Ford Tempo Engine is sputtering Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(18)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(18)

Engine is sputtering Inspection Service

How much does a Engine is sputtering Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Tempo Engine is sputtering Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1993 Ford TempoL4-2.3LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1985 Ford TempoL4-2.0L DieselService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1986 Ford TempoL4-2.0L DieselService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1994 Ford TempoV6-3.0LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1988 Ford TempoL4-2.3LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1984 Ford TempoL4-2.0L DieselService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1984 Ford TempoL4-2.3LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1985 Ford TempoL4-2.3LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Tempo Engine is sputtering Inspection prices

In almost all cases, a sputtering engine is trying to tell you that there is a deeper problem that requires immediate attention. An engine running out of gas will definitely sputter but if the gas gauge indicates full, the problem lies deeper inside the engine compartment.

An incomplete combustion in the engine will cause a sputter as can the ignition system. The fuel system, such as a blocked fuel injector may also cause the vehicle to sputter. While a sputtering engine may not seem like a major issue, it is a symptom of a bigger problem that will not self-correct and will eventually result in a much more expensive repair. The source of the sputter should be investigated and repaired as soon as possible.

How this system works:

A sputtering engine can have its root cause located in a number of different systems. Here are two of the more common ones, the exhaust and fuel system.

The exhaust system collects exhaust gases from the cylinder head via the exhaust manifold, which acts as a funnel diverting exhaust gases away from the cylinders. The gases are then released through the front pipe where they travel to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter removes the harmful elements of the gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen monoxide, converting them into inert gases.

The gases exit the catalytic converter into the muffler, which reduces the noise levels of the engine, and finally the exhaust fumes exit the vehicle at the tail pipe.

The fuel system is responsible for storing and supplying fuel to the car to drive the engine. Fuel is mixed with air, atomized and vaporized. This happens in the engine intake system. This mixture is then compressed in the engine cylinder and then ignited which produces the energy which moves the pistons.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Leak in Exhaust Manifold: A leak in the exhaust manifold, which collects exhaust gases, can cause the engine to sputter or run unevenly. This condition can also cause the Check Engine light to trigger as well as present increased engine noise and poor performance from the engine. A cracked or leaking exhaust manifold can create dangerous driving condition as the escaping hot gases can melt nearby plastic components. It can also lead to exhaust fumes making their way into the car cabin.

  • Worn Seals or Gaskets: There are a number of gaskets and seals in the exhaust system and if any of them are failing it can create a rough or sputtering engine. Gaskets and seals wear down over time and will eventually have to be replaced. Failing to do this in a timely manner can damage the exhaust manifold which is a much more expensive repair.

  • Failing Catalytic Converter: If the engine is sputtering, running rough and has a smell of rotten eggs it is probably due to a failing catalytic converter. In most cases, the Check Engine light will trigger as well. When a converter starts to fail, it isn’t able to burn off the hydrocarbons in the exhaust, and is no longer breaking down the sulfur created by the engine. This leads to the strong rotten egg smell. Eventually the car will not start at all as the catalytic converter becomes totally blocked.

  • Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensors measure how rich or lean the exhaust gases are when they leave the vehicles combustion chamber. The vehicle computer uses this information to adjust the amount of fuel entering the engine. A dirty or failing sensor puts too much or too little fuel into the engine causing it to run rough or sputter. Oxygen sensors must be replaced on a regular basis.

  • Dirty Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors spray fuel into the cylinders. It is then mixed with air and ignited. Fuel injector nozzles can become clogged over time, which can lead to a sputtering engine, slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. Fuel injectors can be cleaned if the problem is caught early, but as the conditions worsens, the injectors may have to be replaced.

  • Bad or Dirty Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber. If they are not working correctly or are dirty they don’t ignite the fuel cleanly and the car can misfire or sputter. The plugs will need to be replaced or cleaned.

  • Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air that is entering the fuel injection system. It sends that information to the vehicle computer, which then delivers the proper amount of fuel to the combustion chamber. A dirty mass airflow sensor will send the wrong information the computer resulting in a rough running or sputtering engine.

  • Vacuum Leak: A leak in the vacuum system can lead to a sputtering or rough running engine. As the problem progresses the vehicle can hesitate or stall when accelerating.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the engine is sputtering issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

A mechanic will inspect your car's exhaust system and other important components of your vehicle. This includes the exhaust manifold, exhaust seals and gaskets, oxygen sensors, airflow sensors and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up your car to diagnose your engine's sputtering.

How important is this service?

In almost all cases, a sputter engine is a symptom of a more serious issue lurking below the surface. If the problem is not diagnosed and repaired in a timely manner the vehicle will likely start to stall, become hard to start and eventually stop running altogether.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(18)

Rating Summary
18
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
0
0

Joshua

27 years of experience
709 reviews
Joshua
27 years of experience
Ford Tempo L4-2.3L - Starter - Oakley, California

Michael

22 years of experience
77 reviews
Michael
22 years of experience
Ford Tempo L4-2.3L - Starter - Tampa, Florida
It was wonderful that I didn't have to have my car towed somewhere else.

Steven

10 years of experience
52 reviews
Steven
10 years of experience
Ford Tempo L4-2.3L - Battery Terminal Ends - La Verne, California
Great knowledge of my car

Shane

36 years of experience
39 reviews
Shane
36 years of experience
Ford Tempo L4-2.3L - Alternator - Lacey, Washington
Very pleased with Shane's work! He knew before seeing the vehicle that an incorrect part had been ordered, and got a new one the next day. He was very quick and professional, and I appreciated that he explained the problem and how replacing the alternator would fix it. Great service!

Excellent Rating

(18)

Rating Summary
18
0
0
0
0
18
0
0
0
0
Number of Ford Tempo services completed
198+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Purchase Seat Covers for Your Car
Car Car seat covers serve many purposes. They can increase the comfort and practicality of your seats, and they can also improve the aesthetic of your vehicle’s interior. Perhaps most importantly, they can protect the seats in your car from...
P0456 OBD-II Trouble Code: Evaporative Emissions System Small Leak Detected
P0456 code definition Evaporative Emissions System Small Leak Detected What the P0456 code means P0456 is an OBD-II generic code that the...
P2105 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Engine Shutdown
P2105 P2105 trouble code definition Throttle Actuator Control System (TAC) - Forced Engine Shutdown What the P2105 code means This code is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has failed or the PCM has detected one or more problems...

03 buick century p1810 code and wont shift into 3rd gear, transmission has been replaced

Hi there. The major problem with ECU's is that they don't forget stored codes unless instructed to do so. This means that if you were getting this error code; which might be something wrong with the transmission control valve for...

My 2016 Rogue has a red blinking car light right below the high beam indicator light on the dash? What does it mean?

Hi there. If you click this link (https://www.scsnissan.com/blogs/736/what-does-each-nissan-dashboard-warningindicator-light-mean/), you should be directed to a Nissan site that explains what each warning light looks like and means; so you can match the one on your dash to the ones on this...

What does it mean when I was driving my car and my steering wheel locked up and the car died out. It will not start back up again

Hi Jasmine. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Typically, anytime the engine stalls while driving, the steering wheel's power steering will not work correctly, which will cause it to "lock up"; so there is likely nothing wrong with the steering itself....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com