I used STP complete fuel system cleaner on my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS (4 cyl, automatic/tiptronic). Ever since I used up that whole take of gas with the fuel cleaner, it feels like we the engine isn't getting enough gas when the engine is idling at or below 1000 RPM's, and the engine will die (and now the "service engine soon" light is on all the time). I think what happened is that the fuel system cleaner knocked some gunk loose and into the fuel injector, which is restricting gas flow to the engine. Does that sound right? What do you recommend? Should I attempt using MORE fuel system cleaner/fuel injection cleaner, or should I attempt to remove the fuel injector to see if it needs cleaning? If so, how do I go about locating/removing it? I made an appointment for a diagnostic at the Mitsubishi dealership, but it's going to be expensive just for the diagnostic, and I would rather just fix it myself. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

 

It could be anything really. It sounds like one of the plugs isnt fireing right. I would change your plugs and wires and see if that works. Personally i dont use any kind of fuel or oil aditive at all... but thats just me

 

i doubt that he got a plug problem from fuel cleaner . I know thats not what your saying but he said he started the problem when he used the stuff. It has to be a fuel system problem. If you want to get the code run on that car for free then go to autozone. They will plug it in and tell you what is comming up. That will at least give you a hint as to where to start with it. Rather than pay the dealer 70 bucks for a stupid diagnostic. Then let us know what the code is

 

hmmm... it could be a coinsidence. I bet you it will return the code for a misfire. Im not saying that injector cleaner caused any kind of plug problem... but it still could be the problem

 

Wow, I didn't know that Autozone did that. I'll take it in tomorrow morning to see what comes up. What's going on doesnt really sound like a missfire, and I checked the plugs a few weekends ago before I drove my car out of town for the weekend. I'll come back with a code later, and let you guys know what's going on. And if anyone thinks of anything else in the meantime, please let me know!

 

Well it could give a misfire code and still be a fuel problem if the engine is getting air but not enough fuel to compensate

 

Exactly... but it could also not be firing right.

 

i guess only time will tell

 

Agreed

Just because the plugs look ok does not always mean they are sparking right. Could be the coil pack or a spark wire