1996 Lexus ES 300 sputtering

170,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAXXXXXXX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
car runs fine when cold, but once it warms up it starts to sputter like it's about to run out of gas
Jul 21, 2009 at 12:01 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Possible causes:

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Jul 21, 2009 at 12:13 PM
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