Q: My engine light is on, why does my car hesitate sometimes when trying to accelerate or after I brake?

asked by on December 29, 2016

My engine light came on a year ago after starting up my car on a normal day. Upon the light turning on my car began to shake like it's about to go out when I started it but did not. It kept shaking a few more times as I continued to drive it to possibly "warm it up" to get it driving, which after a few minutes of accelerating and trying to drive it, the car drove normally. Months later now, when accelerating the car does this hesitation action as if it's not making the right connections, then it goes after a few seconds. It does this now a few times a day the allows me to drive normally. I took it to autozone to have it ran by a computer and it diagnosed some possible misfires, spark plugs or injector fluid issues. Could it be my catalytic converter or my oxygen sensor?

My car has 160000 miles.
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

When Should Hazard Lights Be Used?
Hazard lights are used for emergency situations and to alert other drivers to issues such as poor road conditions or vehicle breakdown. They are suggested in situations like heavy rain or blinding snow when you have to reduce speed for...
Car stalls when I stop.
Having your Maxima stall while stopping can make it difficult to ever want to stop driving! Typically when I see a vehicle with these similar symptoms it leads me to consider two common possibilities, a dirty throttle body and problems...
How do I use the automatic dimming rear view mirror?
The rear view mirror is a very important safety feature, that gives you visibility through your rear windshield. At night, however, the glare from headlights can make it hard for you to use your rear view mirror. The automatic dimming...
Transmission won't go into gear - 1997 Pontiac Grand Am
Hi there. Unfortunately, performing a transmission flush can create more problems for the transmission than it helps, especially with higher mileage. The debris gets stirred up and travels throughout the transmission. A transmission service (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) should involve dropping the transmission...
Car will not crank
This may be a faulty starter that is going bad or potentially a failing starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. When this fails, it may...
Knocking noise from engine and oil seems to be full? Loud and constant what could it be?
Hello, thank you for writing in. Engine knock can be caused by several different issues. Even with the oil full, if it is not being sent to the places in the engine that need it. Low oil pressure can be...
I have a misfire on the front bank 2, 4, & 6.
I suggest you request an electrical diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection). Note that the control of some of these circuits is effected by switching of the ground side of the circuit (if so, each coil would have a separately wired ground) so the...
Brake Pad Wear Alarm& warning light appear in dash, replaced all pads and wire sensor but unfortunately no any positive result 2012 Lexus LS460
Hello - unfortunately, this warning message can only be cleared by the Toyota/Lexus diagnostic tool, or the "super secret" push-button sequence which the Toyota techs aren't sharing.
Corrosion on starter terminals
Corrosion on the terminals will definitely impact the flow of current to the starter. The other potential issue may be a faulty connection to the starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement). If the starter relay is faulty or not receiving the proper current,...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen TDI
The The 2012 Volkswagen TDI is a diesel powered car that is fuel efficient while offering an affordable starting price. It comes in a two door hatchback or a four door compact style with an automatic or manual transmission. A...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for First Time Car Owners
Owning Owning your very first car is an exciting time in a person’s life. Likely you want to put a lot of thought and research into the process to ensure you get something that meets your needs, is fun to...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Rock Climber
If If you’re a rock climber, you want a vehicle that gets you where you need to go, even if the terrain gets rough. You may be living out of your vehicle at times, so you also want a rig...