2000 Toyota Camry engine hesitates before moving

2000 TOYOTA CAMRY

11,900 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

MISSLYNN

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first thing in the morning or when the car has been sitting. I back out of my parking place, shift into drive and step on the gas. It takes a minute for the car to engage and move forward. It will sometimes hesitate the next few times I stop and go. Once it gets warmed up it is generally ok. I have had this problem for about two weeks. It has gradually gotten worse. What could be wrong, and what will it cost to fix? Thanks

Jun 30, 2009 at 7:46 PM

RASMATAZ

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
75,992 POSTS

You sure the transmission is not slipping? If not check below that can caused the hesitation

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition

Jun 30, 2009 at 8:18 PM

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