Why Is My Car Engine Stuttering When I Drive?

Also, I don't see mentioned above, but I find is a common problem with engine stutter on a newly replaced engine...moisture in the fuel. It can get there several ways. Since the engine was used, it's quite possible some condensation happened, but not necessarily the culprit. Lately, I've dealt with several customers that had loose fitting gas caps. Before I start replacing things, I tend to start with a complete drainage of the fuel tank and flush of the fuel line.

Likely Causes



Fuel Pump Pressure -

Fuel pump pressure that is not correct can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds.




Ignition Timing -

Ignition timing that is not correct can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds.




Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor -

A MAF sensor that is not working correctly can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds.




Fuel Delivery -

A fuel delivery problem that is causing either a lean or rich condition can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds.





Overlooked Causes



Air Conditioning (AC) System, If Equipped -

An AC system problem that is causing excessive cycling of the air conditioning compressor clutch can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds. NOTE: Only vehicles equipped with AC.




Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, If Equipped -

An EGR valve that is malfunctioning can cause a surge when driving at steady speeds. NOTE: Only vehicles equipped with an EGR valve.

The intake manifold is very important for the motor can breath right. You should get this fixed. The spitting and sputtering could be a number of things. A motor runs off of three basic principals. Air, spark and combustion. It sounds to me that you have bad spark. I had a car that did the same thing and couldn't figure out what it was. It ended up being the crank shaft position sensor.

Toyota avalon 1996 when the car is cold it drives with no stutter when I step down on the gas no stutter when the engine gets to normal temp. And I step down on the gas pedal it starts to stutter, when I'm parked and press the gas pedal when it reaches around 2500 rpm it starts to stutter I don't know why

I have  99 malibu that is spits and sputters around 90 km's, I had the fuel filter changed and air filter and its still does it, the plugs and wires are okay so what is causing this problem, can anyone give me insight, its driving me crazy and the mechanics can't figure it out
thank you

Try checking you gas filter.

My car drives but it stutters what could be the problem