Jerking and engine running hard

Tiny
FELICIA NATHAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 KIA SPECTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
This morning as I was driving, not really accelerating just maintaining a speed of about 40 mph and the car jerked really hard. I kept driving and noticed that it was running hard. Sounded like I was in third gear and trying to do 60 mph. So I checked and nope I was in Drive. I got off the highway and just let it sit for a few, there were no issues. Check engine light never came on. What I did notice is when I stepped on gas to take off the mph gauge did not move. It was like I was forcing it and then finally it moved. I continued on to work but stayed around 50 mph. It was still running hard and the mph gauge was over 3000 but not yet to 3500. When I got to work I turned car off, let it sit for a few minutes and it started right up, no issues. During all of this the check engine light never came on. I do need an oil change but I have needed one before and this has never happened. About two weeks ago I got a tune up but have had no issues since then. Sunday I made the mistake of putting premium gas in the car for the first time ever, I always use regular. This morning I drove to the airport and home (doing about 70 mph driving for about an hour, no issues. But then an hour later when I was driving to work the big jerk occurred. And I do not drive that fast going to work because I am in rush hour traffic so there is a lot of stop and go. Someone said it could be the throttle position sensor. I am wondering if it could be the gas. I did put premium in on Sunday but then yesterday evening I put the correct regular gas in. The car was not completely on empty so maybe it is the mixture that causing the issue? Or maybe something is wrong with the tune-up/ spark plugs. Should the check engine light have come on? Thanks.
Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 AT 6:56 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
The light should come on, but it may not be something to do with engine, have a mechanic scan for codes because it may be something like traction control messing it up.
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 AT 7:25 AM
Tiny
FELICIA NATHAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, I will. Thank you!
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 AT 7:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hi FELICIA,

Here is a guide on how you can scan for codes yourself

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

Let us know what you find

Best, Ken

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Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 AT 7:14 PM

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