Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

If you start to notice that your Ford doesn't perform as well as it should, it's time to do some troubleshooting to figure out what might be wrong. A car that starts to accelerate poorly may have a problem in its mechanical system that is impacting its overall performance. In addition to poor acceleration, you may also find that the car handles roughly and even has trouble starting. While it's a good idea to have a mechanic check out your vehicle for problems, any one of these four common culprits may be responsible for acceleration and performance issues.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor or Mass Air Flow Sensor

A common reason for problems with the car's acceleration comes down to dirt and debris. Dirt can easily make its way into the car's mechanical system if the car's system is not cleaned regularly. If you live in a dirty or dusty environment, the mechanical system may be more prone to getting dirty faster. One problem that you might notice is that the sensors in the engine become dirty, which can cause your car's performance to decline overall, and it can also lead to problems with fuel delivery. The oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor may become dirty and affect the car's acceleration capabilities.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor, or TPS, can also cause issues with acceleration. The TPS might be a small part, but it's one that you should not ignore if you find that your car's performance is suffering. The TPS is a small sensor that regulates how much fuel the engine receives. The TPS uses a computer to detect how much fuel the engine is receiving and direct the engine to respond accordingly. Wear and tear or exposure to contaminants can interfere with the TPS's ability to work.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Another component that can affect performance and acceleration is the fuel filter. The fuel filter plays a critical role in ensuring that airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, pollen, and even larger objects such as leaves don't make their way into the engine compartment. If the fuel filter gets clogged, it won't filter out these contaminants, which then find their way to the engine and impact the car's performance.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is another vital part associated with the engine and its performance. The air filter keeps pathogens from the air out of the engine. If the filter gets too dirty, pathogens can work into the engine and cause performance problems.

For assistance with your vehicle's performance problems, contact our dealership today.