I've tried to remedy the problem of hesitation or jerky acceleration with fuel injector cleaners, changing plugs and replacing the fuel filer. It's worse when the motor is cold.

JRAIN

I've got a '92 and had similar problems, but thanks to this forum and everyone's replies, it runs great! You said you changed your spark plugs, but you didn't mention if you changed your spark plug WIRES. When it's dark outside and no yard lights are on, run your engine and wiggle your spark plug wires at the plug AND at the distributor (you might get a little shock unless you use a pair of insulated pliers). If you see any sparks, ensure the spark plug wire boots are fully seated on the plug and the distributor. Be sure you look for sparks down in the hole where the spark plug is, too. If the spark plug wires are really old, you might want to replace them anyway. It can't hurt and they aren't that expensive (Autozone about $15 with lifetime warranty. I've already exchanged mine once).

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if the plug wires remedy the problem.

HEY~ I HAVE A 97 MILLENIA AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COMPUTER SAID IT WAS THE EGR VALVE ($200 FROM DEALER),REPLACED IT AND DIDNT WORK, COME TO FIND OUT THE BLACK RUBBER TO MY AIR INTAKE HAD A CRACK IN IT. REPALCED IT AND WORKS GREAT NOW!THATS MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY CAR JERKING REALLY BAD, HOPE I HELPED CAUSE ITS A REAL PISS OFF WHEN A CAR DOES THAT...

Jason has a good idea. Any air leak(air that didn't get measured by the air flow sensor) will cause idle problems that go away as the air flow gets bigger. I found a '91 MX-6 that would idle okay but died when you tried to move. If you pushed the clutch in it revved back up. As the engine twisted on the mounts it pulled the rubber air hose from the air filter housing to the engine and opened up a crack. As a test we used duct tape to seal the hole and it ran fine.
Please post what you find to be the problem. I try to learn all I can from other peoples problems(its cheaper thatn having them myself)
Paul

THANKS FOR ALL THE TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS!

Jason, you hit the nail on the head. The fresh air intake hose had a big crack in it. I temporarily put duct tape over it and gave the car a test drive. I practically spun out! Now I'll have to find a new hose assembly. This crucial tip came at a good time. Right now a mechanic bill is the last thing I need! I'm so glad this forum exists. I've added it to my FAVORITE PLACES. Thanks again!!

HEY MAN, I AM GLAD I COULD HELP, IT COST ME $250 TO FIGURE MY PROBLEM OUT, I FELT LIKE DRIVING MY MILLENIA INTO A LAKE WHEN I COULDNT FIND THE PROBLEM, IWAS SO PISSED SO I KNOW HOW YOU FELT..YOUR WELCOME DUDE, I HAVE BEEN THRU IT ALL WITH MY MILLENIA SO I AM GLAD I COULD HELP...

I am experiencing the same problem . tommorrow I will check the hose to insure there are no cracks thanks a bunch

i am having the same problem with my 90 protege.. though i can see no hole in my air intake, and my spark plug wires are fine as well. Any other suggestions for a poor college student?

to truly check for a leak you have to put the hose under water and push air into it. You can do this with a bycicle pump if neccicary

Hello, I am experiencing a problem with my 94 Protégé when slowly (!) accelerating from 20 to 30 mph. My Protégé would show a jerky acceleration-but only in between 20 and 30 mph and only when accelerating very moderately. I have new sparks, wires, fuel filter, oil, cleaned injectors and checked the air intake/hose for cracks and holes. Nothing could help so far and I was wondering if someone here could please help me.

Thanks, THOMAS

Check the ignition coil

hey guyz i need help!!! so i have been haveing my check engine light on for a while now so when i got in to check things out i pulled out the plug that goes into the mass air flow senor on my air cleaner and it literally fell apart. so i went a got me a used sensor and installed it and now it wont start at all and when i disconnect it it will start but when i push the accelerator it dies ...???help