If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine is sputtering all the time, especially at high speeds, this is an indication there is a problem with the engine’s ability to produce combustion. Boulevard Auto Repair is going to list the things that can cause the combustion problems below. Don’t worry. We can fix all of these problems.
Catalytic Converter Problems
The catalytic converter will treat your vehicle’s exhaust for about 10 years before it starts to run into problems. The most common problem is the catalytic converter gets clogged. When this happens, your vehicle’s exhaust backs up into the combustion chamber rather than flowing out of the automobile through the tailpipe. This can cause your engine to sputter.
Clogged Fuel System
A clogged fuel system will also cause your engine to sputter because there will not be enough fuel in the combustion chamber to sustain engine combustion. Parts in the fuel system that are subject to clogs include the fuel injectors, the fuel hoses, and the fuel filter.
Faulty Fuel Pump
Another thing that can starve your engine of fuel is a faulty fuel pump. If your fuel pump is malfunctioning and unable to push enough gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine, the engine will sputter and struggle to run, especially when you accelerate or at high speeds.
Leaking Exhaust System
A leaking exhaust system will also cause your engine to sputter all the time. This is the only non-combustion-related cause of engine sputtering on our list. The reason why a leaking exhaust system causes your engine to sputter is that the exhaust system is leaking gases.
Malfunctioning MAF Sensor
The mass airflow sensor keeps track of the air that flows into the engine. If it starts to malfunction, the engine control module may use incorrect data to balance the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. This actually imbalances the air and fuel in your engine sputters.
Malfunctioning O2 Sensor
The same is true with the oxygen sensor, which keeps track of the oxygen released in your engine’s exhaust. It, too, can malfunction and skew the data that it sends to the engine control module.
Vacuum Hose Leak
Vacuum hose leaks fill your engine with air and starve the engine of fuel. This makes your engine sputter all the time. Replacing the leaking vacuum hose will solve the problem.
Worn Spark Plugs
Finally, worn spark plugs will misfire and this will cause your engine to sputter. If the spark plugs are not firing correctly, the air and fuel in the combustion chamber are not firing correctly.
Call Boulevard Auto Repair in Sherman Oaks, CA, today if your engine sputters every time that you drive your automobile. We will find the problem and fix it.
