You’re driving along and your truck’s engine starts to sputter… again. The acceleration also lags on occasion. What could be causing these problems? We are going to list the common causes of a sputtering engine below. We can inspect your truck, or car or SUV, and determine the reason why the engine is having problems performing. We can also repair the engine.
Clogged Filters/Hoses
Clogged filters, hoses, and even fuel injectors can make the engine sputter because it is being starved of fuel. Specifically, if the fuel filter or fuel hoses are clogged, the fuel will be unable to make its way into the engine. This can cause your engine to sputter and even die if the parts are completely clogged.
Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor
A dirty mass airflow (MAF) sensor can also make your engine sputter. In this case, the MAF sensor may send incorrect air inflow data to the engine control module. When this happens, the module may add extra air to the combustion chamber when it doesn’t need it. This will make the engine sputter.
Engine Vacuum Leak
The same thing can happen with an engine vacuum leak. As the vacuum pressure escapes the leaking hose, it will fill the engine with excess air that will affect its performance. In fact, a sputtering engine that lags when you try to accelerate is a common sign of an engine vacuum leak.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter can also make your engine sputter if it is clogged. Carbon and sulfur deposits can build up on the converter’s honeycomb interior and push engine exhaust back into the combustion chamber. This inhibits combustion and creates a stuttering and lagging engine.
Malfunctioning Fuel Pump
As you can imagine, if the fuel pump is going bad, the engine will be starved of fuel. This is especially true when you are on the highway driving faster. You may also notice that your engine loses power and stutters when you have a trailer attached to the back of your truck.
Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
We talked about the problems a dirty MAF sensor can cause above, and a malfunctioning oxygen (O2) sensor can cause the exact same problems. It can skew the exhaust’s oxygen level data and unintentionally cause the engine control module to add unnecessary air to the combustion chamber.
Spark Plug/Wire Problems
Finally, your truck’s engine may sputter all the time because it is time to replace the spark plugs. Old plugs misfire and this misfiring makes the engine hiccup, sputter, and even stall.
Our team can help, so call us today to schedule an auto service appointment.
