## Check Engine Light Comes On and Car Jerks While Accelerating
If your check engine light comes on and your car starts to jerk, it’s typically a sign that there’s a problem with your engine. The check engine light is designed to alert you to any issues with your car’s emission control system, engine, or other major components. When the light comes on, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to have the issue diagnosed and repaired.
### Common Causes of Check Engine Light and Car Jerking While Accelerating
There are a number of potential causes for a check engine light and car jerking while accelerating. Some of the most common causes include:
– **Spark plug or ignition coil problems:** Spark plugs and ignition coils are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. If there’s a problem with these components, it can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
– **Fuel injector issues:** Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine’s cylinders. If there’s a problem with these components, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can also lead to jerking and a check engine light.
– **Air flow sensor problems:** The air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If there’s a problem with this component, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can also lead to jerking and a check engine light.
– **Oxygen sensor problems:** Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If there’s a problem with these components, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can also lead to jerking and a check engine light.
– **Transmission problems:** If there’s a problem with your car’s transmission, it can also cause the car to jerk while accelerating. Transmission problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including low fluid levels, worn gears, and faulty sensors.
### What to Do if Your Check Engine Light Comes On and Your Car Jerks While Accelerating
If your check engine light comes on and your car starts to jerk while accelerating, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to try to minimize the jerking:
– **Avoid hard acceleration:** Hard acceleration can put extra stress on your engine, which can worsen the jerking.
– **Drive in a lower gear:** Driving in a lower gear can help to reduce the load on your engine, which can also minimize the jerking.
– **Keep your car well-maintained:** Regular maintenance can help to prevent problems with your engine and transmission, which can reduce the risk of your car jerking while accelerating.
### Conclusion
If your check engine light comes on and your car starts to jerk while accelerating, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to try to minimize the jerking.
