Q: Engine sputtering when I start my car
My Check Engine light is on. The engine sputters when I start it and sometimes it requires numerous attempts to get the car started. It has gradually been getting worse.
Recommended Services
| Check Engine Light is on Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
| Engine is sputtering Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
The first thing you will need to do is have the codes pulled from the computer to see what issues it has detected. Your vehicle has a complex control system and in most cases it will know what is wrong before a mechanic can open the hood. In this case it sounds like a fuel issue. This could involve a delivery issue (fuel pump, injectors) or a mixture issue (mass air flow, O2). Without knowing the codes it is hard to determine exactly what is going on. Find a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose your Check Engine Light and determine what is causing your engine to sputter.
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
What others are asking
Problem with replacing the TPS
Your throttle position sensor says it is on the throttle body assembly. Look at the gas pedal position sensor, above the gas pedal, to see if this is the sensor the parts store gave you. This sensor is called the...
Difficulty shifting to higher gears
Hello there. Thanks for writing in about your 1972 Chevrolet El Camino. A few different faults could cause the vehicle to have shifting and acceleration problems. The most common would be the transmission linkage, low fluid level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service), torque converter,...
Brakes, transmission, starter, & catalytic converter replaced, but not fixed
The exhaust would need to have been removed when the transmission was done and may have been installed back on incorrectly or is misaligned causing the popping noise. A popping noise is usually due to a leak in the exhaust...
Jerks when downshifting and slow. 2005 Mercedes Benz E55
You may have a broken motor or transmission mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) that will allow the transmission or engine to move excessively. Also another possible cause is the transmission torque converter sticking when commanded to release. There are technical bulletins (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-by-parker-hill) to...
I cant find my egr valve on my 1993 ford ranger v6 4.0l
The vehicle may not be equipped with one. Only the California version emissions have the EGR for this year. You should look under hood for the emission label and see if the vehicle diagram shows an EGR valve on it....
Shakes at 60+
Bad inner constant-velocity (C/V) joints can give you vibrations while accelerating. When they are worn, they can vibrate under load (accelerating). Tire balancing could cause vibration while accelerating, maintaining speed, and coasting, and is less likely to be the issue....
I have a P0014 Camshaft Phasing System Malfunction code on my 2004 GMC Envoy XUV. How much is it to correct this problem?
Hello, the P0014 problem code indicates a "camshaft over-advanced error", which means that the camshaft is over-advanced (relative to the crankshaft) more than should be possible. This condition can be caused by worn timing chain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-chain-replacement) components or a failed...
Brake light just came on in dashboard 2012 Audi Q5
Hello - as you have already noted, this warning (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-brake-pad-wear-indicator-warning-light-mean-by-spencer-cates) tells you that your brake pads need replacement. It is intended to warn you to replace the pads before the rotors are damaged. Best guidance is to go ahead and...
2015 Toyota Camry LE w/ 21k miles & accident on rear bumper but no structural damage or 2016 Hyundai Sonata Se, 36k miles??
For the long haul, I would lean toward the Japanese, every time. The Japanese car companies have made it their goal to build cars that would make you want to buy another one when the first is worn out. Hyundai...
Related articles
The Check Engine Light Demystified
Your car Check Engine Light can mean many things. The Check Engine Light comes on when there's an electrical or mechanical problem with your car.
How to Buy a Good Quality Engine Mount
Engine Engine mounts, also called motor mounts, are crucial to your vehicle’s proper functioning; providing a strong grip upon the engine is part of what makes the vehicle function as the damage that would certainly disable the engine if the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Instrument Voltage Regulator
Common signs include dim or flickering gauges, inaccurate or erratic readings from the voltage regulator, and an inoperable instrument cluster.
Browse other content
Estimates
Cities