Table of Contents
Introduction to the topic
Well, it sounds like you’re having some trouble getting your automobile started. Then you’ve come to the right place. The causes of car sputtering upon starting and their respective fixes are discussed in this article.
Many things can cause your automobile to sputter when you first turn the key, but perhaps you’ll learn enough from this article to figure out what’s wrong and get it running smoothly again.
If you’re having trouble starting your automobile, keep reading to find out why.
What are the possible causes of your car’s difficulty starting?

Perhaps the check engine light isn’t on, but the vehicle still jerks or the engine dies when you accelerate. There are a variety of possible causes, and some of them are straightforward to address.
In other cases, a professional mechanic may be required to fix the jerking car. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes of acceleration jerks in your vehicle. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us or visit our service center.
1. You use a manual transmission
This is merely a side effect of operating a manual transmission vehicle, and it poses no real difficulty. You may experience some jerking as you progress through the gears while learning. It’s normal with manual transmissions, though, so the ride will improve as you become acclimated to the settings.
2. Dull spark plugs
It is the spark plugs’ responsibility to ignite the mixture of fuel and air inside the engine, causing the combustion that drives the pistons. Therefore, if your vehicle begins sputtering, the spark plugs are likely the cause (or the cables attached to them).
It’s fairly uncommon for these parts to wear out, and a bad spark plug can lead to acceleration jerks, misfires, and an abnormally loud engine.
3. Unclean fuel injectors
Gasoline injectors are components of an internal combustion engine that dispense fuel directly into the combustion chambers. When the injectors are dirty, the engine doesn’t get the proper amount of gasoline and can misfire, especially when accelerating.
The good news is that most repair shops will be able to clean your fuel injector in less than a day. They can also be cleaned at home with a little elbow grease and some cleaning fluid in a depleted gas tank, or by using alternative techniques that call for a screwdriver and some familiarity with automobiles.
4. Low power source
A poor battery is probably the first thing to check. If the car’s battery is only partially charged, turning the key can cause some sputtering before the engine gets starting.
Once the engine is up and running, there is less demand for electricity from the battery, which could lead to a balance. Furthermore, the alternator will begin charging the battery soon as the engine is starting.
If the sputtering was caused by a low battery, it would likely only happen once, since the battery would be recharged during the drive. However, if the battery isn’t keeping its charge, starting the car may continue to be a struggle.
If the battery is weak, the car’s headlights will be dim when turned on, so check them before you start the engine. Is it time for a new battery? If so, try charging it with the right maintainer first. If a dead battery is to blame, changing it will stop the stuttering.
5. The air filter is clogged
The ideal proportions of air and gasoline are like a superhero team for your car. When the air filter in your car becomes too clogged with dirt and dust, the engine may not run as smoothly as it otherwise would. It’s simple to see if your filter needs to be replaced, and if it does, the cost is little. Choose a disposable filter that must be replaced frequently or a reusable one that can be cleaned.
6. Damaged gasoline pump
The fuel pump may be the next component to fail. The fuel pump transfers gas from the tank to the cylinders. If it is losing strength, it may not be able to push enough gas through the system.
And if the gasoline pump is the culprit, the sputtering might only happen when the tank is nearly empty. If you suspect the fuel pump is faulty, you can try priming the engine with a blast of propellant.
If the engine fires right up after that, the fuel pump is likely broken and needs to be replaced.
7. Faulty engine
A poor beginning is often the most obvious problem. For obvious reasons, a starter aids in getting your car going. If your battery is in good shape, it will supply the starter with the juice it needs to turn over the engine. If you hear a clicking noise whenever you crank the keys in the ignition, it’s likely your starter is broken.
Requesting a lift is a quick solution. In most cases, jump-starting your automobile will get it going again, but it won’t solve the problem permanently. If your car’s starter has stopped working, bring it to Highline Car Care and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.
What causes my car to sputter when I first start it from the cold?

The engine’s temperature drops in response to the cold, and it must be warmed up to the proper temperature before it can operate properly. Any time you try to start your car when it’s chilly outside, you’re attempting a cold start.
Three potential causes of cold-start sputtering exist:
- Stuck fuel injectors
- Faulty or soiled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
- Lackluster cleanliness in the throttle body
Because of blocked fuel injectors, not enough gasoline will be delivered to the engine’s spark plugs. Both acceleration and fuel economy can suffer if the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is broken or filthy. Likewise, the cleanliness of a car’s throttle body affects the performance of the engine.
A vehicle will sputter while starting from cold because of all these problems. So check those three things to make sure your automobile is ready for the winter.
How to know when to take action?
With so many potential reasons, how can you determine which to address first when trying to fix a car that sputters while starting? Now, a majority of these problems will trigger the onboard diagnostics system to illuminate the “check engine” warning.
A code can be read using an OBDII scanner if the check engine light comes on. Then, you can start working on the problem by looking up the code’s meaning.
If you don’t have a code, the only other possible explanation is a dead battery, so check that before anything else. Otherwise, you’ll get a code and know exactly what’s wrong.
Watch Quick fix: hard to start, sputtering, sluggish | Video
People also ask questions and answers related to Car stuttering when starting
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Conclusion

Having a car that sputters when you try to start it can be frustrating, especially since there are numerous potential causes. Fortunately, most of the repairs are inexpensive and can be made without purchasing a new vehicle.
To fix the issue, just replace or clean the faulty component after checking the engine error code. If your car sputters when you try to start it, don’t worry about missing any work because of it.
Dealing with a sputtering car as quickly as possible is important since it reduces gas mileage and may release harmful gases within the car. Fortunately, you are now fully equipped with the knowledge you need to deal with the issue of your car sputtering when you attempt to start it.
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