# Toyota Echo shudders when accelerating, mainly on hills

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** echo, toyota\
**Created:** [January 5, 2014, 10:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996 "2014-01-05T22:14:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![carlamity](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/carlamity/32/2814_2.png) [@carlamity](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carlamity)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2014, 10:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996/1 "2014-01-05T22:14:32Z")

</div>

We have a 2005 Toyota Echo, manual 5 speed, with 160K miles. Everything works fine except for when you are accelerating (can happen in any gear) and mainly uphill. I assume the primary condition is when the car is being pushed or under more load than just cruising, anyway, it will will make a low grumbling noise and simultaneously shudders as if it is going to stall. This happens in a jerky fasion and doesn’t last very long but consistently under aforementioned conditions. We have 3 Echo’s by the way, all manual shift (Echo friendly 😉

Scratching my head with a wrench in Florida!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2014, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996/2 "2014-01-05T23:06:01Z")

</div>

How are the basic maintenance items? You’re probably just looking at a basic ignition or fuel flow problem. Old plugs or wires, clogged fuel filter, failing fuel pump - stuff like that. Partially clogged exhaust is another possibility though not as likely as the others. So check out the plugs and wires and stuff and test the fuel pressure - but do it under load - and give it a new fuel filter.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![carlamity](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/carlamity/32/2814_2.png) [@carlamity](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carlamity)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996/3 "2014-01-05T23:18:20Z")

</div>

Thanks, I changed the plugs 2 years ago, kept up with oil changes since we bought it in 2005. Haven’t changed anything else except front wheel bearings, brake rotors and pads. I recently switched from conventional oil to synthetic blend. I also have been adding some Marvel Mystery Fluid to the gas and crankcase occasionally. I am leaning towards fuel filter/pump. Thanks again.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996/4 "2014-01-05T23:23:54Z")

</div>

Should have asked how old the clutch is. If the clutch is original you might just be getting some slippage with old, weak, rattly dampener springs.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![carlamity](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/carlamity/32/2814_2.png) [@carlamity](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carlamity)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2014, 11:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-echo-shudders-when-accelerating-mainly-on-hills/82996/5 "2014-01-05T23:58:49Z")

</div>

Hmmm…it is the original clutch. Would explain the sound, drop in acceleration and it only occuring on hills or when being pushed to perform. Thanks again, I was starting to wonder if it was the marvel MYSTERY Fluid. I think you are narrowing it down!