Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

Although Lexus is known for producing some of the most reliable vehicles, even a Lexus can occasionally encounter problems. One issue that you may notice with your car is that it starts to feel sluggish when you accelerate. A car that's slow to accelerate usually loses speed over time rather than having a sudden change in acceleration. Even if the problem seems like no big deal at first, it's essential to have a certified mechanic inspect your car to fix any issues before they become a major headache. If you're trying to figure out what's wrong with your car, consider these four possible causes.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor or Mass Air Flow Sensor

The engine in your Lexus relies on a few different sensors to operate properly. One sensor that the engine requires for proper function is the oxygen sensor. The car's oxygen sensor typically enables the proper exchange of fuel and oxygen, which guides the engine's performance. If the oxygen sensor breaks or gets coated in dirt, it can't regulate the levels of air and oxygen in the engine, which can make the car's engine light come on in addition to slowing its acceleration rate. The mass airflow sensor, which also helps with the engine's fuel exchange, can also get dirty and need to be replaced.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

A key part that enables proper engine function is the throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor can stop working correctly due to age or if it is coated in dirt and dust. If the throttle position sensor stops working, it won't be able to monitor the amount of fuel that the engine needs to meet the car's performance requirements. Without the proper amount of fuel flowing in, the car won't accelerate adequately, which results in sluggish performance.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A fuel filter that gets too dirty over time can also pose a problem for the engine and the car's mechanical system overall. The fuel filter should be changed frequently in order to prevent the accumulation of debris on its surface, which can ultimately impact its ability to work properly. A fuel filter should be changed at intervals specified in the owner's manual that comes with your car.

Dirty Air Filter

Like the fuel filter, the air filter in the engine needs to be kept clean to avoid the build-up of debris and contamination on the surface. The air filter is responsible for removing particles of dirt, pollen, dust, or grime from the air so that they don't cause engine problems.

To get more information on acceleration problems that can impact your car, contact our dealership today.