Can car get untuned?

[vicks]

Hey Guys,

Had this question lingering. When I got my car, it was running what I believed was fine, then over time it started getting progressively worse doing shakes, stalling, weird idle, to finally not wanting to stay on. I had someone take a look at the car and do some idle, fuel and timing adjustment among other things and the car went from not staying one and sounding horrible to A LOT better place.

So my question is, without no modification what could be the causes for a car go from running to not turning on/staying on tune wise? Can the car just get untuned or unadjusted? Is that something that needs to be performed every once in a while?

 

[Vegas Smith]

Common problems can be boost leaks (most likely) and sensors (maf) going bad over time. it also depends on what you have to tune.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I don't know about un-tuned, but I'm sure it can be. This is why cars need to be in perfect running order before getting tuned. A boost leak can throw off the tune even after. However, if you get it tuned, then change parts like injectors or something, you'll need to get re-tuned.

 

[Derek232]

This could go both ways, I have seen cars get tuned while having minor issues and then when they are resolved it will mess the tune up. Or if a sensor goes bad or you get boost leaks they could cause the tune to be off.

 

[vicks]

Yes I figured. It had a few boost leaks and other minor things that needed to take care. I guess that threw the tune out of alignment and bogged it down real bad.

 

[skunkprodigy]

i would check 4 dry rotted vac hoses or a clamp that wiggled its way off of something

 

[boostjunkie92]

check for boost leaks. inspect all your vacuum lines, they dry out and crack. check all your sensors as well.

 

[skunkprodigy]

check for boost leaks. inspect all your vacuum lines, they dry out and crack. check all your sensors as well.

ive had more problems with vac leaks than anything else on these cars when it comes to it running like crap all of a sudden

 

[skunkprodigy]

Common problems can be boost leaks (most likely) and sensors (maf) going bad over time. it also depends on what you have to tune.

Yep had a maf go bad and it took a min to track the problem .I thought it was a boost leak at first but did leak down . It was solid ..nope stupid maf went bad