12 Causes of a Car That Won’t Accelerate (and How to Fix Each)
Have you ever experienced your car suddenly losing acceleration, leaving you in a dangerous situation on the highway? You’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of this issue and help you understand what’s happening under the hood so you can get your car back up to speed.
Reasons Your Car Won’t Accelerate When You Push the Gas
Acceleration problems are a common occurrence in high mileage vehicles. But typically, there are no serious or immediate concerns regarding major engine problems. As with any car problem, potential causes that are minor should be checked first in order to locate the issue and possibly fix it as well.
Below are some of the most common culprits to a lack of acceleration. The reasons are many so if you’re not completely comfortable troubleshooting a car that won’t accelerate, we recommend you take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic and let him properly diagnose the issue.
Read Also: Symptoms of a Faulty Transmission Speed Sensor
#1 – Mass Air Flow Sensor Clogged or Malfunctioned
The mass air flow sensor (or meter) is located and attached to the inlet air cleaner. Since the function of the air flow sensor is to measure air mass that is flowing into air intake, a clogged or bad mass air flow sensor could send the wrong data to the engine ECU for calculating the air fuel mixture.
A very common symptom of an air flow meter malfunction is car that struggles to pick up speed.
How to Fix: Clean or replace the MAF sensor.
#2 – Oxygen Sensor Malfunction
An oxygen sensor (aka O2 sensor) is device whose function is to monitor the exhaust emissions of the vehicle so that it can analyze the air-fuel ratio going through the engine of that vehicle.
To make a long story short, a car needs a proper amount of fuel in order for the fuel to burn properly in the combustion cylinders so that it may run smoothly and may accelerate as required.
This sensor sends the information about the amount of fuel being used to the computer unit of the engine and if this sensor get damaged, then the engine of that vehicle will have no idea what ratio of air-fuel mixture to use which may result in a fuel rich mixture.
This can cause the slow acceleration of the vehicle even with the accelerator pedal completely pressed making it unreliable when it’s needed.
How to Fix: Using an automotive scan tool, determine which sensor is malfunctioning. Replace the O2 sensor.
#3 – Malfunction of TPS
The basic principle of the throttle position sensor (TPS) is to detect the throttle valve opening angle which is controlled by accelerator pedal. Then the TPS will send this data to the ECU.
If the TPS malfunctions, the engine speed cannot be controlled by the accelerator pedal and engine speed will increase or decrease without any press or depress the pedal.
How to Fix: Replace the throttle position sensor.
#4 – Dirty or Clogged Fuel Filter
A dirty or clogged fuel filter is another reason for a car not accelerating like it’s supposed to when required to do so.
With a dirty fuel filter, the engine won’t be getting enough fuel which means that the vehicle won’t be giving the acceleration performance that it should. Replace the fuel filter as soon as possible.
How to Fix: Replace the fuel filter.
#5 – Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
Just like a fuel filter provides the engine with the clean fuel, an air filter provides the engine of a vehicle with clean air to be used in the air-fuel mixture which will be sent to the combustion chambers to burn.
If an air filter is clogged, then the engine won’t get the right air-fuel mixture resulting in slow acceleration. Replace the air filter as soon as possible.
How to Fix: Replace the air filter. If you have a reusable air filter like K&N, follow the directions on cleaning it.
#6 – Bad Fuel Injector
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if they’re not functioning properly, your car will likely not be able to accelerate properly.
A dirty, clogged, damaged, or faulty fuel injector may restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which can result in poor acceleration, hesitation, or even stalling.
How to Fix: Use a diagnostic scan tool to read error codes from the car’s computer. If the error code indicates a problem with the fuel injector, you can try cleaning it with a fuel injector cleaner. If cleaning doesn’t work, replace the fuel injector.
#7 – Limp Mode
Limp mode is a safety feature that is designed to protect your engine from damage. If your car’s computer detects a problem with the engine, it may put the car into limp mode, which limits the engine’s power and speed.
This undoubtedly will cause your car to have acceleration issues, and may also be accompanied by a flashing check engine light.
How to Fix: Using an OBD2 scanner, scan the car’s computer for fault codes to determine what exactly is causing the vehicle to go into limp mode.
#8 – Faulty Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. If it’s not functioning properly, it can cause a lack of fuel pressure, which can lead to poor acceleration. Symptoms of a bad fuel pump include sputtering or stalling while driving, difficulty starting the engine, and a decrease in fuel efficiency.
