Beretta.net

Hello all...

I have a '95 Beretta 2.2L...about 89,800 miles on it.
I have a problem that developed recently- the engine backfires upon acceleration and from a stop or under load. The car jerks under moderate load and feels as if it is about to stall. Once I hit about 35mph, all is well and ride is normal...feels like someone hits a switch and trouble goes away. However, unless I keep the revs up, I may get a "pop-pop" backfire from the engine going up slight inclines or upshifting. Very sluggish acceleration.

Coincidentally, this began a day after I filled up the gas tank. Suspected water in gas because idle was rough. The idle has improved and feels ok, unless I am sitting at a light with the A/C on and then I get an occasional stutter.

I have put a couple of bottles of dry gas in the tank, replaced fuel filter, re-checked new fuel filter for obstructions, checked EGR valve, checked TPS, checked vacuum lines and cleaned intake port. I have also unplugged knock sensor to check if timing was off.

I have heard it can be anything from fuel pump to ignition coil to fuel pressure regulator. Any ideas?? Thanks.

From what you're describing, it almost sounds like an ignition problem. My 88GT 2.8 had two weak coils and a couple of bad plug wires (they looked fine from the outside). I would have the problem up to around 35mph or so, especially when it was kind of damp outside. It would pop out the back and you could feel it stuttering. After you got above a certain speed all was fine.

If I were you, I'd look towards the coils, plug wires or a fouled plug or two.

Thanks, you are right. I actually found that it was the plug wires. After switching out the coils with no change, I replaced plugs and wires next. Problem solved...runs like new. Almost.

quick note:  A spark plug wire is deemed needing replacement when the resistance of that wire exeeds 1000 ohms per inch.  

example, a wire 1 foot long [12"] should have a maximum resistance of 12000 ohms.  

This is a general rule.

Andy

lol... the 'lemon'