What causes the car to not accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal, as if it's in neutral?
2 Answers
There are many reasons why a car may not accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal: low fuel pressure or air in the fuel line, poor air flow meter signal in the circuit, poor throttle position sensor signal, damaged ignition coil, delayed ignition timing, or incorrect spark plug gap can all cause the car to not accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal. Blockage: A blocked catalytic converter could also cause this condition. If the engine speed rises normally but the engine noise is loud, it may be in a neutral state without engaging the gear, requiring inspection of the transmission. If neither the throttle nor the engine speed increases, a comprehensive engine check is needed, and you should visit a professional shop for relevant diagnostics. Fuel Gauge: After purchasing a car, the vehicle's manual specifies clear refueling methods. Typically, when the fuel light comes on, the remaining fuel in the tank will be indicated. Some vehicles also display an estimated remaining driving distance. Based on your usual fuel consumption, you can roughly estimate how far the car can still go. According to standard fuel consumption, when the fuel light comes on, the car can usually travel about 50–90 kilometers. The car's fuel pump relies on being submerged in gasoline for cooling. Consistently refueling only after the fuel light comes on can prevent the fuel pump from cooling properly, leading to damage. It's best to develop the habit of refueling when the fuel gauge shows one bar remaining. Additionally, in summer, avoid overfilling the tank. High temperatures and gasoline's volatility can cause excessive pressure in the fuel tank. Using high-quality synthetic oil can reduce unnecessary energy loss. For family cars, filling half a tank is the most economical. When temperatures permit, opening the windows while driving can reduce drag and save fuel. Gradually developing good driving habits without compromising safety is also important.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered situations where pressing the accelerator had no effect, as if the car was in neutral. This is usually due to issues with the clutch or transmission system. In manual transmission cars, worn or slipping clutch plates are the most common cause, where stepping on the gas doesn't increase speed and a burning smell may occur. For automatic transmissions, problems like a faulty torque converter or stuck transmission valve body can also cause this. On the electronic side, issues such as a malfunctioning throttle pedal sensor preventing signal transmission, insufficient engine fuel supply, unstable fuel pump operation, or clogged fuel injectors can also be culprits. Last time my car's engine light came on with similar symptoms, I immediately pulled over to check and found it was due to misfiring caused by aged spark plugs. For safety, don't force driving as it could lead to accidents. Contact a professional repair shop right away to inspect the transmission, clutch, or ECU system to prevent the problem from escalating and avoid the hassle of towing.
