Q: Hard to start and idles roughly, though travels at normal speed once started.

asked by on December 29, 2015

Car runs, though it is hard to start. It also idles roughly and I have to hold the accelerator to start. Once I get it started it travels at normal speed.

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

How do I turn on the cargo lights?
There are two different ways to turn on the cargo lights. Start by locating the headlight knob, which is to the left of your steering column. Directly underneath your knob, on the left side, is the cargo light button. Press...
How do you pair a cell phone with the HandsFreeLink system?
In order to make use of the convenience and enhance safety offered by the HandsFreeLink® (HFL) system in your car, you’ll need to first pair your phone. Thankfully, doing so is relatively straightforward. Here’s how to do it: Make sure...
How do I use the trip meters?
The trip meters show you how many miles you have driven over a certain period. This can help you determine how many miles you drive a month, or how much distance you have covered during your current trip. Your car...
Car hesitating upon acceleration.
The Civic 1.6L uses a speed density system to set up ignition and fuel injection. This system monitors intake air temperature, throttle position, manifold pressure, and a few other inputs. Generally a hesitation indicates one or a combination of these...
Engine power reduced
Multiple issues may cause your issue. The first step is to connect a diagnostic tool to your vehicle. It could be something simple or more advanced. A qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, can assist you with any repairs...
Control arm wishbone cracking
Hello. The inspection of the lower control arms are accurate, but what is cracking is actually the bushings in the wishbone's lower control arms. This is a common problem with Audi cars. A certified technician can help you with the...
Weird noise coming from back left wheel
Hello. If the noise is intermittent, it is either road noise (possibly due to an abnormally worn, cupped, or damaged tire interacting with particular road "textures", hence the intermittent nature of the noise) or a component of the vehicle, for...
I'm smelling gas - 1997 Volvo 850
Hi there and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The best way is to look in your owner's manual and look up the fuel tank size. Then remove the fuel tank from the vehicle to gain access to the fuel filler neck....
P0420 code comes back repeatedly, emissions readiness issue. Takes about a week for Check Engine Light to come back on.
If this is the only code that keeps coming up, and the data stream on the oxygen sensors are reacting correctly, the only real other thing left would be the convertor. If there was a wiring issue, or a sensor...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Tube
Common signs include rough idle, rattling noises from the engine, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Instrument Voltage Regulator
Common signs include dim or flickering gauges, inaccurate or erratic readings from the voltage regulator, and an inoperable instrument cluster.
Pontiac Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you’re in the market for a used Pontiac vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...