Q: Heard a thunk and lost throttle
I was on the highway and heard a thunk. I then lost throttle and had to pull over.
There are several possible things that could have happened. If the car is running, but has no throttle response, the throttle body could be bad. This is the part that opens as the accelerator is pressed to let more air and fuel into the engine, with out control, the engine would still run, but unable to rev up. If the car will not start, the timing belt may have broken and the camshafts can’t turn, and the engine will not start. This would be a noisy scenario. I suggest having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your vehicle for a proper diagnosis.
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
Loud humming noise
The bearing or brushes in your alternator are likely going out. You could also have another issue in your belt drive system causing the noise and lack of charging. A visual inspection of the drive system, a stethoscope to listen...
central locking system, locks, actuator, motor assembly, door
The ones that aren't working, you've got to push or pull. The actuator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-door-lock-actuator) on those doors probably went out. It is a little motor assembly. When you find out how much those stupid little electronic motor assemblies cost, you'll...
Question about thermostat replacement and radiator cooling fan switch replacement
Hi there. Anytime the coolant system is worked on, a professional mechanic should verify the service steps with the manufacturer's service guide. This will help them determine the right steps to complete the coolant bleeding (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-system-flush) - if it's mandated...
My car will not get over 20 mph. What is wrong?
The battery replacement seems to be a coincidence and has no bearing on the symptom you are experiencing. The only exception to this would be if during the battery replacement, any essential wiring was disconnected or damaged, such as the...
Engine rattle 2001 Hyundai SantaFe
Hi - engine rattle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/hear-engine-rattle) on startup is a common problem with this engine. The hydraulic valve lifters, actuated by engine oil pressure, drain down overnight, and it requires a few seconds for the oil pump to fully fill the...
Coolant seems to disappear
If this "just started", it may be that there was trapped air in the system, since you did the water pump replacement, and so all you are doing is providing make up coolant at the moment. But, if the coolant...
i am going out of town for two weeks what should i do about my car battery
Hello, thank you for writing in. Your vehicle should be fine for 2 weeks. If you think there is going to be an issue, you can disconnect the battery cables so the vehicle cannot drain it. This may reset some...
I started my car, but not all the way and pressed on the brakes a few times, and felt the brakes lock up a little bit. Turned on m
You should first check brake fluid to see if it is low on fluid? If not low then your master cylinder has failed and will need to be replaced.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is measured and set when the tire is stone cold. However, cold tire pressure tire, once set when the tire is at a specific ambient temperature, will go on to vary up and down as ambient temperature goes...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
When When you were a kid, almost every family you knew had a Dodge Grand Caravan. However, thanks to the rise of SUVs, CUVs (crossover utility vehicles), and sport wagons, this model has lost a lot of ground over the...
How to Get Dodge Dealership Certified
Dodge car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the MOPAR CAP (Career Automotive Program).
How to Replace a Car Throttle Cable
Throttle cables link the accelerator pedal to the throttle plate. This cable opens the throttle and lets air into the engine for acceleration.
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates