How To Troubleshoot Your Vehicle's Engine

Your vehicle's engine is one of the most important parts under the hood. If it stops working, your car stops running. Not only that, major repairs of the engine get very costly and are often the reason people dump their vehicle because repairs cost too much. However, if you can catch it before it gets too serious, you will be able to get the minor repairs done and have a car that lasts a long time. Here are some of the common problems that happen with the engine and what types of repairs might be needed.

The Engine Takes Too Long to Respond

When an engine takes a long time to respond, it is called hesitating. It doesn't mean it doesn't run, but if you step on the gas, it might take a few seconds before it responds, or your vehicle doesn't have the same power it once did. There are a few things that could be wrong if your engine is hesitating. The easiest problem to fix is if you have a dirty air filter. The air filter is usually changed when you get a tune-up, but if you haven't had one in a while, now is a good time to get it done.

Another minor problem that could be affecting your engine's response is if the spark plugs are worn down and need to be replaced. This is another thing often inspected during a tune-up and oil change. Other potential issues include bad ignition wires or problems with the ignition system that need to be repaired. In addition, you might need to repair the catalytic converter or replace the fuel filter.

The Engine is Misfiring

Misfiring or surging of an engine is just the opposite of hesitating. With surging or misfiring, you step on the gas and it speeds up, or does a sharp bucking or jolting motion. It usually only lasts for a second or two, but it is an early warning sign of something being wrong with your engine. Check the following things if your engine is misfiring or surging:

• Check the choke on your carburetor
• Look at the pressure level of your fuel pressure regulator
• Find out if the engine is running too hot
• Check the fuel pressure
• Inspect the ignition wires, spark plugs and distributor cap
• Check and adjust ignition timing
• Look at the fuel filter and air filter

The Service Engine Light is On

The service engine light on your dashboard might be frustrating every time it pops on, but it is trying to warn you that something is wrong. More often than not, it is a very easy fix that you can do yourself or will be simple for an auto repair business to fix for you. You should not put it off and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. It could be on due to spark plugs or wires that need to be replaced, a problem with the electronic control module, a loose gas cap, problem with your fuel quality, or a defective distributor.

For more information, contact Joe Troegner Auto Service or a similar company.