Questions and Answers

Toyota Tercel Jolting? Misfiring? Q. Hey, thanks for taking the time to read my inquiry. I recently noticed that my car would jolt for a second, as if a cylinder didn't fire or something, it happens mostly during acceleration, but has happened at cruising speeds. The engine doesn't stall or anything, and runs fine all other times. And it occurs very randomly.

The spark plugs are fairly new, so I don't think they are corroded. I have a feeling it might be the timing belt but am not sure. I also replaced the muffler recently, so there is very little back pressure now. Any ideas on what could be causing these random sputters while driving?

• 1996 Toyota Tercel SD
• 1.5 liter 4 cylinder
• Manual transmission
• 309,000 miles

Thanks for your time,
Paul

A. If you haven't replaced your timing belt in the last 60,000 or 70,000 miles. I think that replacing it now would be a good idea. If you can't remember the last time you replaced the timing belt, you are a long way overdue. A timing belt that has too much slack could possibly cause what you describe.

Another, more likely possibility is bad spark plug wires or cracked distributor cap and rotor. I would look at those first since it is the most likely cause.