How to Fix: Replace the fuel pump.
#9 – Timing Belt
This component is as it sounds. The timing belt is something like a VIP in the list key of components of an engine. If this belt is off even by 1 tooth, it may cause some pretty notable acceleration problems.
How to Fix: Replace the timing belt.
#10 – Slipping Clutch
If you have a manual transmission, a slipping clutch can cause acceleration problems. This happens when the clutch disc fails to engage properly with the flywheel, causing what feels like your car has lost power while driving. It’s similar to a person trying to run on ice.
Signs of a slipping clutch include a burning smell, difficulty shifting gears, and poor acceleration.
How to Fix: Replace the clutch.
#11 – ECU
The ECU, or engine control unit, is responsible for regulating the performance of your car’s engine. If it’s malfunctioning in some way, it could be causing your car to have trouble accelerating. A faulty ECU can cause a variety of other issues, including misfires and poor fuel economy.
How to Fix: Repair or replace the ECU.
#12 – Clogged Exhaust
Two major components of your car’s exhaust system are your catalytic converter and muffler. If either one of these becomes clogged or damaged, this can restrict exhaust flow and lead to a reduction in engine power and acceleration.
This is especially the case with turbocharged vehicles which require proper exhaust flow to work as intended.
How to Fix: Check all components of the exhaust system to look for clogged or damaged parts. Replace if necessary.
Checking for Trouble Codes
If your car won’t accelerate, one of the first things you should look for is the Check Engine light. This light will come on if there is a problem with your car’s engine or emissions system. It’s worth mentioning that the Check Engine light does not always mean that there’s a major problem. Sometimes, it can be a minor issue that can be easily fixed.
To check for trouble codes, you will need an OBD2 scanner. This is a device that plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and reads the codes stored in your car’s computer. Once you’ve connected the scanner, you can retrieve the trouble codes and get a better idea of what is causing your car to not accelerate properly.
Once you see what trouble codes have been stored, you can use them for diagnosis. These codes will give you a better idea of what is causing your car to not accelerate properly.
But the fact is that trouble codes don’t always pinpoint the exact problem. In some cases, the codes may be related to a minor issue that can be easily fixed. In other cases, the codes may indicate a major problem that requires immediate attention.
If you’re unsure what the codes mean, have a mechanic diagnose further – don’t rely on the codes alone.
Acceleration Problems’ Impact on Fuel Economy
When your car won’t accelerate properly, it can have a significant impact on your fuel economy. Poor fuel economy is a common symptom of a car that won’t accelerate as it should.
You may think that if your car is accelerating poorly, it’s using less gas so your fuel economy should be better. But the opposite can actually happen!
If your car is struggling to accelerate, it means that your engine is working harder than it should, which can lead to increased fuel consumption.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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I have a Hyundai Sonata and one second it was fine. Then at a red light I couldn’t accelerate more than 10 mph and my rpms wouldn’t go past 2000. The check engine light was on as well but I only just noticed it.
What code was stored with that check engine light?
I drive a Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost 2013 model. I does not pull when i press the accelerator and it does not even flash the engine to show that it has the problem. Please assist.
Not sure what the issue is. Check the basics: make sure the engine air filter isn’t too dirty, check for vacuum leaks, check the spark plugs and fuel injectors for proper function.
2004 ford ranger xlt. Runs fine for the most part but I noticed as I was driving it home I was coming up a hill before my house and it randomly just went down into an idle while my foot was on the gas. I pulled over and let my foot off for a few seconds and got back on it and the truck ran fine after that. I was hoping someone had an idea what areas I should check, I don’t want to bring it to a mechanic, don’t trust um in my area at all. Also just replaced my water pump, radiator, belt and it went fine then my fan clutch went and had midas replace that since I didnt have the tool to get it off and it still sounds like a big rig every time I start it let it sit then drive it up the road about 50-100 yards. Not sure if this could be related. Help please!
Check the throttle cables to make sure they aren’t loose.
2017 Chevy Cruze, all’s been good til the last few days I noticed that acceleration is slow up to like 10-15, then boom, car drives normally (at least until the next stop sign/red light). Any thoughts?
I’m not sure. Have you noticed any hesitation or stumbling?
You could pull the spark plugs to see if they tell you it’s been running rich or lean. I had a car that would hesitate off the line and the fix was new spark plugs.
