Help! Can someone tell me what is wrong with my car?

Question

My car, which is a 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback, is acting up. When I am driving and press down on the gas, the car jerks (my husband says it lurches). It does not do it all the time when the gas is on, but it does it quite often. We tried gas treatment to see if that was the problem, but it has not helped. Can anyone tell my what is going on and how much it is going to cost to fix it?

Answer 1

Take it to a reputable shop and pay for a diagnostics.

Answer 2

There are a number of things that you should check, - which might be the problem.

Check your engine mounts, when you step on gas fast, it may "climb" up from torque,- then "fall back" into origional position, -- making a "jump"of sorts. This could "stretch" the throttle cable a little, - and aggrivate the "lurch" also!

You may have a defective sensor affecting the way the engine runs. Or it may just need a tuneup, (but putting it on diagnostic computer,- so you have indication of all sensors work together),- will let you know how all that is!.

Also if it is all wheel drive (all the time),- there is an outside chance you have a bad axle or universal joint which is giving a "Jerk" as everything "catches up from "floating" to "pulling"! Since all 4 wheels are supposed to turn in "syncronization", - slack will make something "slip or Jump"- as everything gets equalized out!

Answer 3

this sounds like a problem in the spark distribution. it could be a simple as a bad plug(s), a borken wire(s) the distributer cap, or i believe your car has a coil pack which may not be delivering the spark to all cylinders. I really need more info to answer your question. does it have the same problem under heavy acelleration? (passing gear) i agree with one of the other answers too that it could be in the drive train (gears slipping).
I find it odd that the car does not have the problem all the time.
I am thinking if so the problem is simple just need to pin point.

Answer 4

Go to one of the major auto parts stores and ask them to scan your trouble codes. It is a free service. I don't know if your check engine lite is on or not. Get it done as not all problems turn on the check engine lite. It is not possible to answer your question as there are so many things that could be causing it. Always remember, NEVER change any part until you know what the problem is.

Answer 5

It could be as simple as a spark plug wire, a partically plugged fuel filter,water in the fuel to a bad valve. Save yourself some money go to a dealer that sells and repairs that type of vehicle and usually they can pinpoint the problem quickly(its all done by computers)

Answer 6

Does it only do it when you press the gas to go?

There are several reasons to why it does that.

1. You could need transmission fluid and filter change. the fluid is low, or some other transmission work.

2. You could need new tires or your tires rotated the tires could be going bald.

3. Your wheel bearings, ball joints, or CV shaft could need replacing.

4. Or you have a sensor blown

All in all you need to see a qualified mechanic so they can diagnose the car. It is hard to diagnose a car specifically without a test drive or looking.

Answer 7

if it isnt the engine mounts then go to the auto parts and get a 5 or 10 dollar fuel filter and replace it yourself

Answer 8

If it is under light acceleration, tune it up, change the plugs/wires/dist. cap and rotor. More than likely the cap and rotor combination will take care of the problem.

Answer 9

IS CAR AUTOMATIC? LET ME KNOW.