## Car Sputters When Accelerating: Check Engine Light On
If your car is sputtering when accelerating and the check engine light is on, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
There are a number of potential causes for this issue, ranging from minor problems like a dirty air filter to more serious issues like a faulty fuel injector.
### Common Causes of Car Sputtering When Accelerating with Check Engine Light On
**1. Dirty Air Filter**
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to sputter when accelerating. This is a relatively minor problem that can be easily fixed by replacing the air filter.
**2. Faulty Spark Plugs**
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If they are worn out or faulty, they can cause the engine to sputter and misfire.
**3. Vacuum Leak**
A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to sputtering and hesitation when accelerating.
**4. Faulty Fuel Injector**
A faulty fuel injector can cause the engine to receive too much or too little fuel, which can lead to sputtering and hesitation.
**5. Clogged Catalytic Converter**
A clogged catalytic converter can restrict the flow of exhaust gases, which can cause the engine to sputter and lose power.
### How to Fix Car Sputtering When Accelerating with Check Engine Light On
The best way to fix this issue is to take your car to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem. They will be able to identify the cause of the sputtering and recommend the best course of action.
**If you are experiencing this issue, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to further damage to your engine.**
### Additional Troubleshooting Tips
In addition to the common causes listed above, there are a few other things you can check to try and troubleshoot the problem:
* Check the fuel level. If the fuel tank is low, it could be causing the engine to sputter.
* Check the fuel pressure. If the fuel pressure is too low, it could be causing the engine to run lean and sputter.
* Check the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are worn out or faulty, they could be causing the engine to misfire and sputter.
* Check the vacuum hoses. If there is a vacuum leak, it could be causing the engine to run lean and sputter.
If you have checked all of these things and you are still experiencing the problem, it is best to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