Can anyone help me?! Ok, 2007 Toyota Yaris, reaches 40m.p.h. at which point the r.p.m.’s go through the roof and the car stays at or under 40m.p.h. Now, I cleaned the air intake valve, I cleaned the MAF i cleaned all immediate areas and made sure all fluid levels are at required amounts. All of my hoses are changed out. The wiring to sensor modules look clean and are making clean contacts. I can’t figure it out without having a mechanic hook his OBD to it. No yime for that s#!t, no money left. Please help! I am a delivery driver and without my Yari I’m a homeless delivery driver. HELP!
It sounds like the transmission may be slipping. Generally if the engine speed skyrockets while the ground speed stays the same (or you start to slow down), this is a telltale sign of a transmission slipping. Is it an automatic or manual transmission?
I hav a Toyota rav4 2003. I hav changed its plugs, its coils, the oxygen sensors and even the fuel pump. Even so it doesnt move faster. It accelerate slowly and jerks off suddenly. What do i do
Have you changed the spark plugs?
Check engine light is on and I can be driving along and it start decreasing in speed on its own. During this time rpm’s are around 3. What can be wrong?
What codes were stored with that check engine light? That will help you narrow down the problem. I would get it scanned at your local auto parts store. Most places can do that for free.
Hello. Thanks for the knowledge sharing. I have a Toyota Avalon 2008 with 295567 millage on it. While driving sometimes when i push on the accelerator the car won’t move then after a little while it pick and starts moving, it doesn’t jerk.
I have changed the fuel pump, fuel filter, and clean the nozzles. the problem persist , what could be the issue?
Check the spark plug condition and verify that spark plug gap is correct. Even if the spark plugs are not the root cause, their condition may give you a clue as to what’s going wrong. If they are really dark (or wet) you’re probably running rich, if they look white and/or burnt you may be running lean.
I have a 2006 Dodge Durango and i’m having issues with my acceleration/rpm. Check engine light came on and I press the pedal to the floor and it slowly picks up speed, not going over 3000 rpms. I tried turning the truck off and on again and it goes back to normal but check engine stays on. Not sure what’s going on, just started happening.
What codes are saved with that check engine light?
pls I have Nissan sunny 2010 ,I bought d car from someone ,after some days I started noticing dat d car is unable to start den I took it to a local mechanic and he said I should change d brain box,den I did and d car starts but after some days ,it started doing hard starting ,recently when I’m driving I try to accelerate but it ain’t accelerating .pls what might have be d cause pls
Hi. Love this site. Your help is soooo appreciated. I drive a benz c320 ’05. Sometimes especially after a stop at a traffic light or so, it takes forever to respond no matter how much i press the pedal. It has like a 10 second delay between when i press and when it responds. But after that, car works perfectly fine and can outrun anything. This slow start is a pain. I have changed filter, pump, MAf and checked transmission. Please what could this issue be? No codes thrown.
Thanks for the feedback! When your car is slow to start, does it rev and not move or does it just not respond at all? It sounds like there may be an issue with the accelerator pedal assembly or throttle position sensor that is not registering your inputs, but that is just a guess.
My car feels like the brakes are engaging while I’m driving, and I need to give it more gas to maintain the same speed, when I let it sit for a few minutes it goes back to normal. This has only started happening as the weather has been warmer and it seems to only happen after it has been on the road for about 20 minutes or so. This last time there was a burning smell like metal or something. Please help
It sounds like you may have a bad brake hose or stuck caliper. It should be fairly inexpensive and straightforward to fix, but it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
My honda airwave revvs high and falls back at 40kmh,on accelerator, then jerks forward ,please what is the issue ?
I’m not sure I understand. Is the engine speed not proportional to your ground speed?
My Chrysler 300 while driving sometimes when i push on the gas the car won’t go then it go
Any check engine lights? Does the car rev up at all before it starts moving?
I have a 2004 nissan murano with this problem.! When i have to stop at a red light…i have to tap and press on the gas pedal about 6 times before the rpm’s get high enough for me to actually start moving.! Then when it does move it eggs 3 real high and takes the hell off.! Any ideas.?
I don’t know. You could check the wheels to see if one is warmer than the other after this happens. Be careful though, the wheels may be very hot if there is a stuck caliper, bad wheel bearing, etc.
