Why Does My Car Hesitate When I Accelerate?

Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate? This is a common question that we hear at Allen Samuels Auto Group, and the truth is that it can be the result of several different factors. A driver in Waco might simply have a fuel filter clog, while another driver in Aransas Pass might have a broken fuel injector. That’s why it’s so crucial to get a proper diagnosis. Let’s dive into some reasons a car hesitates when accelerating, and get your problem resolved for good at our service center.

Common Causes of Engine Hesitation

When your car hesitates when accelerating, the problem generally has something to do with the fueling system. Usually, your engine is not receiving enough fuel to start smoothly, which causes hesitation when you hit the gas pedal in Hutchinson. Here are some of the most common culprits we see in our service center:

• Fuel Pump: The fuel pump is responsible for pumping fuel into the engine, but if it breaks, your fuel levels could be insufficient. This will result in a sluggish performance.
• Fuel Injectors: The fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the internal combustion chamber, which can be another point of failure. Even if your pump is working, broken injectors can result in insufficient fuel levels.
• Fuel Filter: Finally, a clogged fuel filter can also affect your car’s performance. If your filter is clogged, it can’t remove the dust and debris from the fuel itself – which can cause major problems.
• Mass Airflow Sensor: Your mass airflow sensors (MAF) record how much air flows into the engine, and this information helps the fuel injectors send just the right amount of gas into the engine. If your MAF breaks, this can also hinder the fuel injection system.
• Throttle Position Sensor: Finally, throttle position sensors can affect your car’s performance. These sensors determine how much pressure to place on the accelerator, which helps determine how much air and fuel to send to the engine. If the sensors are broken, the ratio will be off – and that can lead to engine hesitation.

Could a Transmission Cause Hesitation During Acceleration?

If your car hesitates when accelerating, the transmission could also be the problem. Drivers with electronically controlled automatic transmissions can have issues with worn sensors. Transmission clutch slipping can also be a big cause of engine hesitation, and the underlying cause can be any number of things: old transmission fluid, damaged clutch, broken pump, clutch solenoid failure, etc. Be sure to schedule your service appointment to get a diagnosis, and Allen Samuels Auto Group will get your car back on the Hutchinson roads in no time.

Schedule Your Service at Allen Samuels Auto Group!

Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate? We’d love to help you find the root of the issue, so you can get it solved once and for all. Schedule your service with us at your convenience and feel free to contact us with your questions.