☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: my car has been sputtering upon rapid acceleration and feels a bit hesitant. If I back off accelerator and reapply, it fixes the

asked by on January 18, 2018

At times my car has been sputtering upon rapid acceleration and feels a bit hesitant. If I back off accelerator and reapply, it fixes the problem. I noticed a large puff of black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe one or two times during rapid acceleration. Today I started my car after work and the engine was immediately reving as if my foot was pressing gas. I turned car off and restarted and the problem was gone. However now my malfunction indicator light is on. Any idea on what this could be?

My car has 29000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Save Big on Auto Repairs Get a Quote

It is very possible that your engine could be burning oil. This could explain why it’s running bad as the engine would be getting too much "fuel". This will cause the engine to run roughly as the air/fuel ratio is incorrect. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine the exact cause of this issue.

Kia
2015
Forte
L4-1.8L
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

What Is the Legal Limit for Window Tint?
Automotive window tinting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/all-about-window-tinting-and-why-you-should-care) is accomplished by applying a plastic film of the desired darkness on the inside of the glass, and looking at this from a nationwide perspective, you’ll get 50 different variations on the same theme. Generally, depending...
Read more
Where are the climate control sensors located?
Your vehicle is equipped with three main sensors than help your vehicle determine the temperature in and outside the car. These sensors should remained uncovered and unobstructed, as the climate control system relies on them to work properly. The solar...
Read more
Car dies while driving
The most common problem encountered by other owners for engine stalls has been the crankshaft sensor. The crankshaft sensor sends a signal to the engine computer to tell it that the engine is turning. If loss of this signal happens,...
Read more
The mechanics is saying to change the Brake pads and engine mount replacement cost $550. is this worth to repair the car or sell
You have an "older" car but one with relatively low mileage on the engine. (My car is 26 years old, so don't feel bad). The big issue with "older" cars is corrosion and deterioration of critical rubber products like valve...
Read more
Hesitate on hard acceleration - 2002 Volkswagen Beetle
Hi there. Check for exhaust restriction and related to that condition of the oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) (bad sensors can cause catalytic converter plugging). Another possibility is fuel starvation so the output of the fuel pump has to be tested (pressure...
Read more
What would cause a vibration at idle in my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Hello. Most of the time if the mounts are new and it still runs like this it is because you either have a vacuum leak or the idle is too low. A dirty throttle body or a failing idle control...
Read more
overheated and I cut it off started after cooling and died after a few min.
Your car doesn't have a timing belt, so it's not likely that it has "Jumped time." But if the car was low on coolant and overheating, it doesn't take much driving to do some engine damage. So it could be...
Read more
Car died at red light and wont start after replacing timing belt and spark plugs in 2006 kia rio.
Hi Kelly. Thanks for contacting us today. I'm a bit confused by some of the statements in your question. I'm curious how the replacement spark plugs were worse than the old ones? Did you install used spark plugs? If so,...
Read more
2005 Ford Escape v6. Had a bad A/c compressor. So I replaced with a new one. Added my 4oz of oil and can not get the clutch to engage (i will jump it later to add Freon) in the meantime I noticed the radiator fans are not kicking on (they were working previously to the A/c compressor being replaced). To diagnose to radiator fans I have checked the fuses and they look good. 8 also replaced the relays and jumped the fans to the battery (which they do come on at that point). So my next step was to replace the temperature switch sensor, which I did and the fans still are not engaging. I feel like I have done everything I know to do and still can’t come up with an answer. Also note previously to all of this last year the heat was not blowing as hot. At that time I back flushed the lines and added new [coolant](/topics-coolant-ford/). The heat worked a little better or so I thought. But again with all that is going on now the heat is not the best again, which is one of the reason I thought it was going to be the temperature switch that was bad.
Read more

Related articles

2012 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Nissan Altima: Which One Should I Buy?
Mid-size sedans can be pretty basic, with four doors and simple and straightforward options, decent but not stellar gas mileage, and an uninspired interior. They can also have great design and fight off boredom through sporty suspension and exciting technology...
Read more
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...
Read more
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Shorter Than Average
Vertically Vertically challenged? Hate getting behind the wheel and having to crane your neck to see? There’s nothing wrong with you, but there is something wrong with your car. It might be time to trade it in and take advantage...
Read more

Browse other content

Cities
Maintenance
Services
Cars