It can be very frustrating when your engine sputters while you are driving. Not only do you not know what is wrong, but you wonder if it’s safe to drive your automobile at all. Meadows Automotive advises that a sputtering engine is a sign of different problems. We’re going to list the common reasons why an engine sputters all the time below.
Clogged Filters
One of the first things that will make your engine sputter, especially at higher speeds, is a clogged air filter or fuel filter. The engine sputters because it is not getting the correct amount of air or fuel in the combustion chamber. To avoid this problem, change your air filter every 12,000 miles in your fuel filter every 30,000 miles.
Clogged Exhaust System
A clogged exhaust system can also cause your engine to sputter. The clogged may be in the catalytic converter, the exhaust lines, or even your tailpipe. Anytime the exhaust system is clogged, engine exhaust backs up into the combustion chamber and prevents fresh air and fuel from burning.
Clogged Fuel Injectors
Another thing that will make your engine sputter frequently is clogged fuel injectors. The reason why the engine is sputtering is that the clogged injectors are starving the engine of fuel. Anytime there isn’t enough fuel to meet the power demands, your engine and acceleration will sputter.
Malfunctioning Sensors
Malfunctioning sensors may also be the culprit. Specifically, a faulty mass airflow sensor or bad oxygen sensor can cause an imbalance in the combustion chamber that will make your engine sputter, especially at high speeds. Another sensor that can be the problem is your vehicle’s main computer chip, the engine control unit or module.
Vacuum Leak
If vacuum pressure is leaking out of one of the vacuum hoses, this will cause your engine to sputter because it stuffs your engine with air. Any time there is more air than fuel in the combustion chamber, the engine is fuel-starved. Consequently, you will notice performance issues when you accelerate and as you pick up speed.
Worn Spark Plugs
Finally, worn spark plugs or problems with the plug wires can also cause your engine to sputter. If the engine control unit is malfunctioning, it may be firing the spark plugs out of order, which creates the same problem. You’ll need to replace the spark plugs or the engine control unit to restore your engine’s performance.
Bring your vehicle to Meadows Automotive in Waterford Township, MI, so we can determine why the engine is sputtering all the time. Once we know what the problem is, we can fix it.