I have a 2001 Acura TL and when I bought it I really needed a vehicle cause my trailblazer had issues so I sent it back to the dealership. The Acura already had 213,000 miles on it and I paid 3500 with TTL included. A few days after I had it the engine light came on and the TCS light came on with it. The TCS light went off but the engine light remained on. It started slowing down as I drive it and I had to pull over several times and cut the car off then back on then it was fine. A few days later same thing. Finally after a few weeks of this it happened again except the gas pedal wouldn’t move when the gear was in (D) Drive. I could hear the it accelerating except the car wouldn’t move in Drive or Reverse. After 10 minutes it started to move but it was stalled. Meaning it took it’s time going into gear. So I didn’t want to risk driving it back home so I got it towed. Any suggestions on what could be the problem?
Also, after it sat for 3 or 4 days I cranked it up and white smoke was coming from the tail pipe and the engine seemed to get hot faster than usual. It wasn’t running hot but the water started to evaporate in the radiator.
It sounds like you may have an issue with the transmission that’s causing slipping. Perhaps it’s not actually getting into gear when you’ve selected Drive or Reverse. Check the transmission fluid, make sure it looks good and the level is correct. There could be an issue with a shift solenoid in the valve body that’s locking you in a specific forward gear or not registering when your shifter has moved. You’ll need to do a bit more diagnostics to find out.
What were the check engine light codes?
I have 2013 Nissan Almera. I have been having this poor acceleration problem which I was suspecting it’s from the fuel pump area. Sometimes, when I unplug the fuel pump switch and plug it back firmly, it picks and raises well but after some times it wasn’t working like that so I bought another switch but the case remain the same. What could be the problem? At times, it picks on its own and return to the poor mode after awhile.
I would start by testing the fuel system. Try to figure out if it is a mechanical problem that is limiting fuel, or an electrical one. This will help you narrow things down.
Hello, I was driving and my petal went limp I let off and it went back to normal but I couldn’t accelerate.my car was still running and I pulled over killed it and tried to recrank it. It turned over but never cranked. What could be my issue ?
What is the year, make, and model? Do you have throttle cables or a drive by wire throttle?
If you have throttle cables, perhaps those broke or were detached. You should be able to see this in the engine bay. The throttle cables attach near the throttle body. Follow the air intake until it reaches your engine and you will find the throttle body.
1998 isuizu trooper
Hi
I have problem with my car Nissan premier 2004 it’s didn’t accelerated but it’s enter drive and revised
I have primers 2015 desiel car the problem is sometimes it will not throttling will not work and sometime when I start it it will just throttle down
Is the problem intermittent, or are you able to replicate the issue consistently?
Knowing how to replicate the issue is a key detail mechanics need to know. This will shorten the diagnostic process at the shop and could save you a lot of money.
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. When I push on the break my Car jerks and then it feels like it still wants to go for a second and also sometimes when I push on the gas it will only go to 20 mph and then the RPMs go up real high and then I’ll eventually be able to go
It sounds like you may have a throttle control issue somewhere, or maybe a transmission issue… I’m not really sure given the description of the problem. It will probably need to be diagnosed at a shop so you can figure out exactly what is wrong. I wouldn’t drive any more than you have to until it’s fixed. If it’s a throttle control issue, that is very dangerous and could result in unintended acceleration if the issue is not addressed.
My 2012 buick verano isn’t let me go over 10mph is this safe to drive while this is. Happening
No, it’s probably not safe; 10 mph isn’t very fast. It’s probably best to have it towed to a mechanic to see what’s going on.
My car does the same thing, what was the issue
But I really do not use parking brake. First thing in the morning when I start my car and engage in drive, it suppose to roll on its own without throttling, but I have to rave the engine from 1,3 before it will move. I will have to continuously rave the engine for it to move for some minutes before it picks. It functions very well on therne road without troubles but after using it or when is been parked for hours and by then the temperature of the car has dropped, it falls back to that same problem. Thank you.
Hmm. I am not certain on this, but that actually sounds more like a transmission issue than a brake issue like I originally thought. I don’t really have a great recommendation there. If it were me, I would bring it by a transmission shop and see what they say. They may charge you a small amount to do some diagnostics on the vehicle, but it is well worth the cost in my opinion.
Make sure they are able to replicate the issue you are having before you drop the car off.
Ernest, I have exactly the same problem Toyota Corolla 2004, 135K miles, except that in the morning when it’s cold it will start ok, but will need to be revved up to 3K RPM if I stop at a light. Once engine warmed up, drives with no issues at all, no Engine lights. I don’t think it’s transmission, some kind of sensor. Anyone has any clues as to what it may be?
