Why is my Toyota 1.4 underpowered?
Hello Paul, I drive a Toyota Premio 1.4cc. It has been performing well but of late, it is failing to take off, especially in the morning. I have to press the accelerator hard for it to move. The same happens when I slow down on humps. I have changed the oil but nothing has changed. What could be the problem? Patrick
Hello Patrick, it sounds like your Toyota Premio is under powered. It would be useful to investigate the fuel, ignition and air intake systems. These are the primary influencers of a car’s engine performance. Whereas it is good to ensure that the engine lubrication is up to date to avoid compromising protection of fast moving metallic components, it is also crucial to maintain the other systems I have mentioned above.
They are also primary when it comes to engine protection and performance enhancement. A good mechanic should be able to establish whether the fuel system pressure meets recommended values and if not, consider replacing the in tank fuel filter if it is past its replacement date.
Ensure the fuel pump pressure and fuel injector performance are okay. A broken down fuel system leads to poor engine performance and reduced fuel economy. The ignition system inspection should start with the spark plugs and ignition coils to rule out wear or damage. Seldom, you may find spark plugs with engine oil ingression due to worn out spark plug seals. This tends to compromise spark plug performance. The intake air system performance is also crucial, starting with the air cleaner condition. A dirty air cleaner affects the air fuel ratio, an important factor for good engine performance. The air intake pipe should not have any leaks due to torn or loose intake hoses, especially between the air filter housing and throttle unit. Unmetered leaking intake air will also cause erratic engine performance and poor fuel economy.
Pay particular attention to the air intake throttle unit. This is crucial for appropriate air fuel mixture. A dirty, clogged or restricted throttle unit will reduce engine performance. Occasionally, a damaged throttle linkage or cabling can restrict acceleration. A 360 degree inspection of the above systems should find the cause of your Toyota’s poor engine performance.
