There are many issues one can experience with their car. Flat tires, broken headlights or taillights, and poor transmission are all common problems. One issue that not many people consider or leave to professionals is with the accelerator. As a car owner, you should know these common accelerator problems with your car to better understand what could be causing it to fail.
Failing Throttle
A failing throttle could account for serious accelerator problems. The throttle controls the engine’s power by controlling the amount of fuel and air in the system. If the throttle—or the sensor that regulates it—fails, the speed can fluctuate regardless of your engagement with the accelerator pump. There are many reasons your throttle sensor could fail. Dirt and carbon can build up in the interior housing and interrupt the fuel-air flow. Electrical circuits and wiring could also cause errors. When you notice the throttle sensor leak or face any electrical issues, have a mechanic fix it immediately.
Fuel System Failures
Another common accelerator problem with your car is fuel system failure. Composed of the fuel tank, pump, filter, and carburetor, the fuel system delivers fuel to the engine. As it transports fuel to the internal combustion chamber, it serves to power output, fuel efficiency, reliability, smooth drivability, and engine tuning. Faulty fuel pumps or fuel injectors could hinder the amount of fuel accessible to the accelerator. Check if your vehicle has a bad fuel injector, fuel pump, or leaking fuel line, as these can reduce your acceleration performance.
Turbo Lag
As more cars today have turbochargers in their engine compartments, turbo lag has become a more common problem. For those who don’t know what turbo lag is, it’s an issue within turbochargers between the throttle and torque power in which there’s an acceleration delay from too much exhaust pressure in the engine. Minimal exhaust gasses may spool the turbine, forcing low revolutions per minute and low-load situations. In turn, this causes a lag in turbo and accelerator response. Given their reliance on compression ignition rather than spark plugs, diesel engines are more likely to experience turbo lags than gasoline engines.
Bad Accelerator Pump
Finally, a bad accelerator pump could be the issue. Replace it if you notice rough acceleration or a sputtering or stalled engine. Acceleration should be smooth and effortless, so a faulty accelerator pump could lead to misfires or sluggish starts. Consult a mechanic if the engine starts to sputter or stall, as this could indicate a more substantial issue.