When trying to accelerate the car jerk, loses power and does not accelerate

SAMUEL YINKX

MEMBER
2014 MERCEDES BENZ C180
1.6L
AUTOMATIC
48,000 MILES

I think the crankshaft sensor is failing. When I push hard on the accelerator, the car starts to jerk and there is a loss of power in the engine and the car doesn’t accelerate as fast anymore.

Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 4:58 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

That can be the result of several different things. Most times, the check engine light will turn on while the engine is running and not turn off. Is that happening? At 48,000 miles, the sensor shouldn't be an issue.

Is the check engine light staying on all the time? If it is, you should have the computer scanned to identify diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own an scanner, but often times a parts store will do it free of charge. Have that done if the light stays on and let me know what codes are retrieved.

Next, things such as a partially plugged catalytic converter, low fuel pressure, several other sensors (MAF, IAT...) and the list goes on.

If possible, let me know if there are any other symptoms you experience and the conditions that may cause them.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 6:42 AM

SAMUEL YINKX

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your prompt answer above. The first time this happened, the engine light came on. Then when I tried to take it to a garage the day after, the engine light switched off and it hasn’t come on since.
Usually, once the engine is warm the car won’t jerk if I floor the gas pedal however within the first 5-10 minutes of driving, if I floor the pedal then the car will jitter and jerk and not accelerate as fast unless I switch the engine off and on again. Also I noticed that if the car jerks then the automatic eco mode on the car switches off and won’t come back on again unless I turn off the ignition and then on again.

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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 6:05 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Has the light returned? Also, have you tried having the computer scanned? I ask because often times they will store info in memory when a problem occurs. Is there ever a time the vehicle doesn't do this or is it just worse at times than it is others?

Joe

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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 9:19 PM