Car Sputtering When Check Engine Light Is On (Do That Now)


Car sputtering check engine light on

What causes an engine to sputter? Engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on are common issues that many car owners face. In most cases, these symptoms indicate that there’s a problem with the engine, fuel system, or ignition system.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the most common causes of engine sputtering and the check engine light coming on, and what you can do to resolve these issues.

1. Faulty or Dirty Sensors

Modern cars are equipped with numerous sensors that help detect and prevent potential problems. However, these sensors can sometimes become faulty or dirty, leading to unnecessary issues and causing the check engine light to turn on.

Mass Airflow Sensor

One common cause of engine sputtering is a dirty mass airflow sensor (MAF). The MAF measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps maintain a balanced air-to-fuel ratio for optimal performance.

When the sensor becomes dirty, it can malfunction and send incorrect information to the engine control module (ECM), leading to an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture and causing the engine to sputter.

Oxygen Sensors

Faulty or dirty oxygen sensors can also result in engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on. Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gases and help the ECM adjust the air-fuel mixture accordingly.

When these sensors malfunction, they can cause an incorrect air-fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance and sputtering.

2. Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Worn or faulty spark plugs are another common reason for engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and when they wear out or malfunction, they can cause cylinder misfires and poor engine performance.

Ignition Coils

In addition to spark plugs, faulty ignition coils can also cause engine sputtering and the check engine light to turn on. Ignition coils provide the necessary voltage to the spark plugs for ignition. When they fail, they can cause misfires and poor engine performance.

3. Fuel System Issues

Problems with the fuel system can also lead to engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on. Some common fuel system issues include:

Fuel System Leaks

Leaks in the fuel system can introduce air into the system, causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture and leading to engine sputtering.

Fuel system leaks are not only dangerous due to the release of flammable gases but can also cause further damage to the vehicle if left unaddressed.

Clogged or Dirty Fuel Injectors

Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can also cause engine sputtering and the check engine light to turn on. Fuel injectors spray fuel into the combustion chamber, and when they become clogged or dirty, they can disrupt the proper air-fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance and sputtering.

Malfunctioning Fuel Pump

A malfunctioning fuel pump can also cause engine sputtering and the check engine light to turn on. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine, and when it fails, it can disrupt the flow of fuel, causing the engine to sputter and lose power.

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4. Catalytic Converter Issues

A failing catalytic converter is another potential cause of engine sputtering and the check engine light coming on.

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful exhaust gases into less harmful substances before they exit the exhaust system.

Symptoms of a Failing Catalytic Converter

When the catalytic converter becomes clogged or fails, it can cause poor engine performance, increased exhaust emissions, and a rotten egg smell. If left unaddressed, a failing catalytic converter can eventually lead to complete engine failure.

5. Vacuum Leaks

Vacuum leaks can also cause engine sputtering and the check engine light to turn on. A leak in the vacuum system can disrupt the proper air-fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration.

Symptoms of a Vacuum Leak

Some common symptoms of a vacuum leak include a rough idle, poor acceleration, and a check engine light that comes on. In some cases, vacuum leaks can also cause the engine to stall or hesitate when trying to accelerate.

6. Exhaust Manifold Leak

An exhaust manifold leak is another potential cause of engine sputtering and the check engine light coming on.

The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from the engine, and a leak in the manifold can cause poor engine performance, increased noise, and the release of harmful exhaust gases.

Symptoms of an Exhaust Manifold Leak

Common symptoms of an exhaust manifold leak include poor engine performance, increased engine noise, and the check engine light coming on.

If left unaddressed, a leaking or cracked exhaust manifold can cause further damage to the engine and surrounding components.

7. Bad Spark Plug Wires

In some cases, engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on can be caused by bad spark plug wires. These wires connect the ignition coils to the spark plugs, and when they become worn or damaged, they can disrupt the flow of electricity, leading to misfires and poor engine performance.

Symptoms of Bad Spark Plug Wires

Symptoms of bad spark plug wires include engine sputtering, poor acceleration, and the check engine light coming on. Replacing worn or damaged spark plug wires can help resolve these issues and improve overall engine performance.

8. Timing Issues

Engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on can also be caused by issues with the engine’s timing.

The timing belt or chain helps synchronize the opening and closing of the engine’s valves with the movement of the pistons, and when the timing is off, it can lead to poor engine performance and sputtering.

Symptoms of Timing Issues

Common symptoms of timing issues include engine sputtering, poor acceleration, and the check engine light coming on. In some cases, timing issues can also cause the engine to stall or fail to start.

9. Emissions System Issues

Problems with the emissions system can also cause engine sputtering and the check engine light to turn on. The emissions system is designed to control and reduce the release of harmful exhaust gases, and when it malfunctions, it can lead to poor engine performance and sputtering.

Symptoms of Emissions System Issues

Common symptoms of emissions system issues include engine sputtering, poor acceleration, and the check engine light coming on. In some cases, emissions system issues can also cause the engine to stall or fail to start.

10. Transmission Issues

In some cases, engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on can be caused by issues with the transmission.

The transmission is responsible for transferring engine power to the wheels, and when it malfunctions, it can cause poor engine performance and sputtering.

Symptoms of Transmission Issues

Common symptoms of transmission issues include engine sputtering, poor acceleration, and the check engine light coming on. In some cases, transmission issues can also cause the engine to stall or fail to start.

What to Do if Your Car Sputters and Check Engine Light Is On?

If your car is sputtering and the check engine light is on, it’s crucial to take immediate action to diagnose and address the underlying issue.

Start by having a certified technician retrieve the trouble codes from your car’s computer, which will help point to the problematic components and make it easier to diagnose the issue.

Once the problem has been identified, consult a reputable auto repair shop for a thorough inspection of your car’s exhaust system, oxygen sensors, ignition system, fuel system, and other critical components.

The mechanic will provide a detailed report on the cause of the sputtering and check engine light, along with an estimate of the necessary repairs and costs.

Car Sputtering And Check Engine Light Is Flashing

The flashing check engine light indicates that your car engine is misfiring, which can be caused by various factors such as a lack of fuel, faulty catalytic converter, oxygen sensor malfunctioning, dirty fuel injectors, or bad spark plugs.

A failing fuel pump can also cause sputtering and decreased fuel pressure, making it difficult to start the engine.

To diagnose the issue, it’s essential to retrieve the codes and have a reputable mechanic inspect the exhaust system, oxygen sensors, and other essential components, including the fuel and ignition systems.

Final Thoughts

Engine sputtering and the check engine light turning on are clear indicators of a problem with your car’s engine, fuel system, or ignition system.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs down the road. By taking prompt action and seeking professional assistance, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle and prevent further damage.

Steve P.

Steve is an automotive technician, technical writer, and Managing Editor. He has held a lifelong passion for cars, with a particular interest in cars like the Buick Riviera. Steve is based in Boise, Idaho.

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