Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

Most of the time, you can count on your Nissan to deliver smooth, predictable, and reliable performance. If your Nissan has something wrong with its mechanical system, however, it won't be able to provide the performance that you generally expect. One issue that you may notice with your Nissan is that the car's accelerator may be less responsive than usual. A vehicle that takes a while to accelerate is generally an indication of an ailing mechanical component, most likely a problematic sensor or filter. Several sensors and filters enable your car's optimal performance, and a problem with any one of them can create side effects.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor or Mass Air Flow Sensor

The engine in your Nissan has two main sensors, which are called the oxygen sensor and the mass airflow sensor, or the MAF sensor. The oxygen sensor controls the volume of oxygen in the car's engine. This sensor ensures adequate amounts of oxygen to create a powerful fuel mixture in the vehicle that allows it to function properly. The mass airflow sensor ensures adequate air volume for engine performance. If these sensors are dirty, they can keep sufficient air from reaching the engine, detracting from its performance capabilities.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

Another component that can develop problems is the throttle position sensor. This sensor is also a small component in the engine, but it has the key duty of regulating fuel levels in the engine. If the sensor's surface gets coated in contaminants, it won't be able to detect if the engine has enough fuel. If fuel levels get too low as a result, the engine will have problems running. The car may not be able to accelerate as quickly, and the engine may have other performance problems as well.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter can easily become clogged with dirt, pollen, dust, and other pollutants if it is not cleaned off on a regular basis. The filter's cleaning schedule varies by vehicle, so you should check the owner's manual to find out when the filter on your car needs to be changed. Certain factors, such as living in a dusty environment, mean the filter probably needs replacement more often.

Dirty Air Filter

Your car's air filter typically removes contaminants in the air before they have a chance to get into the engine. However, an air filter that gets too dirty cannot remove those contaminants, which means they risk damaging the engine.

For diagnostics and services related to your car's acceleration capabilities, contact our helpful dealership today.