Car Jerks When Accelerating Check Engine Light
If your car is jerking when accelerating and the check engine light is on, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your car’s engine. There are a number of potential causes for this problem, so it’s important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Possible Causes
Some of the most common causes of car jerking when accelerating include:
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your car’s engine. If they are worn out or damaged, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to jerking when accelerating.
Ignition Coils
Ignition coils are responsible for providing the spark to the spark plugs. If they are failing, they can also cause the engine to misfire.
Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If they are clogged or damaged, they can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can also lead to jerking when accelerating.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If it is faulty, it can send incorrect information to the engine’s computer, which can cause the engine to run poorly and jerk when accelerating.
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If it is faulty, it can send incorrect information to the engine’s computer, which can also cause the engine to run poorly and jerk when accelerating.
Diagnosis and Repair
If you are experiencing car jerking when accelerating and the check engine light is on, it’s important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the car’s computer. These codes can help the mechanic identify the specific problem that is causing the car to jerk. Once the problem has been identified, the mechanic will recommend the necessary repairs.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent car jerking when accelerating:
- Get regular tune-ups. This will help to keep your car’s engine running smoothly and prevent problems from developing.
- Replace your spark plugs and ignition coils according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
- Keep your fuel system clean. This will help to prevent the fuel injectors from becoming clogged.
- Have your car’s mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor inspected regularly.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your car running smoothly and prevent car jerking when accelerating.
