Vehicles using CA18S engine list:

Engine CA18S

Symptoms:
- Rough idling and hesitation during acceleration
- Reduced power output and poor fuel economy
- Engine misfires or stalling at low RPM
- Excessive exhaust smoke, especially black smoke
- Difficulty starting the engine, particularly when cold

Diagnosis:
- Check for vacuum leaks around intake manifold and hoses, which can cause rough idling
- Inspect ignition components such as spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor for wear or damage
- Test fuel delivery system including fuel pump, filter, and injectors for clogging or failure
- Examine timing belt condition and timing marks to ensure proper ignition timing
- Perform compression test to assess cylinder health and detect worn piston rings or valves
- Scan for any fault codes if equipped with an early diagnostic system

Fixes:
- Replace worn or fouled spark plugs and ignition components to restore proper firing
- Repair or replace cracked or leaking vacuum hoses to stabilize idle
- Clean or replace fuel injectors and fuel filter to improve fuel flow and combustion
- Replace timing belt at recommended intervals to prevent timing issues and engine damage
- Address compression problems by servicing valves, piston rings, or head gasket as needed
- Adjust ignition timing according to factory specifications for optimal performance

Prevention:
- Follow regular maintenance schedule including timely spark plug and ignition system checks
- Replace timing belt every 60,000 to 90,000 km to avoid catastrophic failure
- Use quality fuel and keep fuel system clean to prevent injector clogging
- Inspect vacuum lines periodically for cracks or leaks
- Perform routine engine tune-ups to maintain efficient combustion and emissions control
- Store vehicle properly if unused for long periods to avoid fuel degradation and component corrosion