Reasons for Warning Light On, Poor Acceleration, and Difficulty in Increasing Speed
4 Answers
Reasons: Poor and substandard gasoline quality, faulty oxygen sensor, malfunctioning air flow sensor, carbon buildup on spark plugs, engine knocking, and engine misfiring. Related explanations: 1. Carbon buildup on spark plugs: Causes poor engine performance, resulting in unstable idling, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and other abnormal phenomena. 2. Air flow sensor: Detects the intake air and converts it into an electrical signal sent to the electronic control unit (ECU), allowing the ECU to determine the amount of fuel to inject. 3. Oxygen sensor: Since the air-fuel ratio of the mixture deviates from the theoretical air-fuel ratio, the three-way catalyst's ability to purify CO, HC, and NOX drops sharply. Therefore, an oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust pipe to detect the oxygen concentration in the exhaust and send feedback signals to the ECU. The ECU then adjusts the fuel injector's fuel injection amount to keep the air-fuel ratio of the mixture near the theoretical value.
I've been driving an old car for over a decade. Recently the check engine light came on, it's extremely difficult to accelerate and the speed just won't go up. The main reasons could be fuel system or ignition problems. A clogged fuel filter or weak fuel pump can starve the engine of fuel, while aged ignition coils or spark plugs failing to ignite will directly cause power loss. Last time I encountered this, it was burnt spark plugs - replacing them for just tens of dollars fixed it. A dirty air filter restricting airflow is also common, regular replacement can prevent this. Faulty sensors like oxygen sensors sending wrong signals can make the computer limit power. I suggest first listening for the fuel pump sound - with key turned but not starting, there should be a buzzing sound to indicate normal operation. If you can't handle it yourself, take it to a shop to read the trouble codes for convenience. Safety first, don't delay - engine repairs are expensive and troublesome when broken. Turbocharger failure also shows similar symptoms, especially more noticeable at highway speeds.
If the car's warning light comes on and it accelerates weakly with difficulty reaching speed, the root cause is mostly in the electronic system, such as sensor or computer errors. A faulty throttle position sensor sending incorrect signals can cause sluggish throttle response. An aging mass airflow sensor providing inaccurate readings means the engine isn't getting enough air, resulting in poor performance. Spark plugs with excessive gap or faulty ignition coils failing to ignite properly lead to weak acceleration. For simple checks, replacing spark plugs yourself is cost-effective; if that doesn't solve it, visiting a professional shop to read fault codes is the most reliable approach. Fuel pump issues may also cause insufficient fuel pressure or interrupted supply, preventing speed increase. A clogged catalytic converter restricts exhaust flow, reducing engine efficiency and worsening symptoms. Avoid randomly disconnecting wires for DIY repairs as it may exacerbate problems, leading to higher costs for replacement parts. For daily maintenance, use clean fuel to prevent carbon buildup—clogged fuel injectors are a common issue. Timely repairs prevent high-speed stalling accidents—safety is paramount and should never be overlooked.
The warning light is on, acceleration is poor, and the speed is stuck. Check for intake or fuel system issues. A dirty air filter can block airflow, causing insufficient intake and weak engine performance, especially noticeable during acceleration. If the fuel filter hasn't been replaced for a long time, it might be clogged, leading to poor fuel supply. Replacing it yourself is quite simple and costs just a few dozen dollars. Faulty sensors, like the coolant temperature sensor, can mislead the computer into limiting power. Regularly checking the air filter every six months can prevent most issues, saving money and effort. If spark plugs or ignition coils fail to ignite, try replacing them with a new set. Avoid driving at high speeds with poor performance as it's dangerous. Go to a professional shop for diagnosis immediately and don't delay.
