Auto Answers » View Question
ron 2/10/2011
2001 Chevrolet Impala Base 6 Cyl 3.4L - Engine
why dose my car hesitate when i step on the gas
150000 miles on engine it happens when cold when going up a hill no check engine light comes on
3 Answers
    Spark Plugs
    1. One cause for hesitation on acceleration may potentially be the misfiring of your spark plugs. If one of your cylinders isn't firing at the right time (or at all) you will experience a jumpy, bumpy acceleration and engine performance. The causes for this can be many. The plug itself may be bad, there may be a touchy connection between the ignition coil and the plug, oil may have leaked into the cylinder and coated the plug.
    Catalytic Converters
    2. Older catalytic converters that have seen a lot of use can actually experience meltdown. The catalyst inside will begin collapsing and fusing together. This causes exhaust gases to back up and reduces the engine's ability to produce consistent combustion because exhaust gases don't burn well. This, much like a faulty spark plug, will cause all sorts of hesitation and uneven acceleration.
    Fuel Filter
    3. One of the most common reasons for hesitation during acceleration is the failing of a fuel filter. Filters get clogged, just like an oil filter, and this clogging prevents the free flowing of gas to your engine. No gas means no explosion and no explosion means no acceleration. But clogged fuel filters will only block some of the gas some of the time or may provide enough gas just for coasting, but not enough for hard acceleration. Either way, you'll experience jerky hesitation while driving.
    Fuel Pump
    4. More serious than a clogged fuel filter, a dying fuel pump may also the cause of engine hesitation. Often the result of failing or burned out electronics, failing fuel pumps will sputter and flail about trying to get enough fuel to the engine, but often failing. This lack of fuel of course results in spotty combustion and in turn poor or even jerky hesitation. Replace this soon as the more worn down it gets, the more stress it places on your car
    Various Other Problems
    5. As with anything as complicated as a car, there are hundred of variables that impact its performance. If you have ruled out faulty plugs, a clogged cat, clogged filter and dying fuel pump there are still other possibilities to consider. Keep in mind that a car needs air, fuel and spark to run and it is hesitating because it's not getting one of these three items consistently. Just like doctors rules out body systems when you're sick, start ruling out these systems one by one.

    ron 2/10/2011
    could it be intake manifold gasket
  • Great Bear Auto Repair and Auto Body Shop
    I agree with Joe. There are many variables to consider. For this reason, you need to have a professional look at it. If you play the process of elimination game, this will cost a fortune. When you bring your car in to the shop, have them road test the car WITH YOU to experience the trouble.
  • ron
    ron 2/10/2011
    could it be intakr manifold gasket

Preview Answer