Hesitating when first accelerating from a stop

LISABETH

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA AVALON
168,000 MILES

My car is fuel injected. It has been hesitating when I first begin to accelerate. It is okay on the highway, but hesitates as if fuel is not flowing.

On the highway, it does no hesitate. I notice it more when I am starting and in slower traffic. It is almost as is the fuel is not flowing at the beginning when accelerating from a stop.

10 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Yes, this sounds like the throttle bore is dirty and needs to be cleaned. Here are two guides to help us see whats going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers

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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 4:02 AM

KENDRARUSSELL

MEMBER
1 POST

Thanks you so much for this post. I had this problem and serviced the throttle bore per the guide and the engine runs great! I love this site.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:53 PM

MKHOSH

MEMBER
3 POSTS
1999 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hi,

When I start the car in the mornings, car starts fine with no problems, engine sounds good, no anomalies. However, when I put it in gear, reverse or froward, the car seems to hesitate moving when gas pedal is pushed. Once it warms up after about half a mile, it runs fine.

I have had the injectors cleaned, replaced the transmission oil and filter, replaced cold sensors. Still have the problem. I would appreciate a response.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

This could be the result of many things. For example, needing a tune up, a bad coolant temp sensor, weak fuel pump pressure.

To start, when was the engine last tuned up?

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

MKHOSH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi,

last tune up was about at 120,000 miles. The coolant temperature sensor has been replaced.

Should I repalce the plugs?

Thank you for your quick response.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

I would at least check the plugs to make sure they are still in good condition. Also, have you checked fuel pump pressure when the engine is cold?

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

MKHOSH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Um, how do you check the fuel pump pressure?

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

BALDWIN575

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1 POST
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
FWD
AUTOMATIC
275,000 MILES

While driving approximately above fifty five mph my vehicle has felt like it has shifted or hesitated into another gear. Can you tell what the problem may be? It recently has a oil change and all fluids have been topped off. Also my ABS remain on on the dashboard. It seems that after having my rear struts changed it has stayed that way. Any connection between the two. Thanks for your help.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Have the shop that replaced your struts to check the wheel speed sensors on the wheels where they did the work (I hope that the work is still under warranty). It is possible that they left the sensors unplugged by accident.
If so this could cause your transmission to shift differently because it uses wheel speed to determine vehicle speed and then determine when to up shift or downshift.

I believe that on your car you can peek through the wheel and look for wires which are disconnected. However, it is better if you can get underneath the vehicle.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Let me know if this helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fuel-pump-pressure-and-regulator-test-video-all-cars

You will need a fuel pressure gauge. Most parts stores will lend them to you.

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Sunday, September 9th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)