Q: When turning on and accelerating the car sometimes doesn't go. It needs constant pumping of the gas pedal to begin proper acceleration.

asked by on October 17, 2016

Sometimes when i start the car, it is very slow and jumpy. With either constant pumping of gas or turning on and off, it will be ok. Once it gets going, no problem. Also abs light is on

My car has 130000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

ABS Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Fuel Pump Replacement $145.32 - $1299.70 Get a Quote
Fuel Filter Replacement $98.50 - $325.56 Get a Quote
Loss of power Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Due to the fact a warning light has illuminated, you need to start with a code scan. This will lets us know if the ABS light is on as an additional issue, or if it is the main cause of your problems. These are not the most common signs of ABS problems, but they can occur.

Once you have the codes, find a common component between them and look to diagnose and test that component first. Symptoms like you are having may be related to a failing fuel pump, and or clogged fuel filter.

Another fuel component to consider is the throttle. Perform a visual inspection on the throttle body and components. Also take a look at the drive belts while you are there. These can be frayed, stretched out, or have a failing pulley and cause similar engine issues.

To avoid any unnecessary repairs, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose your loss of power firsthand.

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 import a phonebook from my cell phone?
When you pair a cell phone with HandsFreeLink, your phonebook and call history information will be automatically imported into the system.
Misfiring cylinder
When the on-board diagnostic system picks out specific cylinders for misfires, the ignition and fuel delivery systems must be inspected. A misfire on a single cylinder may involve the spark plug or fuel injector related to that cylinder. In the...
Timing chain or belt? 2007 Cadillac SRX 3.6:
Hi there - your SRX engine has a timing chain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-timing-chain-last) - actually multiple timing chains, which are oil lubricated. With proper oil change maintenance, all of the timing components should be good for 100K miles or better. There is...
Vehicle Not Starting/Turning Over
Hi there. Regardless of what is failing in the starting circuit, with proper diagnoses, the problem should not run thousands of dollars to repair. It could be, as simple as, a faulty starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement). The difficult part is, the...
I was driving with the handbrake up and now when push the accelerate on the car, the car does not move it just revs.
Hi there. The problem is the parking brake is stuck on and the brake shoes or pads in the rear are worn out making the wheel cylinder or piston in the caliper move beyond the seal causing the brakes to...
Fuel problem
Hello. A fuel system leak such as the one you describe can be caused by a few different things. The injectors are pulsed on and off by the engine computer. If you have already replaced it then it may be...
Vibration when car shifts gear
There are a lot of possible causes and thus the vehicle has to be road tested as one part of a vibration diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-shaking-or-vibrating-inspection). If the cause is mundane (e.g., wheel imbalance, tire belt separation) the diagnostic and fix will...
My jeep started smelling of smoke and the steering wheel locked up.
It is possible that your belt on your power steering has broken and the rubber has melted against the exhaust somehow. This would cause the steering wheel to be very difficult to turn. I would recommend checking your serpentine belt...
I just bought a new kia sportage, it did not have a power lift gate so I had the dealership install one but the liftgate will nott
If the power liftgate is a Kia supplied, dealer installed option then it will function using the Key fob. All of the details of such operation are set forth in the vehicle's Owner's Manual. The Power Liftgate will open if...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Speed Sensor
Common signs include harsh or improper shifting, cruise control not working, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
What Does the Service Required Warning Light Mean?
The service required warning light reminds you when it's time to perform some maintenance for your car, usually an oil and filter change.
What Does the Washer Fluid Low Warning Light Mean?
The washer fluid low light warns you when your windshield wiper fluid needs to be checked and refilled soon.