Hesitation when push gas and car sputters when taking off or accelerating

Tiny
SUSAN WEILENMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 275,000 MILES
It was fine one day and the next it started sputtering and hesitating at take off and would not accelerate right away. It has been two to three weeks and it has gotten worse. Now it is even doing it while driving too, not just taking off.

Now almost every time I press the gas pedal it sputters, rpm's jump around and car does not want to accelerate, and has even backfired even while on highway. While stopped and in gear Drive the idle randomly drops and wants to die, but idles fine while in neutral. As soon as I put it in gear, the idle drops to around 500-600 rpm's
After owning the car three years suddenly started blowing the fuse for stereo and interior lights when I tried to use power window. And now my lock button on the door stopped working but keypad still works.
Please help me I am low income and my only transportation to work for me and my three kids.
Saturday, November 5th, 2016 AT 2:38 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Was it ever tuned up or spark plugs replaced? scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a guage also check for a vacuum leak like a line off etc. auto parts rent gauge see link. for lock button you have to check to see if there is power going out of it as it may be bad for fuse you will have to check for a short in the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Saturday, November 5th, 2016 AT 6:49 AM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi SUSAN,

I am sending you a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself, also I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to
help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Sunday, November 6th, 2016 AT 2:23 PM

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