What Causes the Engine Malfunction Light to Illuminate and Lack of Power During Acceleration?

[PaisleeLee]

Engine malfunction light illuminating and lack of power during acceleration can be caused by: 1. Oxygen sensor failure; 2. Substandard gasoline quality; 3. Intake manifold leakage leading to overly lean air-fuel mixture; 4. Low fuel pressure, clogged fuel injectors or fuel filter; 5. Abnormal signals from pressure sensor or throttle position sensor; 6. Sensor signal abnormalities causing incorrect ignition timing (excessively retarded ignition); 7. Weak spark due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils or high-tension wires; 8. Dirty throttle body; 9. Malfunctioning exhaust gas recirculation system; 10. Clogged exhaust pipe; 11. Low cylinder compression; 12. Turbocharger system failure.

[AylaLee]

I've experienced this while driving before—the engine warning light suddenly comes on, and when you step on the gas, the car feels sluggish, like it hasn't had enough to eat. This could be due to worn-out spark plugs; older cars are prone to this issue, where misfires leave the engine gasping for air. Another possibility is insufficient fuel pump pressure, where gasoline isn't delivered properly, naturally causing the car to struggle with acceleration. Faulty sensors, like the oxygen sensor, are also common culprits—if they're dirty or broken, they can mislead the computer into thinking everything's fine while messing up fuel delivery. A clogged air filter can also choke the engine, reducing power. I remember changing to new spark plugs made a big difference. If the light stays on during a long drive, it’s risky—the engine could suffer worse damage. It's best to get it checked at a reliable repair shop to avoid escalating repair costs.

[BrodyDella]

My wife's car also had this issue before. It felt sluggish during acceleration and the check engine light came on. The cause is often related to the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or water in the gas tank. Insufficient fuel supply makes the car lose power. A faulty ignition coil could also be the culprit, causing engine misfire like running with a limp leg. In cases of poor air quality, dust clogging the intake is another factor, especially when driving in urban smog. I once cleaned the air filter myself, which was simple and effective. However, if the problem is severe, don't take it lightly as it increases driving risks, especially when going uphill where accidents are more likely to occur. It's best to get a comprehensive check at a 4S shop promptly to prevent minor issues from escalating into major troubles.

[ORobert]

From a technical perspective, this issue stems from a malfunction in the engine control system. The illuminated engine light indicates the ECU has detected anomalies, often caused by faulty oxygen sensors sending erratic data, leading to improper fuel-air mixture ratios and sluggish acceleration. Damaged ignition components like spark plugs or coils also directly reduce combustion efficiency. I've personally used an OBD scanner to retrieve codes, with most being P0300 ignition misfires or fuel system related. It's recommended to read diagnostic codes for quick troubleshooting. If sensors are faulty, replacement is inexpensive—address it promptly to protect engine longevity and prevent catastrophic failure.