Engine stutters when accelerating after warming up

Tiny
RIFF2015
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 KIA RIO
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 51,000 MILES
I've been having this issue for a bit and I don't want to start changing unnecessary parts. My vehicle started with this issue where it would start to stutter, lose power and hesitate once it's warmed up. Oddly enough I've noticed when the engine is cold, the stereo starts to cut out when I'm accelerating and then it starts hesitate when the engine is warm and the stereo is normal. A while back my mechanic changed out an ignition coil cause when I first started with this issue, it was throwing out a misfire in the first cylinder but he mentioned a misfire in all cylinders did pop up which was weird but he thought it may have been cause of the first cylinder misfiring so he told me to try driving for a few weeks and see if that corrected the problem. Spark plugs are brand new and I'm not getting any check engine lights as of right now. Would also like to add that I took it to an AutoZone and they checked the battery and alternator for me and the battery tested fine but when he went to check the alternator, it said that the battery didn't have enough of power to accurately test the alternator. I'm leaning towards some sort of an electrical issue but I have no idea where to start.
Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 5:37 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

I wonder if you have a batter draw that is making the battery weak when you first start it. Or, if the alternator isn't properly charging.

Take a look through these two links and follow them and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, January 25th, 2021 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
RIFF2015
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Seems like the battery and the alternator are fine using those instructions. Tomorrow I’m taking it up to my mechanic to see what he thinks. I appreciate the help though.
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Happy to help. Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
GEDDINWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey Riff2015, I am having the same issue. Did you ever get it resolved?
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Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

Sorry, but he never sent an update. What exactly is happening with your vehicle? Is the check engine light staying on with the engine running? Is it the same year, make, and model?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 3rd, 2021 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
GEDDINWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The wires coming out of the harness and going to the coil pack are shorting out. Ordered the parts to replace it.
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Saturday, September 4th, 2021 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
RIFF2015
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry for never updating this. Completely forgot. It was the ignition coil gone bad and the alternator starting to fail simultaneously.
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Saturday, September 4th, 2021 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
RIFF2015
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Changed out all the ignition coils and the alternator and have had no issues since.
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Saturday, September 4th, 2021 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, that ties right together. The idea that you see the wiring at the coils shorting, it does sound like you have the same problem. I'm not sure if you need them, but I attached the directions for replacing the coils below.

If you have a chance, let me know if this takes care of the issue. I suspect it is going to become a common problem and it will benefit others.

Also, thanks riff2015 for letting us know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, September 4th, 2021 AT 8:53 PM

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