2002 Accent misfire
 

I have had continual problems with a '02 accent. It has been misfiring
since about 35K. The main problem is that the cause cannot be found.
The check engine light will flash once in a blue moon (often months
apart.) I was told right around 30K (the first time I took it in for
misfiring) that the plugs "must" be Hyundai brand. Since the problem
continued the Autolite plugs I bought and installed at 30K were replaced
AGAIN with Hyundai plugs around 45K. The wires, plugs, and coil have
all been replaced (at 45K.)

Alas, the problem had continued. When the vehicle reached 55K I moved
to another state. Because of my worries that the manufacturer warranty
would expire before this issue was addressed I called Hyundai directly
and setup a case. The car was taken to the third dealer. I was assured
the problem was caused by air in the fuel line because the tank was low,
and that the misfire codes in the computer were false. I was instructed
to ignore it. Since that time, the problem has continued regardless
whether the gas tank is full or empty (this is still happening today.)

Around 75K the car came up for another spark plug replacement. This
time I made SURE to purchase Hyundai OFFICIAL plugs. I verified the gap
on the plugs and made sure it was right in the middle of specs. The
plugs were torqued in just as HMASERVICE showed.

After replacing the plugs the problem appears more evident (the engine
light has flashed three times this month.) When the car sits overnight
(must be more than 4-6 hours) and I start it, the vehicle will hesitate
for about 5 seconds. The rpm's are low and the car acts as if it will
stop running. After about 5 seconds the rpm's shoot up to about 1000
and the car runs FINE after that (SOMETIMES the engine light flashes
while it tries to catch up.) If I let it sit for hours without starting
it the problem does not show again. This issue only occurs if the car
sits overnight. I have not noticed any performance issues, no loss of
fuel economy, no hesitation.

So I ask you, WHAT THE *$&%(!!!

Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this problem. Also, I was
wondering if I have any recourse with Hyundai now that there are 78K
miles on it?

I appreciate any response to this problem.