Hesitating when first accelerating from a stop

Tiny
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.
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 4:00 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 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
Tiny
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
Tiny
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)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 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)
Tiny
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)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 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)
Tiny
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)
Tiny
BALDWIN575
  • MEMBER
  • 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)
Tiny
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)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 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)

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