(2003 Justa, over 100k)
I've posted these symptoms before but now that they've worsened, I thought I'd throw it out there again. Second gear has always hesitated for me-loss of pickup, struggles to accelerate, staggers UNLESS I let the car idle for at least a minute. In the past if I did that, no hesitation.
Now the problem has become pronounced. My car lurches and hesitates during second gear acceleration even if "warmed up" and now the stuttering has spread to third.
Mystery clues:
1.My key fob is failing. I have an exposed remote key button with broken microswitch (hoping to repair soon)
2. The car shut down electrically a few days ago-no power to anything at all until I disconnected/reconnected the battery. Staggering continues.
3. Under idle I hear little burpy backfire noises.

I can't decide if this is an exhaust issue (no 02 sensor probs) or an ECU prob (no permanent CES lamps) or a key issue(immobilization chip is fin) or a fuel injection problem. Sound familiar to anyone? Car is going to Way as soon as I can arrange a ride/overcome personal economic downturn.