What would cause the engine to hesitate occasionally while driving or to cut off when stepping on the gas after a stop?

Asked by bertsmith4 Mar 15, 2016 at 12:36 PM about the 1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW1 Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Vehicle occasionally hesitates while driving and cuts off when stepping on the
gas after a stop. It cuts off when stepping on the gas in reverse and when the
AC is running.

11,205

sixfootsix_car_guy answered 8 years ago

Hi Bert-It could be a number of issues however if the car is overheating, I would address that first. It could be something as small as a thermostat. Is it leaking coolant? Also you say it "cuts out" do you mean it hesitates, or stalls? It could be a few parts that need replacing but these cars are very inexpensive to repair if you stay on top of the maintenance. Let me know and I will be happy to guide you as best I can.

Mark helpful

3,475

Paul answered 8 years ago

I would say start with a thorough complete tune- up spark plugs spark plug wires you know a complete tune-up even cleaning your throttle body and EGR valve you could possibly use seafoam for the fuel system and as an engine treatment. let us know the status of your vehicle maybe you've already done that and get back to us.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

What would cause the engine to hesitate occasionally while driving or to cut off when stepping on the gas after a stop? 2 Answers

Vehicle occasionally hesitates while driving and cuts off when stepping on the gas after a stop. It cuts off when stepping on the gas in reverse and when the AC is running.

1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW1 Wagon

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Maintenance & Repair
I have a Saturn 1992 SL Sedan with 164,000 miles. I am having a major problem with the car cutting off while I am driving at a fairly constant speed or when I am idling at a stop light. The engine will shut off, along with the power steering and all other electronics. This happens when at a stop light only after I press on the gas to accelerate from a dead stop, but I am able to put the car in neutral and start the car again (sometimes it takes a while to restart). We tried getting the electronic control module repaired, but this did not fix the problem. We checked the oil and it appears to be of the correct viscosity for the engine. We are at our ends as to what needs to be done to fix this dire problem. Thank you for your time! 8 Answers

I have a Saturn 1992 SL Sedan with 164,000 miles. I am having a major problem with the car cutting off while I am driving at a fairly constant speed or when I am idling at a stop light. The engine w...

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1992 Saturn SC2, 123k miles. The car was bought a few months ago, and has run fine for short trips, and an occasional joy ride. About 2 weeks ago, I though I got some slug gas, and have been putting HEET, that seemed to work. The car runs great, then has trouble staying lit, and seems to lose revs to either dying, or coming damn close. Only occurs after has already had "a good run", and been turned off for a bit. Only happens whith initial push on gas pedal, and when down shifting..automatic 1 Answer

The car was bought a few months ago, and has run fine for short trips, and an occasional joy ride. About 2 weeks ago, I though I got some slug gas, and have been putting HEET, that seemed to work. ...

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Have a 1999 Saturn SL2 , it started stalling after warm when I stopped for red lights , would turn over but no start, push it out of traffic, wait 15 minuets or so and it would start up but stall out again while moving within a few blocks. Would it stand for an hour or so , it would start back up and run until it was warmed up again, 10 miles or so and the stall again while stopped.Is it the fuel pump or what. also, the RPM would go up and down on its own while stopped or driving !! 1 Answer

Stalls when warm, RPM goes up and down on its own when stopped or moving when hot or cold.After stalling would have to wait to cool down to start again. Fuel Pump, or what ??

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