There are many reasons why your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine is sputtering. It’s important to have the sputtering diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid engine damage. Righter’s Auto Repair advises that two things that cause your engine to sputter are a clogged exhaust system or a vacuum leak. We are going to list the other common causes of a sputtering engine below.
The Air Filter Is Clogged
If your air filter is clogged, which can happen if you haven’t changed it in 12,000 miles, your engine is not getting enough air to balance the fuel in the combustion chamber. This can flood the engine and cause it to sputter at higher speeds. It can also make your engine surge.
The Fuel Filter Is Clogged
If the fuel filter is clogged, which can happen if you haven’t changed it in 30,000 miles, your engine is not getting enough fuel. Consequently, the engine becomes fuel-starved and it will sputter the faster you go. In addition to the sputtering, you may also notice problems with your vehicle’s acceleration.
The Fuel Injectors Are Clogged
The same things happen if the fuel injectors are clogged. Again, the reason why is that your engine is not getting enough fuel to support your power demands. Consequently, the engine will struggle to pick up speed and maintain speed once you’ve reached your desired speed.
The MAF Sensor Is Dirty
Rarely does the mass airflow sensor go bad but it can get dirty. When this happens, the sensor may send incorrect data to the engine control unit. Consequently, your engine might be sputtering because the engine control unit put too much air into the combustion chamber.
The O2 Sensor Is Malfunctioning
The same is true with the oxygen sensor. This part has been known to last longer than 100,000 miles, but the average lifespan of an O2 sensor is anywhere between 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles. A malfunctioning sensor can definitely cause an imbalance in the combustion chamber and, consequently, a sputtering engine.
The Spark Plugs Are Worn
Finally, your engine may be sputtering because it is misfiring. This can happen if your spark plugs are worn. You may also end up with a misfiring engine if the engine control module has gone bad. This module controls when the spark plugs fire.
Call Righter’s Auto Repair in Grand Ledge and Lansing, MI, today to schedule an appointment for your vehicle if the engine is sputtering. We can find the problem and fix it.
