Q: When I accelerate, loud ticking noise at low rpm, car jerks and stutters. It goes away at higher rpms.

asked by on December 10, 2016

Car makes loud noise on acceleration, low rpm. Stutters and jerks lightly. Needed to drive it home, on highway noise goes away at higher rpms. Had it on cruise control, noise went away but misfired regularly. Autozone coded my o2 sensors and misfired in 4 different cylinders. Need advice badly

My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

The misfiring could be ignition or fuel related. If the plugs have not been replaced, on the timetable set forth in the maintenance schedule, that is certainly one possibly. Also, the plug wires could be tested. Diagnostic Trouble codes that "refer" to oxygen sensors do not always set because the sensor itself is bad. Lots of other faults can cause those codes. Oxygen sensors should be tested for function prior to being condemned on the basis of a "code" but if yours are original, and thus have 170,000 miles, it would not be unreasonable to replace them as part of the diagnostic and repair (and, of course, replacement may resolve part of the issue you are having). Codes related to any misfiring need to be scanned by a Mechanic and evaluated. If there are no such codes, a scope should be used to look at the firing patterns in the cylinders to infer where the fault lies. The ticking noise is probably related to the valve train. One possibility is low oil pressure and such is tested with a pressure gauge. I recommend you request a misfiring diagnostic to get that problem resolved as it is the most basic and then deal with the Codes referencing the O2 sensor(s) and finally the noise.

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 properly wash my truck?
Your truck will need to be cleaned regularly. To ensure proper results, do not use any non-recommended car wash or towels. To clean your 2012 Ford F-150. Rinse your vehicle with lukewarm water. Spray off the underbody and clear drain...
Need to replace the driver's side mirror
On many vehicles, the door panel does not need to be removed to replace the side mirror (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/door-mirror). The mirror usually has a small trim piece to cover up the mounting nuts on the interior side of the door. If...
I failed my inspection and I got the codes p0031 and p1148.
The issue you are experiencing (P0031 and P1148) are known by Nissan, and has occurred with many other Versa owners. They have designed a fix for it and it is addressed under Technical Service Bulletin NTB08-074. They will install a...
Compressor failed on 2010 Equinox. Need to replace compressor, what other parts need to be changed at same time?
Depending on how the compressor failed, it would be wise to replace the condenser as well. This cools the refrigerant as it leaves the compressor. You may want to also replace the expansion valve which is what is responsible for...
Resetting the PATS (Passive Anti Theft System)
The passive anti-thief system (PATS) is programmed to work with your keys from the factory. Only a dealer with special programming tools and codes can reprogram the system to your key again. If you have one key that is programmed...
Is a used BMW X 6 a smart purchase ?
Any vehicle purchase can be a crap shoot. Vehicles that have a reputation for being unreliable or expensive to maintain can sometimes be as reliable as sunshine while a vehicle with a reputation for reliability can be your worst nightmare....
car overheating 225
Normal engine operating temperature is up to 225 degrees. As long as you are not over that value, the engine is not overheating. Intermittent cabin heat means there is an obstruction in the coolant flow and that obstruction can be...
Brakes issue
The squealing might be due to the brake bad wear indicators contacting the rotors. That noise alerts you to the need to install new brake pads. Regarding the cost, there are a few variables affecting the cost. If you are...
I have a loud intake on the throttle body
The manufacturer's warranty on the 2015 Chrysler is 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain. You should determine whether you have warranty coverage of this issue to reduce, or even eliminate, your potential repair cost. Any suspected...

Related articles

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs
Common signs of faulty spark plugs include slow acceleration, loss of power, poor fuel economy, engine misfires, and difficulty starting the car.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat
Common signs include the temperature gauge reading being very high or changing erratically, engine overheating, and coolant leaks.
P2197 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Lean Bank 2 Sensor 1
P2197 code definition O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Lean Bank 2 Sensor 1 What the P2197 code means This code is usually an...