Q: My car is having trouble idling.

asked by on November 30, 2016

my car acts like its out of gas when its idling. it sputters and acts like it wants to shut off. it has plenty of gas in it and now its getting worse and is starting it as im moving. and you can smell gas when its idling too whats going on pls help?
My car has an automatic transmission.

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 use the automatic lighting control?
The automatic lighting control is a feature that will automatically turn your headlights on when it is dark out. To use the automatic lighting control, locate the light switch, which is located on the turn signal lever (the turn signal...
Opinion on a 2013 Mini Cooper
I'm not a fan of them. My neighbor has one and to me that thing is so cheaply made. The wiring is so thin. Hers is eight years old and everything is shorting out. The thin little wires that they...
My car started idleing rough, vibrations soon as start car, vibrations soon as I accelerate, vibrations, rough idle bad
This sound like you may be having an engine misfire. Have the system checked and scanned to see if codes are present for an engine misfire. If it is, then a mechanic can check to see if a coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ignition-coil)...
Dashboard gauges don't work
There is still a ground path problem from the engine to the instrument cluster, whether through the chassis or not. Might be worth running a new ground wire directly from the engine block to the ground connector on the instrument...
Gas cap loose and check engine soon light comes on
Hi. In some cases I have seen that after market gas caps do fix the engine light for the gas cap. I suggest you try getting a gas cap from the Buick dealership and have the engine light reset properly....
Battery is not keeping a charge
Hey. This may suggest you have a battery that has exhausted every bit of power that it has. When you jump the car, it may be possible that the battery has just enough of a charge that is maintained from...
my heat gauge goes up when idling then comes back down when driving
It sounds as though you are probably having an issue with the cooling fan(s) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection). The primary function for the cooling fan(s) is to push/pull air through the radiator at low speeds, or at a stand still. When stationary, there...
Replace a power steering pump and the fluid boiling out the pump and still leaks.
Hi There, It is very uncommon for power steering fluid to boil. It may be more likely that the fluid may have air bubbles in it as a result of changing the power steering pump. Air bubbles in the system...
Why is my car cutting off? I accidentally placed windshield in the coolant reservoir
To resolve the contamination of the cooling system, that system should be drained and refilled (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-system-flush). However, the contamination does not account for the stalling and that will have to be separately diagnosed and the necessary repairs made. Fuel supply...

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...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Air Cleaner Temperature Sensor
If your car is having trouble starting in the cold, the Check Engine Light comes on, or idle quality is poor, you may need to replace the ACT sensor.
How Long Does an Idle Control Valve Last?
Among Among the most important factors in having a smooth running car is a consistent idle speed. Having the incorrect idle speed can lead to a variety of different issues. There are a number of different components that have to...