Experiencing Engine Hesitation? Here Are Some Common Causes

Have you ever had a dream where you’re trying to run but you can’t seem to move? That’s what it can feel like when your engine hesitates. Engine hesitation occurs when you’re accelerating, but your engine cannot generate enough power to move. This problem often happens when your car is idling, carrying a lot of weight, or you are in colder weather. When this happens to you, we want you to be able to identify why. Here are some of the reasons you can be experiencing engine hesitation.

Your engine runs on precision, and your fuel pump is responsible for delivering the right amount of fuel with the right amount of pressure to keep it running. When the fuel pump is worn-out, damaged, or faulty, it cannot provide enough fuel for combustion. This lack of energy will cause engine hesitation, especially when driving up an incline.

A clogged fuel filter can also cause engine hesitation. Fuel filters prevent rust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants from mixing with the fuel and entering the internal combustion chamber. If your filter is clogged, it could prevent the fuel from flowing where it needs to go and make your engine less efficient. To check your fuel filter, hold it up to a light source. If you can’t see the light through it, it’s time to clean or replace your filter.

Another cause of engine hesitation could be a problem with your fuel injectors. These injectors deliver fuel into the internal combustion chamber where it will mix with the air. Then, the spark plug ignites the mixture, and boom! Your engine has combusted. When your fuel injectors are damaged or worn out, they can’t inject the right amount of fuel. Over time, it will decrease your engine’s efficiency, and engine hesitation will occur more often. Our advice is to have your fuel injectors professionally cleaned or replaced.

If your car makes a clicking noise when you start it, you could have a problem with your ignition system. This system includes your spark plugs, ignition coils, and wires. A problem with an ignition system can cause your engine to hesitate and inconsistently lose power. Check for signs of damage like blackened or dirty spark plugs, melted or cracked wires, or by testing the ignition coil with a multimeter. If any of these parts are bad, it’s time to replace them.

Every engine needs the right air-to-fuel ratio to run efficiently. The mass airflow sensor tracks the amount of air going into the engine. It then passes this information to your engine’s main computer, which tells the fuel injectors the right amount of fuel to deliver. If your mass airflow sensor wears out, it can’t detect the amount of air intake. Varying amounts of air will cause problems for internal combustion and lead to engine hesitation.

Another sensor that monitors your air-to-fuel ratio is the throttle position sensor. While the mass airflow sensor monitors the amount of air, the throttle position sensor monitors the throttle valve position. It then relays that information to your engine’s main computer to sustain the air-to-fuel ratio. When it doesn’t function right, the computer is unable to maintain the right balance. We recommend that you take it to a mechanic to replace it.

The final sensor you should check is your manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. This sensor determines the engine load and relays that info to the engine control unit. Like the other two sensors, this sensor helps the engine monitor the air-to-fuel ratio and the timing of the fuel injections into the filter. Also like the other sensors, a faulty MAP sensor can cause your engine to run inefficiently, and you will need a mechanic to replace it.

If you are experiencing engine hesitation, you should also check your vacuum hoses. Damaged or worn vacuum hoses can cause air to leak out when your engine runs. When a vacuum leak is the root of engine hesitation, it will be most noticeable at a low RPM. You can fix the leak by repairing or replacing the faulty hoses.

When your engine hesitates, you shouldn’t. We provide affordable and quality parts backed with reliable warranties. With our help, you can fix your engine without worry and without breaking the bank. Contact us for a free quote on your used engine so you can get your vehicle running again in no time.