Why does a car intermittently lose power for a few seconds?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car intermittently loses power for a few seconds are as follows: Damaged spark plugs: The engine's ignition system mainly consists of the ignition coil and spark plugs. Spark plugs are wear parts that need to be replaced regularly. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, the electrode gap will increase, which affects spark plug ignition. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, carbon deposits will also form on the electrodes, which also affects spark plug ignition. If spark plugs fail to ignite, the car will experience power interruption. Generator failure: When the engine is not started, the battery powers all electronic devices in the car. After starting the engine, the generator powers all electronic devices. Both the ignition system and fuel supply system require electricity to operate. If the generator fails, it will cause problems in the ignition system and fuel supply system, leading to power interruption while driving.
I've experienced the car intermittently losing power for a few seconds several times. A few years ago, when I was driving my old car, it happened suddenly—the engine felt weak for a few seconds before returning to normal. The main culprit is usually the fuel system, such as a short circuit in the fuel pump or a clogged filter, causing unstable fuel pressure. Additionally, aging sensors or incorrect signals from the mass airflow sensor can mislead the ECU into adjusting the fuel injection improperly. If it happens during uphill climbs or acceleration, it might also be due to carbon buildup on the spark plugs causing ignition failure. I recommend checking the fuses and fuel pump connectors first, but avoid tampering with the electrical circuits yourself—get it diagnosed at a repair shop as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the power cuts out on the highway, it could be terrifying. Safety first.
