Car Engine Sputters When Accelerating

If your car engine sputters when accelerating, it can be a frustrating and dangerous problem. There are a number of potential causes, so it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to fix it. Here are some of the most common causes of engine sputtering when accelerating:

1. Fuel Filter

One of the most common causes of engine sputtering when accelerating is a clogged fuel filter. The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel before it enters the engine. If the fuel filter is clogged, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing it to sputter. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the fuel filter.

2. Spark Plugs

Another common cause of engine sputtering when accelerating is worn or fouled spark plugs. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. If the spark plugs are worn or fouled, they can misfire, causing the engine to sputter. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the spark plugs.

3. Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark plugs with the electricity they need to fire. If the ignition coil is faulty, it can cause the spark plugs to misfire, leading to engine sputtering. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the ignition coil.

4. Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause the engine to sputter when accelerating because it is not able to deliver enough fuel to the engine. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the fuel pump.

5. Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the flow of air to the engine, causing it to sputter when accelerating. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the air filter.

6. Mass Air Flow Sensor

The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is responsible for measuring the amount of air flowing into the engine. If the MAF is faulty, it can send incorrect data to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to sputter when accelerating. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the MAF.

7. Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is responsible for telling the engine computer how far the throttle is open. If the TPS is faulty, it can send incorrect data to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to sputter when accelerating. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the TPS.

Conclusion

If your car engine sputters when accelerating, it is important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to fix it. The most common causes of engine sputtering when accelerating are listed above. If you are not sure what is causing the problem, it is best to take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.