Vacuum hose loose after my oil change

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I brought my car in to get a simple oil change and my car hasn't been the same since. While idling it is jerky and feels like it is going to stall out. We thought it might be the spark plugs so we replaced all six of those. Still jerking. So I brought it back and told them something must have happened while I got the oil change. The guy found a loose vacuum hose and put it back on. It is still acting up though. The car runs fine while it is in park, but when it is in drive with brake is on it is jerky and runs very rough (like at a stoplight) . Any suggestions?? I think it would be too much of a coincidence that my fuel pump went out right after an oil change when it was perfectly fine before.

Helpless girl in Georgia.
Modified by [email protected] at 9:38 AM 10/2/2007

[goody90q45]

It sounds like they might have loosened the MAF connector when they took the airbox cover off to try and sell you an air filter.

The MAF sensor (Mass Air Flow) is the 6" long round tube attached to the top of the airbox. If you can wiggle the connector up and down more than about 1/4" or if it feels loose it needs an adjustment. As you wiggle the connector you should be able to find a sweet spot where the engine runs a little better.

Pull off the metal clip and the connector (the WalMart boys did replace the clip, didn't they?), check the pins for (green) corrosion and clean up as needed (any penetrant oil and a toothbrush). Tighten up the female pins on the connector by inserting a small nail/push pin above each of the tabs (2 per pin) and plug her back in. Connector should go on tight and not wiggle if you've done it correctly. It should run better. Let us know. Good luck.

[[email protected]]

You are the bomb.. I will check.. You are right. I did get the air filter replaced.. :-)
Modified by [email protected] at 9:48 AM 10/2/2007

[Q45tech]

Not knowing where you live but one of our 3 shops should be close or even one of 5 dealers in Metro.

Walmart shame....................I remember 1998 when I was out of state and needed an oil change. I ended up doing the work in their bay, they couldn't even take the belly pan off .

Sounds like they took oil filter from the top a serious no no! Almost always resulting in problems.

One of the big hoses under the black air duct [leading from MAF to throttle body] is off or leaking air.

[[email protected]]

Went to your website. I am willing to drive to Roswell for a good mechanic.Hopefully I won't need you anytime soon, but If so, I will ask for you.

[96Qowner]

Many of us have gone to T3, including myself, from 1200 miles away. They're one of the premier Q45 shops in the country - they work on literally hundreds each year, and have done so since the original Q45 (and Byron himself ) was young.

[Q45tech]

Roswell is the newest shop and is more devoted to Lexus and my C43AMG*, however Duncan and Don can usually fix anything on older Q except chain guides and really really tough exotic Q problems.

* 2 doors away is a very very fine old MB expert who's been there 15 years. Lots of exotic projects awaiting owners winning the lottery.

[[email protected]]

Well, I went home and looked at the air filter and the hose you told me about. I even printed out some diagrams. I couldn't find anything loose so I took it back to the jerk who changed my oil. The manager looked at it for 45 minutes and couldn't figure it out. I need to bring it in. I am upset that I have to bring my car in because I wanted to save $10 on an oil change. Now there is something wrong with my car. Argh! I wish I knew how to fix everything myself so I wouldn't have to depend on STUPID people. I guess I will have to bring it to Roswell, because I live in Woodstock and don't want to drive it too far. I will tell them you referred me.A BIG thank you for all your help!

[Rex]

What make/mdoel of car are we discussing?

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1999 Infiniti I30

[[email protected]]

Guess I just lucked out that I am in Atlanta.

[[email protected]]

Turns our I have a bad coil and I am getting them ALL replaced... Sorry Wal-Mart boys.. Must have been a coincidence..

[Q45tech]

Common with 99 I30 coil or multiple coils seem to fail ...................we've done a few this year.

[[email protected]]

I am guessing everything will fall apart on my car except for these now.So when it goes to the junkyard, I am taking the new spark plugs and the coils home with me.

[cccpman]

well the coils you do have that are good could always go in a tub and you can save them for the next 20 years worth of replacements . A working part is a working part - however I applaud you for taking some serious preventative maintenance on your car