I have a 2008 Toyota camry, if I start the car in the morning and switch to drive it doesn’t move until I push the throttle high before it starts moving and after some minutes it picks normally and I can use it throughout the day without any issues but when the temperature of the car calms down after 3-4 Hours it starts misbehaving again. But my reverse moves smoothly. Thank you
Perhaps your parking brake is getting stuck. If your rear brakes are dragging, it will become easier to move the car after the brakes get so hot that they start to fade. It’s also possible that one or more rear calipers could be stuck even if you’re not using the parking brake much.
You may be able to replicate the issue to confirm it’s the parking brake like this: while parked in a safe area away from traffic, engage the parking brake like you normally would when you park. Next, release the parking brake, shift into drive, and see if it’s harder to get the car moving. If it is, you likely have an issue with the rear brakes.
If your parking brake is stuck, your rear rotors will probably have bluish hot spots on them. This happens when brake rotors overheat. If you see hot spots, you should strongly consider changing the brake pads, brake rotors, and brake fluid. If you’re not sure what these hot spots look like, google “overheated brake rotors” for a few examples.
I have a 03 Toyota corolla, it suddenly refuse to throttle properly anytime I pass through small portion of water. Will have to continue throttling for minutes before it picks up again…. Please what could be the cause
Check your air intake for leaks. Take a look at your air filter while you’re in there and replace if necessary. Are you running the stock intake?
Hi. I have a Mitsubishi Lancer 2006, and when on incline, it looses power and won’t accelerate and move. However, as long as it’s in motion this is never a problem, it has no power issue either; only when it’s beginning to move on incline. It also has vibrations when it’s on gear but idling, not sure if it’s related. Any idea what could be wrong?
Hi Samuel. Unfortunately there is not enough information to really take a stab at the problem, as there could be many things that could cause a loss of power on a hill. You’re probably going to want to take the car into a local mechanic’s shop so they can diagnose the problem.
Hi Samuel,did you manage to solve this problem?
my car vibration on 3rd and 4th gear but I can live with it since driving on flat surface we can drive slow, no problem. It just annoying that the people behind me be thinking that I drive slow on purpose after a stop is annoying. I try not to press the pedal too hard when changing gears. Going up the hill, you got no power right? You are running on less cylinder. Your 4 cylinder car is now a 3 cylinder car. I think you change your spark plug and get a new set of coil and see if that would solve the problem. Mine has no check engine light on and my odb reader shows nothing.
However, my case is different because my 011 camry has 365k miles on it. I abused my car and only change oil and oil filter only. Did tune up just a few times and everything stock like o2 sensor, fuel filter, shift solenoid or anything else for that matter. It has a slightly motor oil leak but adding a quart from time to time doesn’t stop the car from running. Same thing with power steering fluid leak, if not a big leak, you can top oil and you be good. So yeah, I feel your pain.
I have the same problem with 2012 Kia Optima can’t figure out what’s wrong😔 only does it after driving in traffic for a while
Hi, i have a 2006 D4D 4×4 TD Hilux. I have a power/acceleration problem that occurs sporadically. It usually starts happening around 2000 rpm than all of a sudden finds power again and off she goes. Changed fuel, air filters etc and have had the air flow sensor cleaned. Any ideas on what this may be?
Thanks!
Do you have any check engine lights? You will probably have to look at some scan data to point you in the right direction. A good shop should be able to do this if you don’t have a capable scan tool.
I have renault Clio 2 2005 model, MY car have a problem of acceleration after a few kilometers of Traffic JAM. It will not accelerate even if I press the gas pedal. I have to turn of th engin cool it for few minutes and start driving again? any idea?
This sounds like a complex problem so I’d recommend taking the car in to your local mechanic.
I have a 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3. I’ve been having issues with it the last few days. I’ve had the check engine light on for a while now, one code saying the fuel is too rich and another saying it’s too lean, and I noticed there’s a lost of performance with the truck. But I filled up the truck a couple of days ago and put some fuel cleaner additive and the next day I was in a drive thru and it’s making a really weird noise like a rattling noise or something and then it just wouldn’t go. It’ll start and run all day long and idle but when I’m pressing the gas it just won’t go. I thought for a minute it was the MAF sensor because I noticed it was unplugged but I got a new one and plugged it up and unplugged the battery to reset the pcu and it’s still doing the same thing. It will run fine for about 5 minutes and then back to it. I’m thinking it might be the fuel pump but I’m not sure. Please help
You’re probably going to have to do some diagnostic work to uncover the cause of the issue. It does sound like it may be a fuel system issue, so I’d start by changing the fuel filter if it’s been a while since that was done. It should be done regularly anyway. Next, you could do a couple different fuel system tests to see if everything is working properly, such as a fuel pressure test.
