[schanmala]

Hi All,

I'm having issue with my 1996 Vitara G16B SWB.

It has been working fine until I was cruising one day and it started to run rough like it had a faulty spark plug. (Running on 3 cylinders)

I'd step on the accelerator and it would kind of surge then work fine for a few seconds then loose power.
So it works fine in short stints while driving.

Previous to this, sometimes at idle the RPM would drop unitl the car stalls. (this issues was really intermittent)

If the car is cold it starts up, but after about 2-3mins of warming up it'll start to sputter. Pressing the accelerator causes it to nearly stall then revs ok.


When the car is idling fine, if i pull a plug out it idles rough.
When the car is running rough and I pull out a plug, the idling does change as much.


Before I start to replace parts what should I try? also what parts should i test/replace first?


Things I've tried so far:

Sparks at plugs - OK
Cleaned plugs, tried different plugs
Checked both ends of spark plug leads - OK
Cleaned inside distributor cap and connectors
Checked relays under dash, I can hear them click on
Fuel pump buzzing when ignition turned on
New coolant temp sensor - Should't affect anything as its only for the gauge
No check engine light
Cat convertor and muffler is not blocked
Cleaned PCV - Spring is moving
Checked vacumm lines, sprayed with "start ya bastard" and no chnages in idle
Checked/cleaned injector connections
Removed and cleaned Oxygen Sensor (o2 sensor)
Clean MAF with MAF cleaner
Cleaned air filter
Checked ground wires
Checked battery


Haven't checked:
Engine Control Temp sensor - Does it have one?
Fuel Pressure Regulator - How?
Clean Injectors - how?
Engine codes by shorting certain pins
How to test O2 sensor
ICS (Idle Speed Controller) - How to test? I beleive there's 1 air line and 2 coolant lines?
Fuel and filter



Thanks in advance

[Gwagensteve]

O2 sensor won't be doing it - if it's failed you won't know, it will just throw the CEL once the car has been steady state cruise for a few seconds. It won't effect idle quality.

If you're net getting a CEL putting the CEL into diagnostic mode won't show anything.

Yes, the engine has a coolant temperature sensor.