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Why does your car stutter and rough idling?

A car can stutter and experience rough idling due to various reasons. Here are some common causes:

1. Spark Plugs: Worn-out or faulty spark plugs can disrupt the proper ignition of fuel in the engine, leading to stuttering and rough idling.

2. Ignition Coils: Bad ignition coils can fail to supply the necessary voltage to the spark plugs, causing misfires and rough idling.

3. Vacuum Leaks: Leaks in the vacuum system can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to unstable idling and stuttering.

4. Fuel Injectors: Clogged or faulty fuel injectors can deliver the incorrect amount of fuel, causing the engine to run too lean or too rich and resulting in rough idling.

5. Throttle Body Issues: A dirty throttle body or faulty throttle position sensor can disrupt the proper regulation of air intake, causing idling problems.

6. Idle Air Control Valve (IACV): Malfunctions or carbon build-up in the IACV can disrupt the regulation of air flow at low engine speeds, resulting in rough idling.

7. Timing Belt or Chain: Stretched or worn timing belts or chains can affect the engine's timing, causing stuttering and idling problems.

8. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor: A faulty MAF sensor can provide incorrect air-flow data, leading to an improper air-fuel mixture and subsequent rough idling.

9. Oxygen Sensor: A faulty oxygen sensor can provide incorrect feedback on the air-fuel mixture, leading to problems with idling and engine performance.

10. Fuel Quality: Substandard or contaminated fuel can cause combustion problems and rough idling.

11. Engine Compression Issues: Low compression due to worn piston rings or other mechanical problems can lead to stuttering and rough idling.

12. Clogged Catalytic Converter: A blocked catalytic converter can hinder the exhaust gas flow, affecting the engine's efficiency and causing rough idling.

13. Faulty Engine Mounts: Worn or broken engine mounts can introduce excessive vibrations that result in a rough idling sensation.

14. Computer Sensor Issues: Various sensors, such as the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor, can provide faulty data to the engine's computer, leading to idling problems.

If you notice persistent stuttering or rough idling, it's recommended to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify the exact cause and ensure proper repairs.