A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing the car to sputter and hesitate. Replacing a clogged fuel filter is a simple and inexpensive fix.
2. Faulty fuel injector
A faulty fuel injector can cause the engine to receive too much or too little fuel, which can cause sputtering and hesitation. Cleaning fuel injectors or replacing them if they are damaged or clogged can resolve the issue.
3. Ignition system problems
Problems with the ignition system such as worn spark plugs, faulty spark plug wires, or a failing distributor cap or rotor, can cause the engine to misfire and sputter. Replacing these ignition components can solve the problem.
4. Vacuum leak
A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean or rich and cause sputtering and hesitation. Checking for vacuum leaks using smoke test or visual inspection and repairing them can fix the issue.
5. Faulty oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas to ensure the engine is running efficiently. A faulty oxygen sensor can provide incorrect data to the engine management system causing the car to sputter and hesitate. Replacing the oxygen sensor can resolve the issue.
6. Catalytic converter problems
A clogged or damaged catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow, causing the engine to sputter and hesitate. Replacing a faulty catalytic converter can solve the problem.
Note: If the sputtering is accompanied by a check engine light, it's important to retrieve and address any engine fault codes stored in the vehicle's computer can provide valuable information about the root cause of the problem and aid in a proper diagnosis.