I have a Benz 260 E model when I rev it cuts
I would check all sensors first Cam/crankshaft,TPS,Oxygen,
MAF. If its cam/crankshaft sensor(s),spark plugs,air filter all should be checked. Ive been going thru same type of issues w/my Nissan Maxima. Have codes read. Good Luck
I have a Toyota Avalon 2005,which I drove out with smoothly in the morning and come back to park it.three hours later i wanted to take it out and the car started jerking and unable to accelerate properly.please what can be the cause.
There could be so many causes. I would have the car inspected by a mechanic you trust to diagnose the issue.
I have a 2007 Nissan bluebird sylphy and when I start the car the car can move but when i give it gas it’s not giving me a full rev it’s go vom vom and it’s not passing 2 on the clock I give it to the election to check and they can’t find the problem what should I do?
You’ll probably have to find a mechanic who can diagnose the problem. Is the check engine light on? If so, what codes are stored?
That’s what my ford ranger is doing put in new batterie ..di u think spark plugs or alternator??
It’s easy enough to pull the spark plugs to inspect their condition. If they look worn, I’d replace them.
I wouldn’t think the alternator would cause acceleration problems. If you’re concerned about the health of the alternator, you can have it tested at an auto parts store, often for free.
My 1999 ford Taurus wagon was sitting for about 5 years and now when I start it and drive it only goes for a little bit and the fuel pump winds up really high and then j think it shuts off. I have to put it in neutral and restart the car for it to accelerate again
Hello I Have a 2002 Ford Mustang at first it was acting up when I would go over 100mph now when I try to go over 60mhp or even leave at a fast rate my car doesn’t do anything
I hope you’re only doing 100 mph at the drag strip. Do you have any check engine light codes?
how can I get the engine check signal off my speedometer
Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a diagnosis of the problem. Once the problem is fixed, the code will be cleared.
my Honda 2010 sometimes when I start the car, It will like every other cars but if I push my throttle pedal down, my rpm won’t move an inch.
If the car is running but the tachometer doesn’t move, it could be an issue with the gauge cluster or an issue with the tachometer signal.
I have an toyota axio 2015. And it stops accelerating after a 100km driving. So what is the problem in this situation.
It could honestly be a number of things. Try to use a scan tool to gather more information. Is the vehicle running lean? Running too hot? Any check engine lights? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the scope of the problem and determine the proper repair.
I have a problem with a Toyota Quantum, I replaced the engine but now the vehicle is starting and idling but does not accelerate.
Check to see if it has any codes. If you just replaced the engine it’s likely you simply forgot to plug something in, such as a MAF sensor.
If you’re sure everything is plugged in, check for vacuum leaks. It’s pretty easy to miss a vacuum line.
Nissan Altima 2009 2.5 svc. After driving 30+ minutes vehicle won’t accelerate and makes a loud whining noise. Air condition system also tripped same time when speed reduce after 30 minutes. Anybody have solution?
Sounds like it’s possibly an issue with one of the accessory pulleys. See if it has any check engine lights and go from there.
I have Nissan Rogue 2008, it once stalled for almost 30 seconds when I stopped on traffic even when I depressed the gas pedal right to the floor. I was so embarrassed. It did so frequently ONLY from stop position. It finally stopped one day and I towed it to the transmission center, no error code discovered. I was with the transmission center for days. I later drove it home and have been driving it for over 3 weeks now with no issue. Again, this happens only on stop position. I still experience it for very few seconds but occasionally, not sure what the issue is.
I’m guessing it is an engine issue not a transmission issue since you said it stalled. I wonder if one of the sensors has an intermittent connection or a bad ground.
Check the battery and alternator terminals to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion.
I have a Toyota cr 42 townace Noah van in Sri Lanka millege over 3 lakhs km when running sometimes engine not racing and not accelerated ,but if I turn off the engine and again turn on it races normal and can go what is the problem? Email me if you can please
i have a 2007 Mercedes Benz B 170, the car can not accelerate beyond 120 km/hr.
