Q: Car sputtering while idling.

asked by on January 12, 2016

When the car is idling, it starts to sputter like it wants to stop running. I have to keep my foot on the brake and gas at the same time to minimize sputtering.

Engine is sputtering Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

There could be a number of issues that can cause this concern. If the issue only occurs after the engine has warmed up. A problem in the electronic throttle control actuator either in the motor or one of the sensors contained in the actuator assembly could be to blame. A faulty mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor could be incorrectly calculating the air/fuel mixture. Dirty or clogged fuel injectors causing fuel puddling instead of atomization can cause a stumble at idle. Low fuel volume could also be an issue or a faulty engine computer if the issue happens even on a cold startup. The first step would be to read out the fault memory in the engine computer to see if there are any faults stored and then to look at the engine computer operating parameters with a scan tool. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, to use a scan tool to look at faults and engine operating parameters in order to get the diagnosis moving in the right direction and ultimately the final repair.

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

Car burning oil between oil changes.
When an engine is burning oil at a very rapid rate, a few different things could be the cause. A broken valve or insufficient valve guide can cause oil to drop onto the piston and therefore will get burned when...
Why did my car leak oil? 2004 Cadillac DeVille
Hey there. You must have gotten the oil filter double gasket from the old gasket O-ring left on and put a new filter on, and it would not let the new filter seal. Remove the oil filter and check for...
My AC clutch won't engage - 1999 Honda Civic
Hey there, thank you for asking about your 1999 Honda Civic. The computer will often times shut the compressor off as a safety default when there is not enough pressure in the system. This can also happen when there is...
New alternator works fine. Test is fine but battery light in dash is still on. How come?
Hello there, the battery light on your 2004 Toyota Tundra is there to warn you that the alternator output is out of specifications. If the alternator output is to low or high, the light will be on. The alternator output...
I put my car in park and turned it off, now the shifter won't move
From the description you have provided, it would appear to be a shifter and/or shift cable problem. A bad shift interlock solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/shift-interlock-solenoid-replacement) may be preventing the shifter from moving. It could also be that the shifter or shift cable...
Shifting has become much harder, especially 1st gear and reverse, and sometimes I can't shift into any gear.
Hi. Usually when a manual transmission is hard to shift, it means that the slave cylinder is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. The purpose of the slave cylinder is to make shifting of the transmission smooth and effortless for...
How come my outer wheel bearing keeps failing
If the outer bearings in the hub failed too quick then it is caused by lack of enough grease or the bearing was pre loaded too tight when installed or both. Make sure to use a good quality hi temp...
Turn signals don't work
Hi there. Check the fuse to the turn signals and see if its blown. If the fuse is not burned, then check the wiring from the switch to the turn signal lights. Use a digital ohm meter and see what...
05 Acura tl 6 spd will not accelerate
First see if engine will rev up out of gear to see f problem is engine throttle or you have a slipping transmission clutch. If engine runs good and revs normally then have the transmission clutch checked for needing replacement....

Related articles

How Long Can I Leave the AC on While My Engine Is Not Running?
You’ve parked your car, and are sitting inside waiting. Maybe you’re early for work and don’t want to head into...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Windy Area
If If you live in a windy area, one of the most important things you’re going to be looking for in a used vehicle is the ability to remain stable on the road on even the most blustery days. That...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Oxygen Sensor
Common signs of a faulty car oxygen sensor include the Check Engine Light coming on, bad gas mileage, and a rough idle.