My Car Sputters & Stalls – What Could It Be?

Jan 7, 2020 | Automotive Advice, Blog, Car Maintenance, Car Problems, Total Car Care

Smoking erupting from car

In most cases, when your engine sputters, it means you are about to run out of gas, and it’s crying for help. But what if this happens when you have enough gas? Well, in most cases, when your engine sputters, and you have enough gas, it’s a sign that you have a deeper problem that needs immediate attention. This symptom often points to an issue with either your exhaust system, fuel or dirty or worn out parts.

In internal combustion running vehicles, and incomplete combustion will cause a sputter. And while a sputtering engine might not seem like a serious issue, it often results in an expensive repair when ignored. The source of the sputter needs to be diagnosed immediately by a professional mechanic.

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    How It Works

    There are several reasons why your vehicle will sputter, and the root cause might be in several different systems, mostly the fuel or exhaust system.

    Your vehicle’s exhaust systems work by collecting gases from the cylinder head through the exhaust manifold, which acts as a funnel diverting gases from the cylinder. These gases go through the front pipes, where they travel through the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter gets rid of harmful elements of gases like hydrogen monoxide and carbon monoxide, converting them into environment-friendly gases. The gases will exit the catalytic converter into the muffler, reducing the noise levels of the engine, and finally, the exhaust fumes released through the tailpipe.

    Your vehicle’s fuel system is responsible for storing and supplying fuel to your car for it to drive. Fuel mixes with air, atomized and vaporized in the engine intake system. The mixture is compressed in the engine cylinder and then ignited, producing energy to run the pistons.

    Why Is My Engine Sputtering?

    Your fuel system is faulty

    The most common cause of a sputtering engine is an issue with the fuel delivery system; these include; the pump, filter, and injectors. These components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the tank to the injectors, pumping into the engine evenly. The process produces the perfect mixture of air and fuel generating combustion that powers your vehicle.

    Since all these components work together, if dirt or debris clog on any part, the others will fail to lead to poor engine performance or stalling. Cleaning your engine’s system once a year will help prevent such issues from occurring. Getting a qualified mechanic to detect, clean, and fix your fuel system will help solve this problem.

    Overheating engine

    Worn-out Spark plugs

    When your vehicle splutters and eventually stalls it could be a sign that your car needs new spark plugs. The spark plugs, while small, are a critical part of your engine and are what “spark” air and fuel mixture in the engine sending power through your vehicle. In case they are dirty or worn out, you might be unable to start your vehicle. Getting a qualified mechanic to diagnose, clean or replace your spark plugs will help stop sputtering. At AAMCO Central Florida, we offer an engine tune-up service that will help fix and replace your worn-out spark plugs at the right time before they cause any damage to your engine.

    Exhaust Pipe

    Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor

    One of the reasons your engine might be sputtering could be due to a dirty mass airflow sensor. The sensor keeps track of weight, and temperature of the air getting into the engine. When your mass airflow sensor is dirty, it could trigger several problems, including reduced gas mileage, engine performance, spluttering and even stalling.

    Failing Catalytic Converter

    Your vehicle’s engine could be sputtering due to a faulty catalytic converter. Your catalytic converter works by reducing the amount of pollution coming from your vehicle. It’s also part of the vehicle’s exhaust system that works by converting harmful compounds like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrous oxide into less harmful compounds like carbon dioxide and water.

    What AAMCO Can Do for You

    Once you get your vehicle to your trusted local Central Florida auto repair center, our professional mechanics will get to work diagnosing the root cause of your sputtering problem. Regardless of what may be causing your sputtering and stalling issues, you must diagnose the problem as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage and costly repairs on your vehicle. Remember, a sputtering engine could lead to a complete failure of your engine.

    AAMCO Central Florida Can Help You Take Care Of Your Fuel System Today

    AAMCO is the leading Florida transmission repair service specializing in engine auto tune-up service, diagnosis, and maintenance. We also offer transmission repair and maintenance, suspension maintenance and service, brake system service and maintenance and many more. In case your vehicle is sputtering and stalling, it could be a cry for help. Get to your local AAMCO Central Florida center immediately for a full diagnosis so that we can get your vehicle back on the road in perfect condition.

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