CAR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

Car Performance Problems | ACDelco

Not everyone who drives is an expert on vehicle performance, and that’s why ACDelco offers you this handy reference guide. Knowing something about how your vehicle performs and handles will make communicating with service advisors and technicians fast and easy.

PERFORMANCE PROBLEM

POSSIBLE PROBLEM

 
 
 
 
Cuts out
Temporary, complete loss of power. Engine quits at sharp, irregular intervals. May occur repeatedly or intermittently. Usually worse under heavy acceleration.
Detonation
Mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration and load. Engine makes sharp, metallic knocks that change with throttle opening. Sounds like marbles rattling around.
Dieseling
Engine runs after ignition switch is turned off. Runs unevenly and may make knocking noises.
Hesitation
Momentary lack of response as accelerator is pressed. Can occur at all speeds. Usually most severe when starting from a stop. May cause engine to stall.
Missing
Pulsation or jerking that changes with engine speed. Exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed. Not normally felt above 50 km/h.
Rough idle
Engine runs unevenly at idle. Car may also shake.
Sluggish
Engine delivers limited power under load or at high speed. Won’t accelerate as fast as normal. Loses too much speed going up hills. Has less speed than normal.
Spongy
Less-than-anticipated response to increased throttle opening. Little or no increase in speed when accelerator is pushed down to increase cruising speed. Continuing to push pedal down will finally give an increase in speed.
Stall
 Engine stops running or dies out. May occur at idle or while driving.
Surge
Vehicle speeds up and slows down with no change on accelerator pedal. Can occur at any speed.