What to Do When the Engine Lacks Power?

[StevenDella]

Many people believe that carbon buildup on the throttle body can affect the engine's acceleration performance. However, carbon buildup on the valves primarily causes idle instability and has little impact on acceleration. A clogged or waterlogged cabin air filter reduces airflow, leading to an overly rich air-fuel mixture, incomplete combustion, poor acceleration, and severe black smoke from the exhaust. Insufficient fuel pump pressure can result in poor fuel delivery, affecting acceleration. Poor fuel injector atomization can cause cylinders to misfire or stop working, further impacting acceleration performance. A faulty mass airflow sensor reduces intake air volume, causing the air-fuel mixture to become too rich or too lean, which affects acceleration. Additionally, individual spark plug failure can contribute to this issue.