I have a new problem that I hope you folks can help me with.

I went out to start up the sportage this morning and it started up fine. (Sometimes when I start it it sounds like the fans are running for a little while. I don't know if that is normal or not. And yes it did it this morning) Well when I put it into gear it was almost stalling when I stepped on the gas.
It did this both in Drive and Reverse. Its an Auto BTW.
Now I ran fine but didn't have the same pickup that it had before and seemed like it wasn't shifting gears.

Any ideas?

sparkplugs or coil.

I just took it for a spin again and now its just a momentary hesitation. I have no CEL as of yet. Idle sounds just fine. The fuel filter looks like its never been changed

just because the light isn't on, doesn't mean there's not a problem. you should get the computer read, if you can't, start with the cheapest part to replace(i.e. the fuel filter). it would be good to know how many miles your sporty has. that would be a good indication as to whether or not you need to change the fuel filter. while you're at it, change the air filter too.

my sporty is at a little over 45000 miles. I'm going to chage the fuel filter tonight after the wife gets home with it. Like I said it looks like its never been changed. Any help on making changing the filter easier would be great too

The air filter is good. I know that

i'm not sure what size wrenches you'll need, but that's all you should need. make sure you disconnect the battery first. it wouldn't hurt to depressurize the fuel rail and line from the filter. remove the lines from the filter, then remove the filter from its cradle. installation is opposite of removal. make sure you have some gasoline in a small cup or can, you'll need to fill the filter with fuel before you put the top line back on to prime the filter(this makes start up much easier.) i haven't done this on a sporty, but i have on a toyota celica, and the procedure shouldn't be much different. good luck hal.

1995 and 1996 Sportages use a fuel filter with flare nut fittings. Not sure about 1997. 1998 - 2002 use a fuel filter with push on fittings. Make sure you get the right filter for your year Sportage.

The push on fittings can be a real PITA to remove. First, you need to relieve the fuel pressure. The safest and easiest way to do this is as follows:

Get to the fuel pump access plate under the rear seat. Once you remove the cover unplug the fuel pump harness with the engine idling. Allow the engine to stall. Turn off the ignition then reconnect the harness. Do NOT monkey with the fuel pump fuse or fuel pump relay. Leave them alone or else you'll have problems later on.

Once you relieve the pressure you can remove the fuel filter. Depress the tabs on the fuel line and push TOWARDS the filter. The fuel line should pop off. You can use an adjustable wrench to depress the tabs but be careful or you'll damage the fitting. Remove the old fuel filter. Install the new one. Push the fuel lines back on until they snap into place. Start the engine and check for leaks.

BTW...your symptoms actually sound like a known problem with automatic Sportages where high contact resistance in the mass airflow circuit will cause hesitation when the engine is cold. But try the fuel filter first. If it doesn't fix it post back and I'll give details.

Well I got the fuel filter changed out. I had to remove the battery. I didn't have much trouble with the front connector (nearest the grill) but the back one took a bit of time. You just need to take your time.
While I had the hood open I went ahead and cleaned the IAC module, as per the spark plug change instructions.
Put everything back together and I swear that it runs better then before. If the fuel filter had been changed I would be surprised there was so much junk built up around it but the gas that was left in there looked clean.

Please post the details on the Mass airflow circut fix. I would rather do it now then wait for this to happen again