, I want to start taking better care of her cuz it's the car I'm going to have for the next 5 years, it has to last.SammyEDIT: I was mistaken, the miledge is almost at 24K not 29K.

[ToolGuy]

Start with the basics, is your air filter clean and good?I would also dump a bottle of Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner in the car. Do not use anything else...And yes, newer cars do not need the so called "tune ups" anymore. Your plugs still have a lot of life left in them so do not change them out.

[slvrvibes]

I also recommend the fuel system cleaner.It may be all that you need.

[Mrizzle05]

so what about the 30K check ups??? do we need to do those. cuz im in the same boat as him milage wise. 05 with 24k.Mines been running good but wanna take the best care possible.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Mrizzle05 »so what about the 30K check ups??? do we need to do those. cuz im in the same boat as him milage wise. 05 with 24k.Mines been running good but wanna take the best care possible.If I were you, this is what I did. Maybe over kill but I want my car to last.I changed out the trans fluid and PCV valve. Both are easy to do...I do trans fluid changes every 25-30,000 miles.

[ProVibe]

Thanks guys, I'll definately check those things out.I made a mistake though. The miledge is almost 24K not 29k.

[engineertwin2]

I say rejet the carbs, fiddle with the distributor, etc...Just kidding. Other than checking fluid levels, replacing them routinely, and changing your air filter every 25k-30k miles, not much a modern engine needs in terms of a tune up.As for a fuel system cleaner, I highly recommend the Techron that MiVibe recommended. However, I have a difference of opinion on it's use. I prefer to use Chevron fuel with Techron already added so that I can get a consistent blend and I'm constantly treating the fuel system. If you treat it with fuel cleaner every 3,000 miles, it is the same cost difference as the extra few cents per gallon...

[BlueCrush]

I would these before bringing it in to get looked at:1) Check the air filter and replace if neccesary with a K&N.(change the cabin filter while your at it)2) Clean you MAF Sensor with MAF Spray cleaner (disconnect battery first though)3) Check your spark plugs. Even though they don't require changine normally. Checking them ensures the are all good and none of them have fouled.4) Check your Catayltic Converter. Hit it with your hand or shake it too see it if rattles. If it does then replace it.5) Add Fuel injector cleaner. Although this wouldn't be needed in most cases. You may have gotten bad gas at some time and the injectors are pluggin up.6) Check your intake for any type of blockage (leaves, rodents, etc...)

[Mrizzle05]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »6) Check your intake for any type of blockage (leaves, rodents, etc...)BC you taken out a couple bunny rabits in your days???

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »I changed out the trans fluid and PCV valve. Both are easy to do...I am closer to a Toyota dealer than the GMship. The pcv valve for a base 5 speed '05 Vibe can be replaced with the pcv valve in the corresponding matrix?

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »5) Add Fuel injector cleaner. Although this wouldn't be needed in most cases. You may have gotten bad gas at some time and the injectors are pluggin up.Agree to check what you said but this one! You should use a cleaner yearly so you do not have issues though. Replacing injectors is a lot more expensive then using Techron yearly... Preventative maintenance goes a long way.

[Lancer]

Quote, originally posted by Boxgrover »I am closer to a Toyota dealer than the GMship. The pcv valve for a base 5 speed '05 Vibe can be replaced with the pcv valve in the corresponding matrix?Yup! It's just a metal screen so yo can also choose to just have them clean it. That's what I did. Otherwise it's like another $80!

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by Lancer »It's just a metal screen so yo can also choose to just have them clean it. That's what I did. Otherwise it's like another $80!Just a screen? Will it be obvious that it needs cleaning? Can anyone ie me do the cleaning?

[BlueCrush]

Quote, originally posted by Mrizzle05 »BC you taken out a couple bunny rabits in your days??? I have had mice in previous vehicle intakes.

[BlueCrush]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »Agree to check what you said but this one! You should use a cleaner yearly so you do not have issues though. Replacing injectors is a lot more expensive then using Techron yearly... Preventative maintenance goes a long way. I have gotten bad gas before and my old car ran like crap for a few tanks until I used fuel injector cleaner. Then it ran like new.

[tcam]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »I have had mice in previous vehicle intakes.lol, what a nice surprise that would be

[Mrizzle05]

Probably your now known as pinky and the *brian*

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Boxgrover » I am closer to a Toyota dealer than the GMship. The pcv valve for a base 5 speed '05 Vibe can be replaced with the pcv valve in the corresponding matrix? Quote, originally posted by Lancer »Yup! It's just a metal screen so yo can also choose to just have them clean it. That's what I did. Otherwise it's like another $80!Actually you have it backwards Lancer... The automatic transmission has a screen and is cleanable and may cost that much. The screen is what used to be a filter that would normally be replaced and changed out at the time of a fluid change. But again, this trans screen can be cleaned and re-used like you did. The PCV only costs under $10 right from the dealer. There are two types, one for the base engine and one for the GT engine. Both screw in place. Now, someone could go ghetto and clean the PCV once maybe with brake clean but I do not do that. OK maybe on a leased car but for the small price of a PCV I'd buy a new one. 30,000 to change that out is not too bad if you ask me...

[mcgusto82]

i don't know if anybody else noticed it. but 3 oil changes for those miles?? first thing i'd do is a oil change. also change your air intake. if you can, go with cold air intake.i'm all behind on miles. i just broke 20k last week. going two years in a couple of months.

[ProVibe]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »i don't know if anybody else noticed it. but 3 oil changes for those miles?? first thing i'd do is a oil change. also change your air intake. if you can, go with cold air intake.i'm all behind on miles. i just broke 20k last week. going two years in a couple of months.I know. I've been quite careless.I went to Ohio and Back a couple weeks ago and that put 2k on my baby.@BlueCrushI wish knew how to do all those things. Any tips would be appreciated. I bought the techron-chevron and the instructions say to wait till the tank is almost empty. Then add and fill up. Is this the best way to go about it?Thanks for all your input guys.