Q: Slow Acceleration of Vehicle after start up

asked by on December 22, 2016

Check engine light is on, and after initial start up of vehicle, it is very slow to accelerate. I have 150k miles on this vehicle.

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. That check engine light is probably the warning that something is afoul and creating your concern. There are more than likely codes and data stored to aid in the diagnosing of the concern. Remember that codes are not a diagnosis, they lead the technician to the are that is in need of the inspection. The computer sees a fault, but does not know what, how, or why the fault has appeared. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

Hello:

When your vehicle is slow to accelerate, it’s typically caused by the engine’s ability to efficiently burn fuel. This can be caused by dirty mass air flow sensor, faulty fuel pump, or even a catalytic converter that is wearing out. It’s also possible that you have a fuel sensor or emissions sensor (like the O2 sensors) that are damaged; which might be the cause of your check engine light). The best way to diagnose this issue is have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection, so they can pinpoint why your Mitsubishi is having difficulty.

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

Why is the check engine light always on?
You are correct that when the Check Engine light is illuminated with no drive symptoms you will not have any indicator if any more problems are happening. That is, unless another light comes on or you get symptoms you did...
Plastic cover dragging on ground
Hello. This is probably your front undertray panel, which is usually held in place with quick turn plastic screws. Probably during your last oil change or maintenance, the technician did not get those quick turn screws installed correctly, so they...
Car stalls when a.c. fan is turned on
If the fan is drawing too many amps and the alternator is not charging enough, this can cause a large sudden drain on the electrical system and cause the stall. Have the fan motor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-radiator-fan-motor-replacement) and charging system checked to...
My car's gas pedal goes out and the car won't drive anymore if my RPM reaches the number 3 on the gauge.
Hello, I would start by extracting the problem codes from engine management and the transmission as well. You don't mention it, but surely the Check Engine light is on at this point. These codes will help determine a strategy for...
Lost car remote
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Yes you can get another remote (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-purchase-a-remote-keyless-entry-system-for-cars-by-brady-klopfer) and program it to match your vehicle, but make sure that the remote is programmed to the VIN (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-decode-a-vin-vehicle-identification-number-by-jason-unrau) of the vehicle if you tend to get...
When I take off from a stop I hear a banging noise 2013 Jeep Wrangler V6
Hello - there are a couple of possibilities for the noise you hear upon acceleration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/noise-coming-from-torque-converter): a broken torque converter (internal failure), engine shifting due to broken motor mounts and fan hitting something, transmission shifting due to broken mounts, allowing...
Loss of compression on all 4 cylinders
There are quite a few issues that can cause a four cylinder engine to lose compression on all cylinders. Unfortunately, none of them are what would be considered inexpensive. There could be a problem with the timing chain, camshaft problem,...
loud squeaking noise when i start car in cod weather and when i turn corners it does go away.
Typically, a loud squeal on a cold start could be belt related. As belts age, the rubber becomes harder and glazes a bit. This can cause a brief, or constant, squealing. Also, belt tension can cause squealing as well. If...
I am seeing smokes from my muffler in 57 degrees weather?
The repairs that were performed would not be implicated as a cause in any engine smoking that is visible in the exhaust. Some smoke at start up can be normal, particularly white smoke from condensation. However, continuous smoking after the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
In In 2012 Mitsubishi says sayonara to the 22-year run of the sporty little Eclipse, and with it, the Spyder convertible. This sleek, stylish soft-top has enjoyed many years of popularity as a fairly affordable option for those with a...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
If If you’re looking for an SUV, but don’t need much space or off-road capabilities, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just might be the ticket. With it’s stand-out appearance that is sure to be noticed, it provides the features and...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Families
If If it’s time for you to search for the top used cars specifically for families, check out the list we’ve put together of the top five. The list of must-haves Typical items that families are looking for in their...