Car Engine Revs While Driving
What is engine revving?
Engine revving is the process of increasing the speed of an engine by increasing the amount of fuel and air supplied to it. This can be done manually by pressing the accelerator pedal, or automatically by the engine’s computer control system.
Why does my car engine rev while driving?
There are a number of reasons why your car engine may rev while driving. These include:
- A faulty throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor tells the engine’s computer how much fuel to inject into the cylinders. If the sensor is faulty, it may send incorrect signals to the computer, causing the engine to rev excessively.
- A vacuum leak. A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to increased engine speed.
- A clogged fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which can also cause the engine to run lean and rev excessively.
- A slipping transmission. A slipping transmission can cause the engine to rev excessively as it tries to compensate for the loss of power.
- A faulty torque converter. A faulty torque converter can also cause the engine to rev excessively, as it can slip and allow the engine to speed up without the car actually accelerating.
How to fix a car engine that is revving while driving
The best way to fix a car engine that is revving while driving is to take it to a qualified mechanic. However, there are a few things you can try yourself:
- Check the throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor is located on the throttle body. It is a small, black sensor that is held in place by two screws. To check the sensor, disconnect the electrical connector and use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the terminals. The resistance should be between 0 and 5 ohms. If the resistance is not within this range, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Check for vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks can be found by listening for a hissing sound under the hood. You can also use a smoke machine to locate leaks. To fix a vacuum leak, simply replace the leaking hose or gasket.
- Replace the fuel filter. The fuel filter is located under the car, near the fuel tank. To replace the filter, simply unscrew the old filter and screw on the new filter.
If you have tried the above steps and your car engine is still revving while driving, it is best to take it to a qualified mechanic.
How to prevent car engine revving while driving
There are a few things you can do to prevent car engine revving while driving:
- Keep your car properly maintained. This includes regular oil changes, tune-ups, and brake inspections.
- Avoid driving in high gears at low speeds. This can put strain on the engine and cause it to rev excessively.
- Be gentle with the accelerator pedal. Avoid pressing the pedal down too hard, as this can cause the engine to rev excessively.
Conclusion
Car engine revving while driving can be a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. If your car engine is revving excessively, it is important to take it to a qualified mechanic to have it checked out.