When is a tune up needed?

[ZDA3]

The car is a 2015 Mazda 3 isport. It runs good but not accelerating as well as when it was newer. It has 250k mileage already. I believe I've done tune-ups on this car probably 4x already. I replaced spark plugs, replaced ignition coils when necessary. Oil changes have been regularly done. Cabin and engine air filters are regularly replaced as well.

Is this a tune-up issue or something else?

 

[N7turbo]

Look up an induction service. That involves cleaning the throttle body and intake runners to remove carbon deposits.

 

[ZDA3]

I'm not familiar with this as I've never had it done. What companies usually does this service like a Midas or Jiffy Lube?

I've seen a local shop that specializes in cleaning a carburetor though. Is that something to look into as well?

 

[ZDA3]

I've seen online tutorials regarding using CRC throttle body and air intake cleaner spray. They made it look easy, but some spray an entire bottle into the mainline. Some got check engine lights pop up on their cars as a result. The tutorial video on the walmart website seems like the best option.

 

[negusm]

It is easy.

What do you mean by you have a lack of acceleration?

Cleaning the TB probably won't help with mid range or higher acceleration. That's when the butterfly valve in the TB will be open quite a ways and any carbon build up isn't going to restrict much of anything.

If the issue is a bad idle or acceleration right at idle, then I could see cleaning the TB and IAC (if you have one) as helping.

Otherwise, I'd be looking at fuel starvation (bad fuel pump or regulator) or a clogging catalytic converter. Those will rob you of power the faster you try to accelerate.