Q: Why does my car bang/jerk when I step on the gas?

asked by on November 30, 2017

I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (Automatic Transmission), and whenever I press on the gas, the car bangs and jerks, it does the same going from 2nd to 3rd gear, i bought the car used and I've owned it for 2 years and its always had this problem. Help?

My car has 143000 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

How do I personalize the power door locks settings?
You can customize many of your vehicle’s settings using the vehicle personalization system. One of the areas of the vehicle that you can customize is the power door locks. When personalizing the power door locks you can change which doors...
No crank no start with new battery starter and ignition
This sounds like an electrical issue. Possible causes of the no crank no start are: the starter + solenoid battery cable brake switch neutral safety switch an open / short circuit A qualified technician such as one from YourMechanic will...
Car starting hard
The most common faults that cause your hard start can be a EVAP Purge Solenoid that is on the intake manifold. It's relatively easy to replace and only around $25. Or, it can be a fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) pressure issue...
Screeching sounds around front left tire
The front brake pads should have a metal sensor on the brake pads to indicate when they are getting low on pad material. They will squeal or screech anytime you are moving. Have the front brakes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-pads-replacement) inspected and replaced...
Yaw sensor needs replacement
Hi there. Yes, the sensor, along with the dependent systems, require what is called a "zero point" calibration when it is replaced. The dealership does not have to be the entity that performs this calibration. However, it is dependent upon...
I have Spotify account can I use that in my new Prius with out useing it through my phone by just inputting my account number. How
Hello. According to my research it appears that Spotify can only be used with your vehicle by connecting it with your smartphone. Spotify can be used by connecting your phone to the vehicle via a USB cable, or by syncing...
Stalling, issues with the vapor canister and with adding fuel
Hello. The symptoms you describe can be caused by many things. If your vapor canister is having known issues then I would start there, as the vapor canister is tied into the vehicle's fuel system and can affect its performance....
My car battery is not charging and engine won't start
Hi there. Based on what you are describing, I wouldn't be quite certain that the issue you are having is caused by a damaged alternator or battery. In many cases, when the car stops accelerating when you press the gas...
I have a cylinder 3 misfire that only seems to happen when my gas tank gets low, is this likely due to a bad fuel injector/filter?
The misfire can be caused by a worn spark plug, defective coil, faulty spark plug wire, faulty injector, plugged injector (each injector has its own miniature internal filter), mechanical valve fault and so forth. The most common issue is the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
2012 2012 marks the end of an era for the Eclipse and Mitsubishi sends the sporty little car off in style. As affordable sports cars go, the Eclipse has served its segment well with stylish looks, respectable performance, and a...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
The The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a crossover SUV that manages to provide decent comfort, power and performance into a single package. This also marked the final year of production for the SUV, as it was phased out due to...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant
If If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan and want the best price possible, you may be thinking about visiting a Honda or Toyota dealership. Before you do, check out the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant. Key Features Considering how...