My 407 last week started jerking furiously, and would refuse to accelerate while in holdups motion, but would become normal after i restart the engine ,these furious jerking and loss of acceleration ,jerks mildly while am in hold ups and loses power intermittently while am driving below 30kph.
please help ..
Sounds like you’re possibly experiencing misfires. You could try checking the condition of the ignition system (plugs, wires, ignition coils) and look for vacuum leaks with a smoke test. If you’re not sure where to go next, take your car to a local mechanic to get the problem diagnosed.
I have a 2012 Nissan Rogue which is having problems with all the dash lights come on and it won’t accelerate at all then after a while it was i can turned back on but has check engine check that and said it was the TCM the transmission control module change that and was working than when back to be before lights all on and won’t accelerate?
It sounds like your vehicle is entering limp mode due to a problem with the transmission. Check your transmission fluid to make sure it’s topped off. If that doesn’t fix the problem, I would take it to a shop as soon as you can to have it checked out by a mechanic to get your normal acceleration back and avoid possible transmission damage.
If you want to know more about limp mode, I actually just wrote an article on it which is due to be published soon. Check back in a few days if you’re interested.
I got a ’94 Bronco and its has a low idle and barely moves when I push the pedal to the floor. And it wont go past 2nd gear
I would start by checking for vacuum leaks. See if there’s something obviously wrong, like a vacuum line disconnected. If nothing looks out of place, you can perform a smoke test. If you see smoke coming from somewhere it’s not supposed to, there’s your leak.
Some people also spray a flammable fluid, such as carb cleaner, starter fluid, throttle body cleaner, or liquid propane around the hose junctions. If the idle raises at any point while you’re spraying down the vacuum lines, chances are that’s where you might find a leak. Be careful that you don’t do this around any flame sources, and keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.
My 2001 Pontiac Sunbird always jerked when driven. It was getting worse and one day with the hood open I heard a sort of snap sound. It was coming from a plug wire shorting against the engine top. Could also see it shorting, so took it out and replaced it. Problem solved; to search for that kind of electrical leakage sometimes you must wait til it gets a little dark outside before you can see the sparks.
I have a vx commodore when I reverse it’s fine but when I put it in drive I put my foot down and it revs out and slowly starts to drive I don’t know what the problem is
I have a Honda civic 2001 model. When in traffic for too long the car will not accelerate.
The gear will not change. But when i allowed it to cool for like 40minutes it will pickup now again
Have changed plugs fuel pump.
Please what could be the problem?
It sounds to me like the transmission is overheating. Check the transmission fluid level to make sure it is filled up. Also, you may try changing the transmission fluid if it hasn’t been changed in a while. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should be red. If your fluid looks really dark and smells burnt, it might be time to swap it out with some fresh stuff.
Hey how you guys doing, I have a 07 Dodge Caliber With 135k miles that I just bought it’s a second hand though, used to run good with Only one problem, my car was blowing cold air instead of heat, I try to get it fix , I replaced the 2 thermostat With brand new ones, 10 minutes after I left the car shop it got worse mind you I live in ny 😞, now fast forward a month later, technically yesterday the car started acting a little funny, every time I press the gas pedal it wouldn’t accelerate, also for the car to move I have to shut the car off, wait a good 7 seconds then to start it up, it would run until I hit the break
I have a 2009 kia optima that had a exaust leak we found out we had a broken flex pipe so we replaced it but had to clamp one side temporarily because blot was fused on and couldnt remove it even so still had a decent leak somewhere and now car will barely move any suggestions on fixes or even what could cause both or one of the problems
I have a 2003 Ford F-150 King ranch my RPMs shoot up to like 4,000 3000 whenever I have my gas pedal barely push down and don’t know what the problem is any solutions or ideas what the problem could be
Have you scanned for any codes? Could be a few things (throttle position sensor, MAF sensor, fuel filter, etc.).
I have a 2011 Chevy Cruze it will only drive 25 mph and will not go in reverse what could it be
Hi guys yesterday i serviced my car as i noticed everytime i turned on the ac my car would shake if stopped at red light or just generally standing at traffic jam. The mechanic said air filter was clogged with dirt he cleaned it out now today i noticed my car is very heavy and doesn’t move if stopped at red light and or just standing in traffic. Then the engine light came on. Im so paranoid coz i just spent $200 yesterday now another problem has strted. Would anyone knw i drive a 2007/2008 toyota yaris sedan
I have a bmw 320i E46 2003 model. Is idling but it doesn’t rev at all. What can be the caurse ? Pls help.