Car Acceleration Problems: What Causes Them and How to Fix It

Smoothness and acceleration response are important when it comes to general driving satisfaction. However, drivers have to struggle with the acceleration of their vehicle at some point or other. Once you know the cause, symptoms, and solutions, you will find that you can handle these issues. In this article, we have covered all the issues of car acceleration from diagnostics to prevention.

Common Causes of Car Acceleration Problems

There are a few reasons why your car is not accelerating. The following are some of the most common causes:

Dirty or Clogged Fuel Filter

A dirty filter is among the most common causes of bad acceleration. The filter cleans the fuel supplied to the engine. Dust, and dirt will accumulate in the filter over time and clog the fuel flow. Clogging is the reason for bad power and bad acceleration. The fuel filter needs to be replaced at 30,000 to 50,000 miles to maintain optimal engine performance.

Throttle Body Problems

The throttle body controls air supplied into the engine to be combusted in the combustion chamber. A clogged throttle body will not give normal acceleration. Carbon accumulation may strangle airflow and lead to poor engine acceleration and poor fuel efficiency. The throttle body needs to be serviced or replaced periodically in order to restore the normal air-fuel mixture.

Spark Plug Issues

Spark plugs carry the critical function of flashing the air-fuel mix in your engine’s cylinders. Faulty or worn-out spark plugs produce misfire, lowering your engine’s power and acceleration. Dirty plugs lead to bad idling, poor gas mileage, and poor engine crank. Replacement of the spark plugs periodically, usually between 30,000 to 100,000 miles, prevents such issues.

Sensor Malfunction

The majority of contemporary automobiles heavily depend on sensors in an effort to control engine performance. Among the most significant sensors that affect acceleration are Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF), Oxygen Sensor, and Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). MAF sensor monitors the amount of air supplied to the engine, while the TPS monitors the position of the throttle. Acceleration is lost in case the sensors fail or give incorrect readings. Faulty sensors have to be replaced and fixed to maintain the vehicle in the best condition.

Fuel Pump Problem

The fuel pump supplies fuel to the engine from the tank. Weak or bad pump causes low fuel supply to the fuel system, resulting in poor acceleration. A whining sound from the fuel tank, hard starts, and loss of power on acceleration are the indications of a weak pump.

Air Intake Problem

Air intake system provides air to the engine for use too. Air leak or air restriction will provide lower airflow, and it will decrease the engine’s performance. Leak tests and air filter replacement will provide the right airflow.

Signs Your Car Is Struggling to Accelerate

Pay attention to these signs:

• Unresponsive Gas Pedal. You attempt to speed up and find that the vehicle’s acceleration is low. The problem could be that your car has an acceleration system malfunction.
• Stuttering or Jerking. Stuttering or jerking is a sign of the fuel system problems, such as fuel supply or misfire problems. If your vehicle is stumbling and cannot accelerate properly, then it is necessary to find out why.
• Slow Acceleration. If your car accelerates very slowly, then something may be wrong. Poor acceleration is caused by a number of reasons, some of which have been outlined above.
• Dashboard Warning Lights. Pay attention to your dashboard warning lights since they are warning you that something has happened. The check engine light, for example, will be illuminated for certain issues, such as sensor failure and fuel system failure.
• Strange Noises. Unusual acceleration sounds such as pinging, grinding, or knocking signify that something is wrong with the transmission or engine.

Diagnosing the Acceleration Issue

It is usually necessary to do the following:

• OBD2 Scanner. Having an OBD2 scanner makes it possible for you to see if there are vehicle’s performance trouble codes causing poor acceleration. The device might provide you with intelligent information about the reasons your car shows reduced acceleration, lower fuel efficiency, reduced power, engine misfires, overall reduced engine performance, and even engine stalling. There are free tests at automobile part stores, or you can purchase an OBD2 scanner yourself.
• Visual Inspection. Inspect the engine components, throttle body, fuel lines, and spark plugs for any obvious wear or damage. Check for cracks, rusting, or leaks that may be causing performance issues.
• Test Drive. Take your car for a test drive and observe how it accelerates. Pay attention to any odd noises or behavior. Record the particular conditions under which the acceleration problem occurs, i.e., when starting from cold or ascending a hill.
• Fluid Levels. Low fluid levels, such as transmission fluid or engine oil, can impact performance. Ensure all fluids are at their optimal level.
• Electrical System and Battery Check. The engine’s operation can also be faulty because of a malfunctioning battery or a loose electrical connection. The battery terminals’ corrosion need to be checked so that the battery hold charge.

How to Fix Car Acceleration Problems

Now that you know the cause, you can repair the acceleration problems. Below is a step-by-step guide:

• Replace Filters. Start by changing the air filter and fuel filter because clogged filters will significantly affect the performance.
• Throttle Body Cleaning. Remove the carbon deposits which are interfering with airflow using a throttle body cleaner. Read the user manual instructions on how to clean it.
• Ignition Coil Check. Inspect the ignition coils for wear or deterioration. Replace them with the new ones if they are worn out or damaged.
• Replace Sensors. Replacing the malfunctioning MAF, TPS or Oxygen sensors will bring the acceleration to its original levels.
• In the case of a faulty fuel pump, test and replace it. A working pump is required to deliver the right amount of fuel to the engine.
• Repair the Air Intake. If there is a blockage or leakage in the air intake system, replace or fix the defective part. Also, clean and inspect the air filter.
• Professional Assistance. If the problem still exists, then it’s time to visit a professional.

When to See a Mechanic

While some acceleration issues can be repaired with simple trouble shooting, there are situations where a professional needs to be consulted:

• Transmission issues. If you think the issue is with the transmission, it makes sense to have the mechanic do the work since it is a complicated process.
• ECU Failures. ECU (engine control unit) failure will not repair itself. If you have an ECU failure, you need a professional’s help.
• Advanced Electronics. If your car has sophisticated electronic parts, have it done by a professional so as not to aggravate the situation.
• Warranty Issues. If your vehicle has a car insurance or is still under warranty, it’s always best to have repairs completed at a dealership or a warranty-approved facility.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To prevent acceleration issues in the future, follow these preventive maintenance tips:

• Regular Maintenance. Vehicle maintenance has to be taken seriously. Oil change, checking the fluid level, and changing the filter will prevent most of the problems.
• Quality Fuel. Refill with a quality fuel to ensure an optimal combustion process, preserve the engine condition, and avoid poor fuel delivery due to the fouling of the fuel system. Refueling with low-quality fuel or using contaminated fuel will create deposits leading to poor performance of the fuel injectors or a fuel pump failure.
• Engine Cleaning. Regular cleaning of the car’s engine compartment will prevent dirt and debris from causing issues. Proper cleaning solutions and techniques must be used not to damage the parts.