Nothing affects the efficiency of a drive more than a car that jerks when accelerating. Not only can this be embarrassing to the driver, but it can also mean that the car requires some major expenses if the cause of this issue is not figured out soon.
Keep reading to find out the most significant causes behind the jerking or lurching of a car and what you should do to fix it.
Why Does My Car Jerk When Accelerate?
You will know that something is not going right when your car jerks as you step on the gas pedal.
You might feel like someone is dragging your vehicle when you accelerate. There are many causes behind it, including inadequate fuel, air, or sparks during combustion.
Here are some of the common reasons why an accelerator becomes jerky.
1. Dirty Fuel Injectors
A dirty fuel injector is a common and annoying cause of various issues. Because of dirty injectors, you can lose power, your car can start to jam when driving at the same speed, or have frequent misfires. You can avoid this problem by cleaning the injectors regularly. This process is also easy, and you can do it using a fuel system cleaner or a fuel injector.
However, because of high carbon deposition, the injectors can be fouled up, and even the best fuel injector cleaner might not resolve the issue. In such scenarios, you will have to take the injector and manually clean or replace them.
2. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
If you notice that your vehicle is surging forward or making jerks at high speed, it might be because of the failing mass airflow sensor (MAF). The MAF measures the amount of air entering the engine. The car’s computer receives this information and instructs the fuel injector to provide the right amount of fuel at the right time for proper fuel and air mixture.
If the MAF sensor is faulty, your car jerks when accelerating or moving at high speed, such as on a highway, where it will be more noticeable.
3. Clogged Fuel Lines
Clogging in fuel lines can occur as a result of a buildup of dirt, debris, and containments. Because of that, the fuel flow of your engine becomes restricted, causing your vehicle to jerk when accelerating, particularly at a constant speed. These causes include fouled-up fuel injectors, dirty fuel filters, and the use of low-quality fuel.
4. Blocked Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter reduces the number of pollutants that leave the car’s exhaust. When the fuel/air mixture in the engine is too rich, blockage can develop in the catalytic converter, disrupting the exhaust system’s airflow.
This can lead to jerking, stuttering, and delay in responsiveness when you step on the gas. Other than jerking, there are symptoms, including rotten egg odor because of hydrogen sulfide and a drop in fuel efficiency. Through the use of a good catalytic converter cleaner, you can unclog minor blockages. If that does not work for you, you will have to take it to the mechanic, who will replace the catalytic converter.
5. Bad Fuel Pump Filter
Fuel supply issues can also be a reason why a car stutters when accelerating. When the right fuel amount is not being delivered to the engine, it leads to car jerks when accelerating. Apart from a failing fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter can also restrict the flow of fuel, which can cause issues such as inconsistent fuel delivery. To resolve such issues, the fuel filter can be replaced, which is quite a simple and inexpensive process.
6. Faulty Spark Plug
Some of the most common causes can sometimes become difficult to identify. During combustion, a good spark is required to ignite the fuel in each cylinder properly. If the spark plug is dirty, it will prevent proper ignition and can cause the engine to misfire. So, when driving, it feels like the car jerks, when accelerating.
7. Low Transmission Fluid
Low transmission fluid can also cause several issues in your vehicle, one of which is the jerking of the car when accelerating. Low transmission fluid can lead to various issues, including gear slipping and lack of lubrication in the transmission. Both of these issues can cause your vehicle to jerk.
8. Faulty Accelerator Cable
While the majority of cars use drive-by-wire electronic throttle control to accelerate, the physical accelerator cable can still be found in the majority of vehicles. It acts as a mechanical link between the gas pedal and throttle plate.
This accelerator cable can wear out over time, causing the vehicle to respond more slowly when you press on the gas. It also lurches instead of providing smooth acceleration. You can witness damage to the cable’s outer coating when checking it, making the problem easy to diagnose.
9. Distributor Cap Moisture Buildup
On colder days, condensation forms under the distributor cap. It usually occurs when you have the vehicle parked outside on a winter night. The moisture can cause the engine to misfire, leading to your vehicle jerking when accelerating at low speeds.
10. Catalytic Converter Cleaner
A clogged catalytic converter can cause your vehicle to jerk when accelerating. A catalytic converter cleaner can remove deposits and restore proper function.
11. Fuel Injector Cleaner
Keep your fuel injectors clean by using high-quality fuel injector cleaners every thousand miles. This will prevent fuel buildup and ensure your engine receives an optimal fuel and air mixture for smooth acceleration.
Maintenance and Repair
To prevent your vehicle from stuttering or jerking when driving, perform regular tune-ups. It includes replacing the spark plugs, checking ignition coils, and inspecting various components, including sensors and filters. Doing a routine tune-up can help you address performance issues and save you from serious problems.
Auto Repair Shop
If you are not able to diagnose the signal cause or resolve the issue causing your car to jerk when accelerating, it is preferable to consult a professional at an auto repair shop. They have the equipment and expertise to identify the root cause of the problem and can perform necessary repairs.
Conclusion
It is important for you to find out the original cause behind a jerking car. There is a possibility that your car is reacting to pulling. It happens at a slower pace than jerking as it occurs more gradually. However, whatever the scenario is, it is preferable to understand and get assistance from a professional mechanic.