What Causes the Buick Excelle's Lack of Power and Jerking During Rapid Acceleration?
2 Answers
Buick Excelle's lack of power and jerking during rapid acceleration are caused by ignition coil failure and spark plug failure. When a cylinder misfires, the gasoline-air mixture in that cylinder cannot be ignited and is expelled through the exhaust pipe. Spark plugs ignite gasoline by producing sparks, which largely determines the engine's performance. Ignition Coil Failure: The corresponding cylinder of the faulty ignition coil will not function, resulting in rough idling, lack of power when accelerating, inability to increase fuel, and the illumination of the fault light. If the ignition coil leaks electricity, the engine may or may not shake during idling, but it will definitely shake and lack power when accelerating. Sometimes, power loss during acceleration can cause shaking and lack of power. When a cylinder misfires, the gasoline-air mixture in that cylinder cannot be ignited and is expelled through the exhaust pipe. However, since the exhaust pipe is very hot, the mixture may ignite upon reaching it due to the high temperature. This combustion generates a large amount of heat, which can clog the catalytic converter's pores, leading to its failure. Additionally, a faulty ignition coil can cause severe engine vibration, making the car feel powerless like a tractor; shaking and inability to reach higher gears; the fault light will illuminate: the car may lurch backward when accelerating, then surge forward, producing a sputtering sound, rough idling, and strong gasoline odor in the exhaust. Spark Plug Failure: Common spark plug issues include carbon buildup, which reduces the concentration of the air-fuel mixture, leading to incomplete combustion and insufficient power. Another issue is the widening of the gap between spark plugs, which decreases engine efficiency. Spark plugs ignite gasoline by producing sparks, largely determining the engine's performance. Based on heat range, they can be classified as cold-type or hot-type spark plugs. Based on electrode material, they can be categorized as silver alloy or platinum alloy spark plugs. The most commonly used type in cars is the standard spark plug. Generally, spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. When they fail, the car may not start or have difficulty starting, requiring prompt repair.
I drive a Buick Excelle and have also experienced issues with sluggish acceleration and jerking during sudden acceleration. Common causes include ignition system failures such as carbon buildup or aging spark plugs leading to unstable ignition, fuel system problems like clogged fuel filters or insufficient fuel pump pressure affecting the combustion of the air-fuel mixture, as well as transmission clutch slippage or thinning transmission fluid causing poor power transfer. Additionally, severe carbon buildup in the intake system can restrict airflow, or faulty sensors like oxygen sensors may provide inaccurate signals. I recommend first checking the wear-prone parts; replacing spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers is a good practice, and the fuel filter should also be cleaned regularly. Jerking during sudden acceleration not only affects driving experience but also increases fuel consumption. Prolonged issues may lead to engine wear, so don’t delay—visit a professional repair shop promptly to diagnose trouble codes with a scanner. Targeted part replacements and adjustments will solve the problem.
