☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Can a bad tensioner cause my vehicle to lose acceleration and turn off?

asked by on August 26, 2017

I have recently changed my spark plugs, engine coils, alternator, fuel filter, and battery cables due to ongoing issue where I will be driving and the car will lose acceleration and shut off. The car drives perfectly fine for short periods of time. It doesn't overheat and my check engine light isn't on. I just noticed that my tensioner needs to be replaced. Will a bad tensioner cause my issue?

My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Car is slow to accelerate Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hi Brandon. Typically a damaged belt tensioner will not impact vehicle performance. It would cause the serpentine or drive belt to wear prematurely or to squeak - but not cause the acceleration issue. On your list of items replaced, I noticed that you didn’t list mass air flow sensor or have cleaned the fuel injectors. Quite often, those are the root causes of the type of symptom you are describing. If you’d like to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection, let us know and we’ll be happy to help.

Lincoln
Town Car
V8-4.6L
2001
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

The transmission will not shift out of 1st gear. The engine code reads TCM malfuction & P2714 Control solenoid stuck
Chevrolet released a Technical Service Bulletin about this issue in 2013. TSB Number:PI-1131. It suggests code P2714 may be caused by a stuck or non-functioning pressure control solenoid. If you've eliminated that as the cause and replaced the TCM, then...
Read more
Recalls
As is typical, these class actions allow consumers to submit objections to proposed settlements in writing and even attend the settlement hearing. You do not need an attorney to submit your objections to the Court. You seem to have a...
Read more
Check engine light, VSA On light, and EPS light all on while driving.
Car warning lights come on for numerous reasons (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/all-about-car-warning-lights-by-brady-klopfer). The Check Engine Light is the most common light and may be on for several possible reasons. The VSA light relates to the vehicle stability assist system which is like a...
Read more
Several warning lights came on and the car is overheated, making a weird noise, and giving off a bad smell after being jump started.
There are a few possibilities with the symptoms you are having. The most common with what you have described is you may have attached the jumper cables incorrectly. This could cause a number of issues including the symptoms you are...
Read more
Truck will act like it is not getting enough fuel when cruisng. RPMs drop then comes back up or under load
Hello. I think you have called it, this is almost certainly a fuel supply issue. Installing a fuel pump pressure gauge which can be observed while driving will confirm this. Sources could include a worn out fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement), a...
Read more
2000 chevy venture rear brake
Hi there. Since this is a service we provide, the best advice we can offer is for you to purchase a service and repair manual and follow the directions on completing this task. I would also recommend watching this video...
Read more
I have a 2008 s550 Mercedes Benz. I'm having a hesitant/vibration in between shifts at a moderate acceleration.
Hello. The most common cause of this is a failure in the drive shaft coupling. The coupling begins to fail and this occurs. I would have this checked by a shop that specializes in this as it can be difficult...
Read more
I have a a jump starter but its dead can I keep my jump starter plugged in the outlet as I also jump my car
Hi Shae. Thanks for contacting us today. It's a good idea to let the charging system fully charge before attempting to jump start the vehicle. Some of these units require you to not have them plugged in, so you'll have...
Read more
Map lights does not turn on when doors are closed, but work when the door is open.
This is an electrical problem that is resolved using what is referred to as a "circuit trace". A circuit trace pinpoints the wiring (or component) fault that accounts for the misoperation. If you have the factory wiring diagram in hand,...
Read more

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
When When it comes to performance, there’s no argument: the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the leader in its class. Fortunately, it brings a number of other amazing features to the table too. Key Features Speaking of performance, let’s start...
Read more
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKS
The The 2012 Lincoln MKS offers a roomy interior with high-end features that deliver a luxury driving experience. Available with two different V6 engines, both of which offer power, and a cabin that deadens outside sound, you’ll be able to...
Read more
Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Lincoln certified pre-owned cars are under 7 years old, have less than 60,000 miles, and come with a 6 year or 100,000 miles comprehensive warranty.
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Services
Estimates
Maintenance