2002 Hyundai Accent SPUTTERING

2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT
90,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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GREGG
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My 2002 Accents starts and then sputters for about 5 minutes while driving causing the check engine light to flash while driving and then stay on. The light then goes off and the car no longer sputters. The problem only occurs when it is wet outside as I leave my car outside. When the car is dry there are no problems. This has been going on for about 1 month. The plugs have been already replaced.

Thanks for any help.
Feb 27, 2009 at 8:58 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Have you replaced the plug wires? they are the most common reason for this type of problem. In fact, if it is dark where you are, open the hood, mist the engine with water and start it. If you see sparking from the plug wires where they are near metal, they are bad. Regardless, if you never replaced them they are due.

As far as the check engine light, you can have the computer scanned at a nationally recognized parts store (in most cases for free). If the light has been on, there will be a code storred in the computer to identify where the problem is coming from. If I had to guess, I would say you will get a "Random Misfire" code. However, it could be something different. Have it scanned to make sure. Also, try the plug wires and if it has a distributor, replace the cap and rotor too.

Let me know what you find.

joe
Feb 27, 2009 at 7:02 PM
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GREGG
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THANKS FOR THE INPUT. I REPLACED THE PLUGS ABOUT 15 MONTHS AGO, BUT I WILL DO IT AGAIN ANYWAYS. IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN IT IS WET; THE COLD DOES NOT AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE.
Feb 28, 2009 at 6:31 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
The plugs are most likely ok. My concern is the spark plug wires. When it is damp, rain, snow... if the wires are broken down, they can short / arc. The plugs, are most likely ok, it is the wires that I question.

Let me know what you decide.
Joe
Feb 28, 2009 at 1:20 PM