5 Popular Causes Of Car Won’t Accelerate Issue

 How annoying might it be when you step on the gas pedal but the car won’t accelerate? Two things can happen – the vehicle does not accelerate at all or as fast as it should be. You can pin down the problem on several causes and some can be complex enough to earn a visit to the mechanic.

The Causes Of Car Won’t Accelerate

Regular maintenance is the key to minimizing the chance of various issues. However, sometimes it becomes old enough to stay out of trouble. In fact, high-mileage vehicles could also have this acceleration problem. So, what should you do when your car won’t accelerate? You should diagnose the symptoms and take action accordingly.

1. Look Into The Clutch

My car won’t accelerate when I push the gas pedal, what should I do? – Have you looked into the clutch?

Almost 90% of the time, it’s the clutch! When it can’t properly engage the transmission with the engine, your car shows acceleration issues. It could be a worn-out clutch pedal or the clutch fluid. The fluid should not go below the minimum level or cross the maximum level.

Watch the clutch’s action. If it seems loose or the engine changes speed without accelerating or decelerating, the clutch is definitely the origin of the problem.

2. Problems With The ECU

An error in the electronic control unit (ECU) could also be the reason for your car won’t accelerate when pressing the gas pedal. For example, a pollution error could trick the computer system to think that the car has been producing excessive fume. In response, it will make the engine to lose power slowly, which gradually leads to trouble with acceleration.

The ECU may provide incorrect readings if any or multiple of its sensors don’t work properly. You have to go to a car servicing to find out what is wrong with it.

3. Filthy Fuel Filter

The fuel can collect sludge over time that often comes from the fuel tank. Dirt makes the fuel heavy, making it unable to move freely from the tank to the engine. Proper lubrication is vital in making the acceleration highly responsive.

You have to clean the filter or replace it with a new one to solve this issue.

4. Faults In The Timing Belt

A worn-out or damaged timing belt will affect the acceleration. But, a newly replaced belt could also be the culprit. Why does this happen? It happens when it’s misplaced or misaligned. Choose a professional mechanic to do the replacement because the improper installation will result in worse acceleration than before.

5. Leaks In Vacuum Hoses

There are plenty of vacuum hoses inside an automobile’s engine. They transport fuel and air from and to the engine and different supply points and connectors. Your car won’t accelerate if there are holes in the hoses or dirt buildups.