Q: Cat won't go over 20 and when idle it sputters like it is going to cut off
Car will not go over 20 mph and when it is idle it sputters like it is going to cut off. When in motion the rpms will go up but the speed won't
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Car is slow to accelerate Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi Samantha. Thanks for contacting us tonight. In most cases, a lack of acceleration like you’ve described is caused by some sort of fuel restriction. Either a fuel injector (or several) are clogged with excessive carbon deposits (or debris), or a mass air flow sensor is having difficulty correctly mixing air to fuel. Other possible sources could include a damaged throttle body, defective or clogged fuel pump (fuel filters) and even a failing or clogged catalytic converter. Since there are so many possible sources, it’s best to have a professional mechanic complete an onsite inspection to help the correctly diagnose this issue.
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
What others are asking
How do I change the distance units?
Your distance and measurement units can be displayed in two different ways: miles and gallons, or kilometers and liters. To change the setting, follow these steps: 1. Press the Up/Down buttons on the steering wheel until Settings is displayed on...
The car won't start after the gas that was a few days in the sun, is put in
Hello. The gas that you used should not have any problems after only a few days. If the fuel was that low, the issue may be a failed fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pump). When the fuel gets this low, the pump overheats...
Broken belts oil leak
This vehicle uses only one belt and an automatic tensioner. You didn't say what engine you have, but the V8 engines are known for having problems with the harmonic balancer (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-harmonic-balancer-replacement) coming loose or falling apart. This could be one...
Engine vibrates due to bad motor mounts
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2003 Geo Tracker. There are a variety of potential causes for the problem you are having. It could be that what you are feeling is an engine misfire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection). If the Check...
Can I drive my car even the brake and abs light on or not?
Hi, thanks for writing in. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle until you have the brake system diagnosed to find out the problem. If the ABS has a bad sensor then this disables the ABS system but the...
I have code c1223 in the car i have problem in the brake and the ABS light or VSC is not alarming in the dash.
Hi there. Unfortunately when you get this code on this vehicle it is due to an internal malfunction of the ABS unit. In some cases it can be a bad connection or a power supply problem so those should be...
Nissan Sentra 2007 problems with the tension pulley
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are a few things you need to look into. One, have you been buying the same brand of tensioner, and have they been warrantied? You may want to make sure you are getting...
What would it cost to replace a rear end on 2008 ford crown victoria
A rebuilt axle assembly for your model costs $1,500 to $2,000 depending on your VIN number (different axles were used). Lower cost axles can be obtained from junkyards if you desire to go that route but that introduces risks. The...
I had my airbags replaced on my 2012 scion xb and instantly lost 61 miles per gas tank. Why?
When the airbags were replaced the battery would have been disconnected and may cause the computer to reset and can cause some loss of fuel mileage until the computer gets through relearn. If you still get lower fuel mileage after...
Related articles
2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Honda Civic: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact cars are the unsung heroes, slightly larger than a subcompact, but not quite big enough to be classified as a mid-size sedan. These vehicles have a small wheelbase of no longer than 109 inches with between 100 and 109...
2012 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Honda Civic: Which One Should I Buy?
The Honda Civic was the best-selling compact car as well as the third-best-selling car overall in 2012. With its unique blend of reliability, affordability and refinement, the Civic is a gold standard for transportation in general. While the Accord is...
2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
Browse other content
Estimates
Services