How to diagnose and correct sputtering engine sound in a car

Description of this noise: An engine sputter is best described as an inconsistent harmonic sound coming from the engine. When an engine is tuned correctly, it typically sounds smooth and definitely not choppy. As the engine accelerates, the engines harmonics are equally smooth. A sputtering engine will rise and fall rapidly, may have periods of stalling or rapid acceleration or deceleration.

What causes this sound? Essentially sputtering is the end result of incomplete combustion. It's typically caused by ignition timing problems including ignition coil, distributor, rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires. In some rare instances, a sputter issue will be accompanied by a Check Engine Light that illuminates on the dashboard. When this occurs, the onboard computer will trigger an OBD-II error code that is stored in the onboard computer. In order to access this code a professional mechanic will need to attach a digital scan tool to the onboard computer.

On the other side of the equation, a sputter sound may also be contributed by a reduction in fuel flow. In many cases, if the fuel system is to blame, it's caused by clogged or dirty fuel injectors. If you notice this type of sound, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

First – download any error codes to pinpoint the source of the Check Engine Light
Second – check your fuel injector nozzles to see if they are dirty or clogged
Third – inspect your ignition system components for signs of damage, loose fitting wires or signs of condensation (usually inside the distributor cap)
If you complete these steps and still can't find the culprit, contact a professional mechanic at CarPartsNigeria or call 09099995678 as soon as possible to inspect your vehicle for electrical or fuel-related issues associated with a sputtering engine.