Acceleration hesitation and poor fuel MPG

BSCHOLZ5150

MEMBER
2007 SCION TC
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

I have the car listed above that I have only had a month. Last couple days it has been stuttering when I try to accelerate. Idle is fine, starts fine, but when I push the pedal, it still accelerates, but had a slight chug to it. Gas MPG had also taken a slight hit. I'm no mechanic, I can d do usual stuff, but I have no idea with this. Please help. Thanks

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

There are several things that can be causing the issue. First, is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If it is, have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/-6SmUURn1ac

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but oftentimes, a parts store will do it free of charge.

The next test (and don't laugh) is this. On a slight hill where it is safe from traffic and getting hit, stop the vehicle and place the transmission in neutral. Take your foot off the brake and see if the vehicle moves on its own.

I'm suggesting that because the rear calipers are known to hang up due to rust. If you have a brake hanging up, it certainly will make it feel like there is a loss of power.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Additionally, let me know if there are any strange odors, sounds, or anything you can think of that may help me diagnose the issue.

Joe

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 AT 8:02 PM

BSCHOLZ5150

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Joe, I am actually thinking it's the brakes now too. Not sure if front or back. Took it to shop couple days ago cause I hear scraping or rubbing noise from driver front wheel. Said they removed a rock behind backing plate. Since then, noise still there, but today it very quickly turned into entire vehicle shudder. Not when applying brakes, that doesn't change the feel at all. But when driving, I can feel the brakes or something holding it back. Would that b rear or front brakes. But also the scraping sound stays the same when braking. It doesn't change, strange.

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 AT 10:16 PM

BSCHOLZ5150