ok guys, i have a 98 cavalier z24 5speed manual. no mods cept for RKsport catback exhaust. ALMOST everytime i start up the car, it does this little sputtering fit like it's from herbie fully loaded. that's not the big problem, the major flaw is that while the car is sputtering (anywhere from 5-20 seconds) i hit the gas pedal, and NOTHING happens!!! the reason i call this to attention is that i almost pulled out in front of this 18 wheeler when my car did this and it gave me the heebie jeebies- so any help would be appreciated so this doesn't become an unsafe vehicle! thanks!

P.S. i have cleaned fuel injectors recently and did a tune up about 10,000 miles ago. again, thanks for your help!

I'd guess throttle position sensor is going out. Car doesn't know your hitting the gas so it doesn't change the amount entering the engine. Its a cheap enough fix just get a new one and slap it on.

Good Luck


Semper Fi SAINT. May you rest in peace.

Does you gas pedal feel loose?

no not loose... everything feels normal, tho i could ask my mechanic and see if he thinks it's loose. it seems to do it more when the car is having a cold start opposed to being warmed up, just really weird tho

Could be a problem with your plug wires. Is it worse when it's damp?

Labotomi wrote:Could be a problem with your plug wires. Is it worse when it's damp?

He's got a 98 Z24. He doesn't have plug wires.

I sometimes have the same issue with my 01 Z, usually when it's just rained or I just washed the car. Does it more in colder weather too, but it only does it for a minute after start up. I've never really looked into it but I guess if I had pulled out in front of a 18 wheeler and it happened I'd consider figuring it out too.