Burnaby Auto Repairs and Loss of Power

What Causes Loss of Power When Accelerating

truck at the beach

When you step on the accelerator and do not get the response you are used to, there is cause for concern. A loss of power when accelerating can be traced back to several different issues. Diagnosing the cause is a process of elimination that will require testing and inspection. Luckily, the experts at Crompton Brothers Burnaby auto repairs have the expertise to get down to the source of your problems quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the top issues that result in a loss of power while accelerating.

Causes of Power Loss

  1. Fuel Pump- If a fuel pump is starting to fail, the fuel pressure will be inadequate. When you accelerate, the engine will not receive enough fuel and it will struggle to pick up speed. Fuel pumps have to be replaced eventually, and it is considered part of normal maintenance.
  2. Fuel Filter- Your fuel filter has to process every bit of fuel that you put into the tank. Eventually, it will become clogged with small debris, and have to be replaced. If the filter is restricting fuel flow to the engine, it will struggle to accelerate.
  3. Spark Plugs- Worn spark plugs will fail to fully ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. This is also known as a misfire and will rob your vehicle of power. This may be most noticeable when your vehicle is running at higher RPMs.
  4. Ignition Coil- Your ignition coil is responsible for amplifying the voltage sent to your spark plugs so that they have enough power to ignite the fuel properly. If the coils are failing, your spark plugs may be weak and cause a misfire. Again, this may show itself at higher RPMs.
  5. Air Intake- Clogged air filters, a clog in the air intake, or a faulty air intake sensor may also rob the engine of power. Without enough air, the engine will struggle and will not want to accelerate.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing a loss of power typically starts with a scan for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. These can trigger a check engine light if the issue detected is dire enough. Any codes present will give the technician a starting place for testing. If there are no codes present, the technician can start inspecting some of the components listed above.

If you have noticed a lack of power or loss of acceleration, visit your local experts at Euro Fix. We specialize in European models such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi, MNI, Saab, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more. Our location can be found in Burnaby. Schedule services online, search for quotes, and more. Call to inquire more, ask questions, or follow up on schedule.