Hey folks, I have an '03 wagon (55K miles) with no engine mods. After the car warms up, every few minutes the engine makes a very short "ccht" or "pssht" sound while I'm giving it gas. It seems like there is a split second where I lose power while the sound occurs, but it could be in my head. The sound only happens for half a second or so.

I have not done the 30,000 mile tune up--and I know that it is irresponsible. Any advice is appreciated--thank you!

 

take a saturday off to do all the required services.

 

Its probably an alternator problem, but i could be wrong. Listen to Lovesmysuby and get that maintenance done!!! it will be worth it.

 

Could it be your air-conditioning system? When the a/c (or windshield defroster) is switched to the 'on' position, there will be an audible sound as the a/c compressor clutch engages. The compressor will cycle on and off depending on the ambient weather conditions. Simultaneously, the additional drag will be somewhat noticeable since the engine power is what spins the a/c compressor.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Great advice all around. I'll experiment by turning off the AC and seeing what happens and I'll definitely get the maintenance done too...thanks guys--not that I want to discourage this thread to die or anything! All theories are welcome

 

It's the A/C. Great diagnosis, Wingless Wonder, and I appreciate it. And now I don't have to bother with the scheduled maintenance. KIDDING! Thanks everyone.