Check Engine Light On Car Won’t Accelerate
Causes
1. Bad spark plugs or wires
Spark plugs and wires are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine. If they are worn out or damaged, they can cause your car to misfire, which can lead to a loss of power and acceleration.
2. Clogged fuel filter
A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to your engine, which can also lead to a loss of power and acceleration.
3. Dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering your engine. If it is dirty or faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause a loss of power and acceleration.
4. Faulty oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If it is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause a loss of power and acceleration.
5. Catalytic converter problems
The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions from your car’s exhaust. If it is clogged or damaged, it can restrict the flow of exhaust gases, which can lead to a loss of power and acceleration.
Symptoms
- Loss of power
- Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating
- Check engine light illuminated
- Reduced fuel economy
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing a loss of power and acceleration, and your check engine light is illuminated, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes from your car’s computer. The trouble codes will help the mechanic to identify the cause of the problem.
Repair
The repair for a check engine light that is causing a loss of power and acceleration will depend on the underlying cause. Some common repairs include:
- Replacing spark plugs or wires
- Replacing fuel filter
- Cleaning or replacing mass air flow sensor
- Replacing oxygen sensor
- Replacing catalytic converter
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent a check engine light from coming on due to a loss of power and acceleration:
- Get your car serviced regularly
- Have your spark plugs and wires replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles
- Clean your mass air flow sensor every 50,000 miles
- Have your oxygen sensor replaced every 90,000 miles
