Engine Light On Car Jerks When Accelerating

Overview

If your engine light is on and your car jerks when accelerating, it could be a sign of a serious problem. The engine light is designed to alert you to a problem with your car’s engine or emissions system. When the light is on, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem and has stored a trouble code in its memory. The trouble code can help you identify the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Causes

There are many possible causes of an engine light and jerking when accelerating. Some of the most common causes include:

• Spark plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to jerking and a loss of power.
• Ignition coils: Faulty ignition coils can also cause misfires.
• Fuel injectors: Clogged or faulty fuel injectors can prevent the engine from getting the fuel it needs, which can lead to jerking and a loss of power.
• Mass air flow sensor: The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If the sensor is faulty, the engine may not be able to get the right amount of air, which can lead to jerking and a loss of power.
• Oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If the sensor is faulty, the engine may not be able to get the right amount of fuel, which can lead to jerking and a loss of power.
• Catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is a device that helps to reduce emissions. If the catalytic converter is faulty, it can restrict the flow of exhaust gases, which can lead to jerking and a loss of power.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing an engine light and jerking when accelerating, 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 code and identify the problem. Once the problem has been identified, the mechanic can make the necessary repairs.

Repair

The cost of repairing an engine light and jerking when accelerating will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, the average cost of repairs is between $200 and $600. If you are experiencing this problem, it is important to have your car repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent an engine light and jerking when accelerating. These include:

• Regularly tune up your car. A tune-up can help to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent problems from developing.
• Use high-quality fuel. High-quality fuel can help to keep your engine clean and running efficiently.
• Avoid driving in harsh conditions. Harsh conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can put a strain on your engine and lead to problems.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing an engine light and jerking when accelerating, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify the problem and make the necessary repairs. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the cause of the problem, but the average cost is between $200 and $600. You can help to prevent this problem by regularly tuning up your car, using high-quality fuel, and avoiding driving in harsh conditions.