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Why does my car hesitate when accelerating at low speed?
Lately, my 2013 Chevy Silverado does this weird lag thing when I hit the gas. It seems to drive ok once it’s going, but what would make it hesitate when accelerating at low speed?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your car hesitates when accelerating at low speed, you likely have a lean air-to-fuel mixture—meaning the gas getting to your engine doesn’t have the correct mix of fuel and air.
Here are the most common problems that could cause your car’s engine to hesitate:
- Bad fuel: Make sure that you are putting the right gas octane rating in your car.
- Bad sensors: Your car’s oxygen sensor,mass airflow sensor, or manifold absolute pressure sensor can cause an improper air-to-fuel ratio if even one of them isn’t working right.
- Bad vacuum hoses: Check the vacuum hoses around your engine for wear, cracks, or holes that could cause air leakage.
- Faulty fuel system: Your fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, or fuel injectors can cause engine hesitation if any one of these parts isn’t working properly.
- Faulty gas recirculation valve: A malfunctioning gas recirculation valve will disrupt the air-to-fuel ratio if it can’t properly direct exhaust gas into the manifold to mix with the fuel.
- Faulty ignition system: Your engine may be losing power and hesitating at times if any spark plugs, wiring, or the rotor needs replacing.
Take your car to a mechanic to properly diagnose and repair what’s causing your car to hesitate when accelerating.
MORE: What is engine knock?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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