What are the reasons for a car suddenly losing power when accelerating?
4 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may suddenly lose power when accelerating: 1. Excessive carbon deposits in the engine can cause the combustion chamber temperature to rise too high, disrupting normal engine operation; 2. Blockages in the fuel system can lead to insufficient fuel supply; 3. Air entering the fuel line can make the air-fuel mixture too lean. The methods to check for sudden loss of power when accelerating are: 1. Inspect whether the fuel pump in the tank is working properly, as a malfunctioning fuel pump can result in insufficient vehicle power; 2. Check the fuel filter for leaks or blockages; 3. Examine the intake pipe for any dirt blockages; 4. Verify if the valve timing is correct; 5. Check whether the intake and exhaust pipes are tightly sealed.
A while ago, my old car suddenly didn't respond when I stepped on the gas pedal on the highway, which scared me so much that I quickly pulled over. After inspection, the mechanic found that the fuel pump in the gas tank was failing—it's like a heart not pumping enough blood to keep the engine running. Another time, the fuel line was clogged with rust debris, blocking the fuel flow and naturally preventing acceleration. Also, upon checking the air filter, it was found completely clogged, like an old rag, preventing the engine from drawing in air. The scariest was when the floor mat got stuck under the gas pedal, making it impossible to press down. These issues can all make your car move sluggishly even when you floor the gas pedal. In such situations, it's safest to turn on the hazard lights and pull over.
Last time I helped my neighbor diagnose the issue of his car's poor acceleration, we focused on three main areas: In the fuel system, the fuel pump fuse was blown, and the gasoline filter hadn't been replaced for three years, clogged like a sieve; the intake system had a layer of sludge buildup on the throttle body, and the mass airflow sensor was giving erratic readings; in the electrical system, the throttle position sensor threw a fault code, and the wiring harness connector was chewed up by rats. Modern cars are troublesome this way—any sensor malfunction can trigger power limitation. After replacing the sensor and cleaning the throttle body, the power came back. I recommend car owners regularly inspect these areas, especially for vehicles over ten years old.
My newly purchased car also experienced sluggish acceleration last year. The 4S shop connected a diagnostic tool for half an hour and found that the fuel pressure regulator was leaking, causing insufficient fuel pressure. They also reminded me not to wait until the fuel warning light comes on to refuel, as impurities at the bottom of the fuel tank can be drawn up and clog the fuel lines. Additionally, if the oxygen sensor gets coated with carbon deposits, it can cause the ECU to miscalculate the air-fuel ratio, leading to poor acceleration. During that maintenance session, the spark plugs were also replaced, as the mechanic mentioned insufficient ignition energy is another common cause. Now I've learned my lesson—I regularly use fuel additives to clean carbon deposits, and haven't had any issues since.
