Engine Light On and Car Won’t Accelerate

Causes

There are a few possible causes for an engine light to come on and for a car to not accelerate. These include:

A problem with the fuel system. This could be a clogged fuel filter, a bad fuel pump, or a faulty fuel injector.
A problem with the ignition system. This could be a bad spark plug, a faulty ignition coil, or a problem with the wiring.
A problem with the air intake system. This could be a clogged air filter, a faulty mass air flow sensor, or a leak in the intake manifold.
A problem with the exhaust system. This could be a clogged catalytic converter, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a leak in the exhaust manifold.
A problem with the engine computer. This could be a faulty sensor, a bad wire, or a problem with the software.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the problem, you will need to have the car’s engine codes read. This can be done using a code reader, which is a small device that plugs into the car’s diagnostic port. Once you have the codes, you can look them up online or in a repair manual to find out what they mean.

Repair

The repair for an engine light that is on and a car that won’t accelerate will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, the repair may be simple, such as replacing a clogged air filter. In other cases, the repair may be more complex, such as replacing a faulty fuel pump.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent an engine light from coming on and your car from not accelerating. These include:

Regularly maintain your car. This includes changing the oil and filter, checking the fluids, and inspecting the brakes and tires.
Use high-quality fuel. Cheap fuel can contain impurities that can damage your car’s engine.
Drive conservatively. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, and don’t overload your car.
Get your car checked out by a mechanic if you notice any problems. Don’t wait until the engine light comes on to have your car serviced.

Conclusion

If your engine light comes on and your car won’t accelerate, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to further damage to your car.