What causes engine hesitation in an older car?

Older engine’s are equipped with a distributor ignition system. This systems can cause hesitation when maladjusted, by using a timing light this situation can be checked and corrected. If the timing is adjusted too far retarded (behind the timing mark) in relationship to the engine crankshaft it will cause hesitation.

Why does my car hesitate when I open the throttle?

Many times an engine can hesitate without the computer detecting a problem, if this is the case proceed to the next step. Step 2 – Poor fuel pressure can cause the engine to go “lean” when the throttle is opened. The first check is to remove the fuel filter and check the flow by trying to blow through it, the filter should flow freely.

Why does my car hesitate when I press the clutch?

Step 10 – The clutch is designed to release the engine from the transmission, when this part wears it can cause a hesitation in the motion of the car. To test this condition drive the car at a steady speed, then very lightly tap the clutch pedal, if the car responds the clutch is worn.

What are the values of a 2003 Cavalier?

The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is designed with value in mind. Sporting a new chassis introduced this year, it rides smoothly and cleanly through turns and on rough road surfaces.

Why does my Chevy Cavalier not start up?

First-if your vehicle just doesn’t want to start (turning over but won’t ignite)-it could be the fuel pump but is most likely the ignition control switch (replaced 2 switches & 1 pump in my 70,000 + miles in this car). If you can change your own oil-you can change the switch (check you tube for videos and watch more than one).

How many Mikes are in a Chevy Cavalier?

Check back with us soon. Showing 3 of 1,724 reviews. I bought my cavalier used with supposedly 130,000 mikes on a rebuilt engine and had I known what I’m sharing with you-it would have made owning it much simpler.

What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?

The Cavalier is available in Coupe and Sedan body styles, in base, LS and LS Sport trim levels, with a 140 horsepower 2.2-liter L4 under the hood and a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. Safety features include front and side-body airbags, ABS brakes, daytime running lights and traction control.

Can a distributor ignition system cause engine hesitation?

This condition can cause dangerous situations in heavy traffic when drivers behind expect continuous forward movement. Older engine’s are equipped with a distributor ignition system. This systems can cause hesitation when maladjusted, by using a timing light this situation can be checked and corrected.

Why does my Mitsubishi Starion have engine hesitation?

As another example, I still have a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion, which ran perfectly for 35,000 miles. Then it developed an intermittent hesitation problem- you would be cruising at 60mph, on a 400 mile trip, ease off the gas pedal, and suddenly for 1/4 second, it was as though someone had switched off the engine and then turned it back on again.

Why does my car hesitate when I hit the gas?

Whenever you took off from rest, the harder you jumped on the gas pedal the deeper and longer the hesitation. At higher revs the engine seemed to be a slightly down on power. Thinking the problem was related to vacuum, fuel delivery and improper fuel air ratio, I spent a lot of time looking at things in this area, but how completely wrong I was.

What does it mean when your engine hesitates under load?

An engine that hesitates, stumbles or misfires when accelerating or when it is under load, is an engine that is either sucking too much air, not getting enough fuel, or misfiring. If the Check Engine Light comes on, you may find any of the following codes: P0171, P0174 Lean fuel condition codes P0120 to P0124 Throttle position sensor codes

Why is my car surging at idle speed?

When an engine’s computer can “hunt” or “surge” at cruising or idle speeds it is searching for program compliance, there is a problem elsewhere in the system.

Engine Hesitates, Stumbles, Lacks Normal Power. The computer uses this information to determine how much fuel is needed to maintain the correct air/fuel mixture, and when extra fuel is needed if the throttle suddenly opens wide.

What causes a car to stumble at high speed?

Severe cases require professional cleaning equipment. Other problems that cause acceleration stumble include vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure, a weak spark caused by low coil voltage or bad coil (s), retarded ignition timing, and contaminated gas.