Sputtering sound and slow to get going

SOIFSO

MEMBER
2017 TOYOTA COROLLA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
16,000 MILES

Every 6-8 weeks upon start up my engine will make this sputtering sound. Sounds like the engine is trying to expel fluid or impurities. It is very subtle and sporadic.

Along with this, the vehicle will not roll out of the driveway like it normally does. I double check to see if the brake is engaged, and it never is.

As I drive along the sputtering continues, I need to use a little extra pressure on the gas pedal to get going, and then 5 minutes later these issues disappear. Only to reappear 6+ weeks later. Also I will add that if I'm at a stoplight that is on a severe incline there is an added noise, the engine gets exceptionally loud. It sounds strained.

I drive it about 100 miles a month. Vehicle is always parked outside. The vehicle gets 6 month check ups at the dealership. I've never mentioned this to them, as I don't know how to describe the opposing problem. And for something that happens with such irregularity, I just didn't think finding an accurate diagnoses would be possible.

This issue has been presenting itself for 12 months now.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This sounds like a fuel related issue so we need to start with a couple things.

First let's check for codes just to see if there is something there that will confirm this or point us in another direction.

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

If there are codes then we can go that direction otherwise we need to check the fuel pressure. However, we need to check it when this is acting up. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Clearly with this only acting up maybe every other month it will not be easy but without a little more info we don't have many options. So let's start with codes and go from there. Thanks