Hesitation while driving?

USCS04

MEMBER
2001 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
75,000 MILES

Recently while driving I have noticed that the engine, hesitates when pressing the gas, where the RPM's don't rev up, but the engine does not go. It lasts approximately 1-2 seconds and then goes away. I had noticed this first when starting from being at a stop sign, but it has also done it while making a turn. I changed the belt, thinking it was slipping, but I have also had the gas tank near empty for a while and only fill it a little at a time, as I dont use the vehicle all the time now.

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

There are several potential reasons why your car might be hesitating when you press the gas pedal. Here are some possibilities:

Fuel System Issues: If you've been running your car with a near-empty gas tank for a long period of time, this might cause debris that's normally at the bottom of the tank to get sucked into the fuel system, which can clog the fuel filter or injectors. This can limit the amount of fuel being delivered to the engine, causing hesitation. You might need to replace your fuel filter or have the fuel injectors cleaned or replaced.

Dirty Air Filter: If the air filter is clogged or dirty, it can restrict the amount of air entering the engine, which can also lead to hesitation. Check your air filter and replace it if needed.

Ignition System Problems: Issues with the ignition system, such as worn-out spark plugs or a failing ignition coil, can cause your engine to misfire or hesitate. You might need to have your ignition system inspected.

Throttle or Sensor Issues: If there's a problem with the throttle body, throttle position sensor, or mass airflow sensor, your car might hesitate when accelerating. These components regulate the amount of air entering the engine, and if they're malfunctioning, it can cause your engine to behave unpredictably.

Transmission Problems: If your car's automatic transmission isn't shifting gears properly, it can cause a delay or hesitation when you try to accelerate.