I have a 2003 Santa Fe, manual 4 cylinder - love it, but for the past year it has been "coughing" when I lug it a little by accelerating in a gear slightly higher than I should be in. It didn't do this for the first couple of years I have owned it. It seemed to start when I had the ignition coils replaced. I've cleaned out the intakes and replaced air filter and plugs (they were due anyway). I have also had a number of mechanics look at it but the problem persists. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

It's an older car with miles. Don't lug the engine down by "accelerating in a gear slightly higher than I should be in".

 

Ok, I think I overstated the meaning of lugging. I will be more specific. The "cough" occurs when I am in the low range of second gear, typically when I am coming out of a corner or picking up speed at around 1500 RPM. I did not have this problem for several years and it started after I had a problem with ignition coils. They were replaced which solved the main part of the problem at the time which was lack of power. However this issue persists. Hope I am more clear. I do not lug the motor through other gears.

 

In addition, it is a relatively low mileage vehicle for its age with around 140 Km or 84,000 miles

 

check your fuel pressure regulator. pull the vacuum line off (at the regulator end, NOT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD END)and start the car. if fuel comes out the nipple that the vacuum line connects to, your regulator is leaking and needs replaced..... it's a really stupid problem (and common on your year of car) to have and will stump you and everyone else....

 

Thank you for this, that could well be the problem. I'll check this out.