☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: My car hesitates when accelerating, specially uphill

asked by on August 04, 2017

Engine Light is on. It came on after visiting some amateur mechanic shop. My car just in the last week or so started off with issues of power going uphill. I also noticed this as the car would shift into the 2nd gear. The shift wasn't rough but when it did change gear it was very sluggish. And it eventually started to hesitate but not that much.

Now the car is very sluggish going uphill with obvious and frequent hesitations. It's at its worst when the car has been running or HOT. In the morning car is not 100% but worsens as you drive it.

I also noticed BLACKISH smoke coming out of the exhaust. The black exhaust is not coming out all the time. It comes out right after when the car experiences the difficulty trying to go uphill or shift in gears.

I've replaced: spark plugs, sp-wires, d-cap rotor, cleaned the d-cap, new MAF, IAC, O2 sensor.

*distributor cap does have a lot oil built up underneath it where there is a metal tray
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Loss of power Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hello, thank you for writing in. One of the most common reasons for black smoke and a loss of power is a rich air-fuel mixture. With the check engine light on, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes. This can be done at most automotive parts stores, or by a technician. Use any codes present to help you determine what sensor has failed, or what the computer has detected as being the issue. Take any corrective action from there. If no codes are present, you will want to look into the fuel system first. From fuel pump and pressure, to the fuel filter (which may need to be replaced), and onto the fuel injectors should all be inspected for proper function. The main computer systems (ECU) can also cause miscalculations with the air-fuel ratio and may need to be looked at as well. If you would like more help finding and resolving the issue, contact our service department.

Saab
1993
L4-2.0L Turbo
hesitation
loss of power
900
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 power mirror defoggers?
If your Accord is equipped with power mirror defoggers, these can be used to quickly defrost your mirrors on winter mornings. To activate them, just do the following: Turn the key to on. Locate the Mirror Defogger button on the...
Read more
Moonroof stuck open
What is most likely happening is that either the motor has failed, or there may be debris in the moonroof track which is blocking the window from closing properly. I recommend having a mechanic check the moonroof for you in...
Read more
Truck was stolen and ditched now it won't start
If the truck was stolen there could be a number of things causing it to not start now including several anti-theft devices on the truck. I would recommend having an expert, like from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose...
Read more
I hit an animal recently, it cracked my bumper. Is it any way related to suspension damage?
An impact from hitting the animal can do damage that's not obvious at first. Damage can occur to the frame, mess up your alignment, and a variety of other issues. You will want to examine the area that was hit....
Read more
My headlights, both high & low beam, are out - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Hi there. It seems that the high and low beam switch has a broken contact in it. It would be best to remove the switch and replace it with a new one. If, for some reason, the switch does not...
Read more
MY CAR IS NOT STARTING AND THERE S APADLOCK ON SCREEN
Try starting the vehicle with a second key if available. The keys have a chip inside them that the security system (EWS Module) needs to detect before it allows power to get to the starter. The EWS module acts as...
Read more
Why my ford ranger 2.2 xlt auto powertrain alarm appear during cold engine running?
The powertrain light is on for the transmission may be low on oil or there is an issue with the oil that is in the transmission. Check the transmission oil level and see if its full. See what color the...
Read more
Nissan altima 2013 rear seat latch is broken and I cannot fold down the seat. How do I repair the broken seat latch? What should I
Hello, thank you for writing in. Correcting the issue will involve finding out what the exact issue is first. The latch has a handle that is pulled to release it. If the handle is broken, and you cannot release the...
Read more
My antifreeze in the resovoir looks milky and I open the radiator cap and the antifreeze began to rise a little and wasn’t as much
Your vehicle may be overheating. The best thing to do is seek an overheating diagnostic which will pinpoint the cause and then the necessary repairs can be implemented.
Read more

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Air Charge Temperature Sensor
Common signs include a lack of power when accelerating, trouble when starting in cold weather, and a decrease in fuel efficiency.
Read more
How Long Does a Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Last?
The The engine’s performance is largely based on temperature measurements performed by the engine control module (ECM), also known as the vehicle’s computer. As the temperature of the engine increases, the resistance decreases which means the voltage drops. The computer...
Read more
How to Diagnose a No-Spark or Loss of Power Condition on a Modern Car
Misfires caused by a loss of power condition on a car can be tricky to diagnose, but are necessary to fix to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Maintenance
Estimates
Cities