My car will start but won’t accelerate when I push the gas pedal. What would cause this problem?
Car will start but won't accelerate when pushing the gas pedal.. Also it will take a couple tries for the car to actually start.
My car has an automatic transmission.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I would first check to see if your Check Engine Light is illuminated. If so, there are likely trouble codes that have been stored in your vehicle’s PCM that may indicate what the problem is. In order to pull these codes, you will need an OBD-II scanner.
If you do not have one, I would recommend having your vehicle scanned for trouble codes. Once the trouble codes have been identified, the repair procedure will be more clear. It is possible that you have a fuel or ignition issue. I would recommend having these systems of the vehicle inspected as well.
If you need assistance, then consider having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, determine why the car hesitates during acceleration and suggest any needed repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Why does my car not accelerate when I push the gas? A car not accelerating properly can be caused by a number of things. It could be due to the throttle body, gas tank, spark plugs, or the ECU. It could also be because you have a dirty air filter or a clogged fuel filter.
An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine`s that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.
If your car is not accelerating, the first thing to check is the air filter. The air provided to the engine for the combustion process passes through an air filter, which catches all the impurities and debris present in the air. With continuous usage, the air filter gets clogged and doesn`t let air pass through it.
When you press down the accelerator pedal and get minimal output, it could mean you have a problem with your fuel system. The most probable issue is a clogged fuel filter. Your fuel filter works to ensure that dirt and debris do not get into the fuel system.
Trouble accelerating can come from a few different engine issues. These include, but are not limited to, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, and restricted airflow. A problem with the mass airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, or engine speed sensor can also cause a car to have difficulty picking up speed.
Fuel lines, dirty air filters, and throttle body issues can all cause a delayed throttle response. You can avoid this issues by installing a Throttle Response Controller. Engine response time will be improved, and you`ll enjoy driving your car more.
An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine`s that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.
Many supposed carburetor-related problems like low-speed hesitation can be traced to improper ignition timing.
(1) An accelerometer is an electromechanical sensor that measures static and/or dynamic acceleration forces acting upon an object by measuring the acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) along one, two, or three axes.
Other symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor include a rough idle, a misfire, and/ or hesitation when trying to accelerate. Keep in mind, however, that these issues can also have other causes that have no relation to the health of a vehicle`s oxygen sensors.
You can attempt to bypass Limp mode by restarting the vehicle after a short wait or by removing one of the battery terminals to reset the electronic systems.
You can attempt to bypass Limp mode by restarting the vehicle after a short wait or by removing one of the battery terminals to reset the electronic systems.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car will start but won’t accelerate when I push the gas pedal. What would cause this problem?
ANSWER : I would first check to see if your Check Engine Light is illuminated. If so, there are likely trouble codes that have been stored in your vehicle’s PCM that may indicate what the problem is. In order to pull these codes, you will need an OBD-II scanner.
If you do not have one, I would recommend having your vehicle scanned for trouble codes. Once the trouble codes have been identified, the repair procedure will be more clear. It is possible that you have a fuel or ignition issue. I would recommend having these systems of the vehicle inspected as well.
If you need assistance, then consider having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, determine why the car hesitates during acceleration and suggest any needed repairs.
My car will be starting perfect and when the gas tank gets lower it will start having problems .
ANSWER : Based on the information you gave, it sounds like a possible fuel starvation issue, caused by a partially blocked, in-tank fuel filter or a crack in the fuel pump housing. The remedy would be to replace the fuel pump assembly and filter. The overheating may be caused by several things, including a stuck thermostat, faulty water pump, or even a cracked head gasket. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the relevant systems to pinpoint the cause of your vehicle’s hard starting issue and overheating problem.
My car doesn’t respond to the gas pedal like it should
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The engine is likely sensing an issue and compensating for it. When you restart the vehicle, the component may be passing its start up tests, and the engine stops trying to outperform itself. Start by having the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes. If there is another sensor to blame, it may show up there and make diagnostics a lot easier. If not codes come up, you will want to test the fuel pressure available at the engine, and make sure the fuel system is working properly. You can also clean the throttle and test the throttle position sensor. For more help with diagnosing and resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
The car crank but won’t start
ANSWER : Hi there. This does sound like an issue with the wiring. If the check engine light is coming on every now and then this means that when it does not come on there is no power to the computer. This can be the wiring harness issue or an ignition switch problem. I would have to test for voltage to the computer when the problem is occurring to be able to find where the issue lies. If you need assistance, a certified YourMechanic technician can be dispatched to your location to inspect your vehicle’s non-start issue and suggest any necessary repairs.
Car almost stalled, steering wheel locked up, all lights on dashboard came on, pushed gas pedal and nothing happened.
ANSWER : Hi there. When the engine is stalling and sputtering, this is an indication that the fuel system has lost pressure. Check the fuel pump relay and see if it is hot and if its clicking on when the key is turned on. If the relay is hot when the engine stalls or sputters, then there is an issue with the wiring to and from the fuel pump or the fuel pump maybe weak. For the steering column to lock up, the locking solenoid in the steering column losing power when the engine stalls. This could be an issue with the ignition switch as the solenoid is energized with the key turning in the ’ON’ position. The shaking could be either the brake rotors are worn causing the shaking when the brakes are applied or if the brakes are not applied, then the CV Shafts could have a joint that is felt when loaded when coasting. I suggest checking out the rotors, CV Shafts, the fuel pump relay, and the ignition switch. If you need further assistance with your engine stalling, shaking, and sputtering, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
So I have a hyundai sonata se push to start. My car won’t turn on, power is working, I push tof start but it won’t crank. I don’t
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you have a failed starter. However, without proper testing there is no way to be 100% sure. I suggest having the battery tested first with a digital battery tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health. Also inspect for corrosion on the terminals and cables as this will cause excessive resistance and not allow proper voltage/amps to the starter. Other possible failures could be in the wiring harness, relay, fuses, or communication network. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car does not start inspection.
The engine of the car runs, but when I push the gas pedal it does not accelerate, and the engine does not rev.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you may have an issue with your throttle position sensor. This sensor sends a reference voltage to your power-train control module, which uses that to determine ignition timing and fuel trims. If the power-train control module is not detecting the proper signal from the throttle position sensor, the engine may not accelerate properly. It’s probably a good idea for you to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is causing this issue to occur and they will recommend the right repairs be completed.
Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
