Q: I have to tap the gas pedal to get my car started.

asked by on December 22, 2015

My car will not start unless I tap the gas pedal while turning the ignition key. I replaced the throttle body, thinking that was the issue, but it did not fix the problem.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

This could possibly be an issue with your Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor or MAP sensor. This sensor monitors the pressure inside the engines intake manifold. This pressure changes when the throttle is depressed. Perhaps the sensor is only reading a correct pressure to start the engine when the throttle is fully depressed. I would recommend having a professional check your car for trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner. Once trouble codes are found the problem will be easier to diagnose.

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

What does the Airbag Readiness Light mean?
The Airbag Readiness Light gives you information about the function of the airbags in your vehicle. If something is wrong with the airbags, this light will indicate when there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Since airbags are...
What is the supplemental restraint system (SRS)?
Your Altima is equipped with a number of different safety systems and equipment. The seat belts are the most important, but you also have a supplemental restraint system (SRS). There are actually four subsystems that make up the SRS. Driver...
Car not riding smoothly
Hello. It appears that you have a series of issues occurring. If the vehicle itself is not riding smoothly then it may have an issue with the struts. Due to the age of the vehicle the struts may no longer...
Power loss
Having your car lose power is never a pleasant experience, especially if it is in a location where it cannot stay. There could be a variety of things that can cause your Chevy Colorado to experience a loss of power....
Oil pressure low
The oil pressure light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-light-is-on-inspection) will illuminate whenever the issue has been detected by the maim computer. If the car is started and the issue hasnt occured yet, the light may come off and on as the issue is detected....
Camry or Prius?
Hi there: Although Hybrid technology has improved greatly in previous years, the cost to maintain and repair is still not on par with fuel-only vehicles. I wouldn't expect that fact to change anytime soon; so I'd recommend buying a Camry...
MY car use to jerk at 700 and at 500 rpm it will quench. Injector, cam camshaft sensor, and spark plugs have already been changed.
Hi there. When the engine was washed off, water could have gotten into the air box and onto the air filter causing the engine to suck up some water when it was started. This could have caused the engine to...
What tools do I need to perform prepurchase inspection?
The threshold issue in entering the inspection business is NOT a "particular" complement of tools but rather whether you have the specific and intensive training that is required to carry out a meaningful inspection AND convey the results in an...
Buzzing/Vibrating sound when car starts. Check engine light went on
You may be hearing the ABS motor going bad or the cooling fan motor is vibrating. You should have the check engine light checked for stored codes and it may point to the component that is making the noise so...

Related articles

How Long Does a Glow Plug Last?
A A diesel engine is a very powerful and complicated piece of machinery. There are a variety of things that have to work together in order for the diesel engine to fire off and run as intended. Just like a...
How to Test a Spark Plug Ignition Coil
If you suspect your car has a faulty spark plug, use a multimeter to test it out in 7 straightforward steps.
How to Replace an Ignition Trigger
The ignition trigger fails if the engine is misfiring or has trouble starting. The check engine light may illuminate if the ignition trigger fails.