Q: Acts like out of gas.sputters dies then runs sputters and dies.gas in it fuel pump working smells like carbon,hot

asked by on November 12, 2016

Acts like out of gas.sputters dies then runs sputters and dies.gas in it fuel pump working smells like carbon,hot
My car has an automatic transmission.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement $123.80 - $932.74 Get a Quote

This may be a result of a faulty oxygen sensor. As you may know the oxygen sensors which are part of your emissions system read exhaust gases to determine whether or not the appropriate amount of oxygen is present in the exhaust. Based upon this reading, this information is relayed to the car’s ECU which then makes a determination as to whether or not to add more or less fuel to the engine. When too much or too little oxygen is present, this will cause check engine light to come on.

Too much oxygen may be present in the exhaust gas due to things like an exhaust leak, a vacuum leak, a faulty mass air flow sensor (causing a lean fuel condition) or faulty fuel injectors. To little oxygen may be present in the exhaust gas may be caused by things like a clogged air filter, a failing mass air flow sensor (causing too much fuel to be introduced to the motor), bad fuel injectors or a clogged catalytic converter. When the O2 sensor is not working properly, this will cause false readings to be relayed to the computer causing inaccurate adjustments to be made to the intake and fuel system in your engine. You may also notice a very strong smell of fuel. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose your emissions system.

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

Gas gauge not working.
You're correct, the problem could be with the wiring. However, the improper reading may also be due to a faulty sending unit or gauge. A technician well versed in electronic troubleshooting, such as one form YourMechanic, will be able to...
Key not releasing from ignition
Hello. You appear to have a worn safety shifter position switch, which requires the transmission be in Park to remove the key. Move the shift lever a few times firmly into the Park position, and re-enter your key. There is...
How long does a muffler last? How many miles it take to replace a muffler? Is theirs any difference between each muffler? (2 muffler)
There is a good chance it is the 'flex' pipe section leaking. The life of the exhaust depends on mileage, driving conditions, and where you live. Snow and icy climates rip through exhaust systems with rust and road salt. The...
DRL won't turn off
Hello there, a few different faults can cause the daytime running lights to stay on. The most likely would be the headlight switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-switch-replacement), DRL relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fog-light-relay-replacement), or a wiring issue. Have a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic,...
Rattling noise upon starting and then louder rattling at idle if load is placed on engine such as A/C
Hi there. Given your mileage and your maintenance of the idler pulley, your problem is likely worn/weak hydraulic lifters (or other valve train wear) or the timing gear set. Starting the engine briefly (less than 30 seconds) without the serpentine...
ESP light stays on dash
Hi There, This is something that usually requires the steering angle sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-angle-sensor-replacement) to be re-calibrated or replaced. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to have this done. As you may know, the steering...
My turn the key to on but not to start the car what should I do
If the ignition key is stuck or doesn't turn, or there is a problem with the ignition switch in the steering column, just request an electrical component diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electrical-components-are-not-working-inspection) and the responding certified mechanic will assist you. If, however,...
How much should it cost to replace freeze plug on 2007 Dodge charger
There are many different locations of freeze plugs on the engine and they would all take different amounts of labor to access to replace them. You will need to be specific of the location of the one needing replaced to...
My car is having a missfire and not burning the gas wat can it be
This may mean you are running too rich and will need to have the engine O2 sensor and mass air flow checked to see if they are causing the engine to run too rich. i recommend having a mechanic like...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
Common signs of a faulty crankshaft position sensor include issues starting the vehicle, intermittent stalling, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Speedometer Cable
Common signs include the speedometer needle wavering or not moving, squealing noises behind the dashboard, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
How to Replace a Refrigerant Pressure Sensor
The air conditioning system has a refrigerant pressure sensor that goes bad when the air conditioning does not work or only works intermittently.