Q: Car sputtering when I let off gas pedal

asked by on February 21, 2016

My car sputters when I let off of the gas pedal. In addition, the RPM needle dips when this happens, and the car jerks.

Engine is sputtering Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sounds like you have a fuel-to-air ratio issue. Anything from the idle air control valve to the oxygen sensor may have a malfunction. Diagnosis would be required before changing parts. YourMechanic can send a qualified technician out to your home or office for a diagnostic inspection of your car’s sputtering issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I deprogram the memory feature?
The memory feature on your truck move the seats and mirrors to your desired settings. If you ever need to change where the settings are placed, you can deprogram the memory feature. To deprogram the memory feature. Hold down the...
Car weak when starting
If the vehicle sounds weak when you turn the key, as in it cranks slowly, or struggles to turn over, then it is most likely a battery or starter issue. I would have the battery load tested to make sure...
Emergency brake light on
The red brake light is primarily lit when you apply the emergency brake, but it also lights up when you have a hydraulic problem with the brakes. Things like low fluid levels, leaking wheel cylinders, or brake hoses can also...
Getting code P0135
Hello. A P0135 code indicates that there is a malfunction of the oxygen sensor/heat circuit. This problem could cause the car to burn more gas and over time, cause damage to the catalytic converter. When the oxygen sensor is replaced...
I replaced the bulb headlight on driver side, why it not working.
Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus ES300. Sometimes the bulb is not the reason why the headlight is not working. In fact, some common causes include a bad relay, faulty electrical harness that attaches to the...
Car sputters and runs rough upon acceleration. 1995 BMW 318i
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 1995 BMW 318i. This problem is usually caused by worn out spark plugs and spark plug wires. When the spark plugs are worn out (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) they don’t fire as well during acceleration. If...
How do I fix smoke coming out my engine
Hi there. The cooling system should be inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection) in order to determine why the engine is overheating. There are simple possibilities, such as low coolant (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/top-off-coolant), a bad engine cooling thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement), a partially plugged radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement), and a...
How much will it cost to tighten the tension pulley and repair power steering leak?
Hello there, you have several different issues going on with your 1999 Pontiac Bonneville. If the tensioner pulley is loose, it most likely needs replaced as it has become damaged on the inside and tightening it will not fix this....
New timing belt broke?
Timing belts are rubber based products. Rubber deteriorates with age and that deterioration can be accelerated by storage conditions. I have seen belts vended that are 6 years old or older, which is well past a reasonable interval. Consequently, if...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Personal Trainer
As As a personal trainer, you either operate out of a gym, or you go to your clients. Either way, you probably don’t have to haul any more gear than what fits into your gym bag, so your main focus...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Wedding Planner
As As a wedding planner, the demands placed on your time are going to be significant, even if you’re only dealing with one or two couples. You need to be a master juggler when it comes to your time and...
Which Cars Last the Longest?
The best cars are ones that last the longest without needing much maintenance. The Honda Civic has low repair bills and can rack over 200,000 miles.