Hi all,
I have a 2001 Protege LX 2.0. with std transmission. When starting out in 1st gear, it almost seems like there is a flat spot an is almost impossible to get a smooth acceleration without the car jerking or squawking the tires. I bought this car thru a Honda dealer with a warranty. They did find torn motor mounts and replaced. Problem still there though.
I've replaced plugs & wires but no luck. No CEL has come on at any time....any suggestions?

As well, toady when I backed out the driveway the exhaust pipe (where it joins the "L" shaped pipe at the manifold) lets go. Luckily, I was able to remove the "L" pipe at the manifold. (The "ears" at the joint both rusted off) The O2 sensor was easy to remove as well. Anything I should be wary about before replacing?

Thanks
RG

 

Update***
In my first post, I mentioned the jerky acceleration from 1st to 2nd gear. Then I had the exhaust let go at the front pipe. I replaced the front pipe, put the o2 sensor back in, and voila!, the jerky starts problem is gone as well.
I'm assuming I was getting a slight exhaust leak, enough to give a bad reading at the o2 sensor?
Anyway, the car drives like new, and it was very easy to replace on my own. Even my wife commented on the difference with the car

Ron

 

That's great. The O2 reading actually controls the timing advance, hence the jerky starts.