Why does the car not respond when stepping on the accelerator and suddenly accelerate after a few seconds?
4 Answers
If the car does not respond when stepping on the accelerator and suddenly accelerates after a few seconds, it is most likely due to a dirty throttle body. Simply go to a professional auto repair shop to clean the throttle body. Below is relevant information: Function of the throttle body: The throttle body controls the amount of air entering the engine. The accelerator pedal does not control the fuel injection volume but the opening of the throttle body. After stepping on the accelerator, the ECU controls the throttle opening based on the signal feedback from the accelerator pedal sensor. Hazards of not cleaning the throttle body: If severe carbon deposits form on the throttle body, the engine will idle unevenly, and in more severe cases, it will cause the engine's power response to slow down, resulting in no response when stepping on the accelerator and delayed acceleration after a few seconds. There is no fixed time for cleaning the throttle body. Whenever the throttle body is dirty, it should be removed and cleaned with a professional cleaning agent, followed by computer matching.
When I press the accelerator and there's no response, followed by sudden acceleration after a few seconds, this is a common issue I encounter while driving turbocharged cars, primarily due to turbo lag. The engine needs time to compress air before delivering power, similar to waiting for water to accumulate when a pipe is clogged. Additionally, clogged fuel system components like the pump or filter can also cause uneven fuel supply. I would first check the air filter and fuel lines for excessive dust buildup. Regular maintenance can prevent this issue; cleaning the throttle body or upgrading the ECU settings can help reduce the delay. Safety first—avoid testing this on highways. Instead, visit a professional shop for a comprehensive diagnosis of the engine's response performance to ensure smooth power delivery.
Having driven for a lifetime, when the accelerator doesn't respond and then suddenly accelerates, I suspect it's due to insufficient fuel supply. An aging fuel pump or a clogged filter can cause the fuel delivery to lag. Sometimes, transmission slippage behaves similarly, with clutch wear leading to intermittent power transfer. Remember to check the battery and alternator, as unstable voltage can make electronic systems sluggish. Avoid sudden acceleration and drive steadily to prevent unexpected situations. For older vehicles, replacing worn parts saves money and ensures safety. Regular oil and filter changes are effective.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused by this issue - pressing the accelerator with no response, then sudden jerks. It might be due to slow electronic throttle system response or minor sensor issues like throttle position not feeding back data promptly. Simple solutions: try gentle pedal pressure instead of sudden acceleration, or clean accumulated dust from the air intake. Take it to a repair shop for computer diagnostic trouble codes - beginners should avoid DIY disassembly to prevent damaging wiring harnesses.
