Engine Dies When Accelerating too Quickly
6 months ago, I was driving down the highway at 70mph when there was a
slight jerk in my steering wheel towards the driver's side, the RPM gauge
went out and the check engine light came on. I made it the last mile into
town and as I slowed down to turn at the stop light, my engine started acting
like it was going to die. When I pushed the gas to complete the turn, nothing
happened besides a rolling forward from previous momentum. With the gas
pedal completely to the floor, it eventually got power and I was able to make
the turn and get through the one block to the next light, which of course was
red, and sure enough, my engine died. It would not immediately restart.
After about 5 minutes it did barely start and I "limped" into the gas station
right there at the light.
I was able to get someone to come read my check engine codes which were
"Crankshaft position Sensor Circuit - Malfunction" and 'Battery / Ignition
Voltage Too Low." he made some adjustment to my car which allowed me to
drive it the 20 miles to the dealer. At first, KIA claimed the only issue was the
oil needed changed, but they did end up replacing the Crankshaft Sensor.
While that helped, my car would still die if I accelerated too quickly. My Dad
had me put fuel treatment in and that further seemed to help as now it only
tries to stall if I am accelerating too quickly at higher speeds, such as trying
to merge into a multilane divided highway or pass someone on a two-lane
highway. I thought maybe it just needed time, so I waited a couple months
and finally reported back to my Dad that it was still doing this and he had me
get injector cleaner. However, when trying to pass someone who was going
60 in a 65, I accelerated a little too quickly (I'm getting better at controlling
my accelerating to accommodate my car, but there was a car coming this
time.) and the engine started acting like it was going to die. If I back off of
the gas immediately, I usually prevent my engine from dying.
What could possibly be wrong and what can I do? I have been without
income for an extended period now while I am still searching for a job, so I
don't have the money to take it to a mechanic, especially if they're not going
to find anything wrong. And my Dad is of the age now that he is no where
near as willing to do the work himself.