Q: My car is cranking for a while before starting and then accelerating slowly. What do I need to do to fix that problem?

asked by on January 30, 2018

I turn the key in the ignition, turn the key to crank and it cranks for about 7+ seconds before finally turning. After that it accelerates at a very slow rate. It only goes about 20 miles an hour for a while then after about 5 to 6 minutes slowly picks up speed. I want to know what I need to do to fix these problems.

My car has 145000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Is it possible that you can have a clogger restriction in your fuel system. It is also possible that your fuel pump could be getting weak. I would recommend having your fuel filter and fuel pump inspected by a qualified professional to determine if they are functioning properly. Consider YourMechanic as inspection such as these can be performed at your home or office.

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

Antifreeze leaked into transmission fluid
The radiator on your vehicle houses a chamber to cool engine coolant, and another chamber to cool transmission oil. There aren't many points where coolant can come into contact with transmission oil other than at the radiator. An internal rupture...
Car has white smoke when driving around 70mph
You may be having a leak at the engine main bearing side bolts on the block of the engine; the bolts might have not been sealed at the manufacturer. Any leaking bolt can be removed, cleaned, sealed with Honda bond,...
Car idles rough, gas smell - 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL
Check to see if the air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) housing has been sealed properly and that the mass air sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) has not been damaged by dirty air getting by the air filter assembly. If it has, then replace the mass...
Sunroof won't close all the way
Hello. A few different things may be going on. The first thing to do is make sure nothing is stuck in the crack or holding it open. This includes the track or the window itself. Make sure upon visual inspection...
Car Won't Start
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle is having some sort of malfunction with the security system. It may be possible that the security system is enabled and preventing the vehicle from starting. This may or...
Car won't start
Hi there. Check the three essentials that an engine needs to run. Air, Fuel, and Spark. If you have fuel and the fuel pump is working, then check the air filter and see if its plugged up. If the air...
My latch hood is broken
Hi there. It is common for the hood latch cable to brake at the lever inside of the vehicle. First, you should check and see if it is connected to the latch. If it is connected then the hood latch...
hi i have a honda civic 2002 lx the manifold overheating it turned on red because the heat by the thermostat and the switch the
Be sure not to drive the car if it is overheating because overheating can warp the cylinder head and/or engine block causing costly damage. The most common causes of overheating include low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, a plugged radiator,...
What do P shift mean on 2015 jeep Cherokee
The P indicates you are in paddle shift mode and need to shift down. You can disable paddle shift and put in drive mode by holding the + plus button until D or S is displayed.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Audi R8
The The 2012 Audi R8 is a two-door sports car with plenty of power and performance to offer. It manages to combine an aggressive stance and plenty of get-up-and-go with the comfort and interior refinement you’d expect from a German...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec
If If you love a diesel engine in your SUV, but still want to ride around in luxury, your perfect vehicle may very well be the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec. Key Features The most important feature worth noting is the...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...