Q: Hesitates to accelerate I've tried seafoam either I didn't know what I was doing or it just didn't work.

asked by on October 06, 2016

I'm not sure if it's a spark plug because my check engine light isn't on but is it possible it could still be a spark plug. I'd hate to pay for a new fuel pump if the issue can be resolved by cleaning the fuel pump if that is the issue. Do you recommend and other fuel cleaner? Someone said to try b-12.

My car has 107875 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hesitation to accelerate can be due to spark, air, or fuel. With you vehicle being close to 10 years old, it is a good idea to do a few maintenance procedures. If you suspect the spark plugs need to be changed, you should change all of them. This is something you want to do all at once, rather than one spark plug at a time. When replacing the spark plugs, inspect the ignition cables (spark plug wires) and make sure they are in good condition. If you have not replaced the fuel filter recently, you should look at replacing that before you replace the fuel pump. Make sure you oil is topped off and in good condition. Also make sure you air filter and the air intake is clean and clear. It’s not that I recommend to fix all of these things at once. However, these are all possible causes for your symptoms. These are also relatively easy tasks to perform, and things that need to be done as regular maintenance. You may want to start with getting the vehicle checked. A qualified professional from YourMechanic can diagnose the hesitating acceleration issue so that the correct repairs can be done from the beginning.

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 not starting.
There are a few different scenarios that could contribute to your car not starting. The first piece of information that I would need to know is the condition of the battery. If the battery is unable to hold a charge...
Problems shifting into gears
Greetings. Tahoes for that year commonly encounter this issue due to shifter cables becoming faulty overtime. The cables will usually unravel and lose its ability to move the shift lever on the transmission properly. If you need further assistance, I...
My check engine light is on reading code po171 lean
The code P0171 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) is for the engine control module is getting an O2 sensor lean bank 1 problem in the engine and has tried to compensate by making the injection system go rich on that bank. There is a...
Car is making a strange noise
You have a coolant leak in the engine which may be getting into the intake manifold. Check for leaks by having the system pressure tested. Check the corners of the intake and into throttle body to see if coolant is...
Low RPM/ Won't Shift
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. It seems like the IAC (idle air control) valve is malfunctioning. Check the wiring to the IAC for any debris and any corrosion. If the wiring harness is in good shape, then I...
Car has no power - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
Hello there, many faults will cause your 2006 Chevy Impala to have a lack of power. Without knowing what parts were replaced or the codes that the car had I am only able to provide a general answer. The most...
Brake controller plug in
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Try looking near or around the rear bumper. Look under the bumper around the frame to see if the factory has coiled up the harness. If you cannot find any harness near the rear...
My check engine light just started turning on when I accelerate. When the car is at a stand still or parked the light is off. I ha
A vehicle's check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-check-engine-warning-light-mean-by-spencer-cates) illuminates whenever there is a malfunction. The first thing you should do is use a code scanner to download, from the OBD-II system, any trouble codes that have stored along with freeze frame data....
The pipe that goes from my catalytic converter and connects to my mufflers is rusted off. What is that pipe called ?
Hello, the pipe between the catalytic convertor and muffler is called an intermediate pipe. You may need to replace the mufflers if that connection is also rusted. If you'd like, a certified Your Mechanic Technician can come to your...

Related articles

What Does a Spark Plug Do?
Your Your ignition system is pretty complex, and there are a number of important components that must work with one another to crank the engine and then keep it running. Your spark plugs are among the most important of these,...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKX
As As far as midsize SUVs go, the 2012 Lincoln MKX is one of your best options out there. Considering its price, Lincoln packed this vehicle with a ton of power and luxury. Although it bears a strong resemblance to...
How to Read Your Spark Plugs
Car spark plugs create the spark necessary in the combustion cycle. Check your spark plugs to improve your engine efficiency and performance.