1. Fuel injector issues: Malfunctioning or clogged fuel injectors can disrupt fuel flow to the cylinders, leading to an inconsistent fuel mixture and causing the engine to run roughly.
2. Spark plug problems: Worn-out spark plugs or poor spark plug wire connections can create gaps in the ignition process, leading to rough idling and acceleration.
3. Ignition coil issues: Faulty ignition coils or coil packs can lead to misfires and cause the engine to putter.
4. Vacuum leaks: Air leaks in the vacuum system can cause a lean fuel condition, resulting in rough engine performance and acceleration.
5. Faulty oxygen sensors: Oxygen sensors provide feedback to the car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) to regulate fuel mixture. If these sensors fail or provide incorrect data, the ECU cannot adjust the fuel mixture correctly, leading to engine sputtering.
6. Catalytic converter problems: A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause the engine to lose power and run rough, particularly during acceleration.
7. Engine misfires: Worn-out or damaged spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, bad fuel, or a compression problem can cause the engine to misfire during acceleration.
8. Electrical problems: Electrical issues such as worn spark plug wires, faulty ignition coils, or a bad distributor cap/rotor can also lead to engine sputtering during acceleration.
It's important to pinpoint the exact cause by conducting proper diagnostics, as the symptoms of these various issues tend to be similar. It is recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or use specialized diagnostic tools to accurately identify the source of the problem. Self-diagnosis and repair can be tricky and may lead to further complications if the underlying cause is not properly identified and resolved.