So I've had my 04 for a little over a year. Since the first day I pulled off the lot. Its had a problem not wanting to start up for a while after I shut it off, like when I'm at the gas station etc. I replaced the alternator and battery back in June. Its had a little rough idling since day one but nothing compared to what it is not. Its very loud and even shakes the glove box area. When I red line it it doesn't sound quite right. So I'm not sure if it's something as simple as spark plugs or if its coils that need replaced or carbon built up.

 

How many miles on it? How many miles on the coils, plugs and wires? It might be smart to go ahead and replace them but it sounds like a compression test is in order.

 

I just hit 85k I bought it with 67k. I went to a rotary shop here and he listened took a look at it and he told me he thinks it's just the plugs. But didn't completely rule out the other things until he has time to look at if for a day. He seemed confident it wasn't carbon. But said he'd do a compression test.

 

I haven't replaced any plugs or coils since I've had it the last year

 

It's not carbon. Trouble starting hot is usually compression. Trouble starting at all can be ignition, but by the time it gets that bad, it usually has other symptoms like poor performance, fuel economy, stumbling, etc.

 

I've been getting about 16 mpg mostly highway driving. And a huge loss of acceleration

 

Yeah. You're going to not want to drive it too much until you get this figured out. Failing ignition leads to failed cat which leads to failed engine.

 

Well it starts almost every time just not right after its been turned off sometimes.

 

So when it's cold it's fine, but when it's warm it has difficulty, right?

 

Exactly.

 

Classic sign of a low compression engine.

No CEL or codes?

 

Yeah my cel is on. What's the next step if it is low compression how do they fix that and at what cost?

 

Replace or rebuild the engine is the only true fix for failing compression. Cost can be from $2500-$6000 depending on who you have build it,how meany parts are reusable,and if you take the engine out and put the new one in.