Drivability

Performance at its Best: Tackling Drivability Challenges

The term drivability isn’t just a marketing buzzword used by vehicle manufacturers. It’s an essential distinguisher for both new and used vehicles that determines the quality of the vehicle and the way it drives. 

Many issues, commonly related to the ignition system or engine, can impact vehicle performance or drivability. An expert, such as 808 Automotive Inc., can perform diagnostic tests to determine the issue causing your vehicle's poor drivability.

What Does Drivability Mean?

Drivability refers to the vehicle’s ability to be driven. It tells you whether a vehicle can be adequately and safely operated. It also tells you about the smoothness and control of the drive. 

A vehicle with good drivability will have everything running as it should. On the other hand, a vehicle with poor drivability may exhibit engine problems or sensor failures. 

What Determines Drivability?

Troubleshooting drivability issues can sometimes be challenging. Some issues are immediately apparent, such as the check engine light coming on or the vehicle stalling. However, other issues may be more subtle. 

Your vehicle’s drivability issues can be fixed by checking off the following list items:

Starting Issues

Does the vehicle not initiate? If so, it’s not cranking. There are several possible causes, the most common being a dead battery. Other issues may include faulty ignition switches, malfunctioning starters, or misaligned gear switches. 

Is the vehicle cranking but failing to start? If so, it may be linked to the ignition system, fuel pump, a failed sensor in the injection system, fuse panel issues, or even an issue with the tracker.

808 Automotive Inc. can inspect the vehicle for starting issues and diagnose the underlying problem. 

Running Issues

Is the vehicle starting and running but poorly? Does it shut down after a brief period? These issues indicate very poor drivability. 

Worn-out components (for example, the throttle body), fuel system issues, contaminated fuel, and ignition switch or coil issues are the common culprits behind the poor running performance of vehicles. 

Cold Start/Run Issues

Is the vehicle performing better when it’s warmed up? If so, your vehicle may have cold start issues. Problems in the fuel injection system are the most common cause. However, it could also be an ignition system fault or a vacuum leak. 

Hot Start/Run Issues

Is the vehicle performing better when it’s cold than when it’s warmed up? If so, there may be an issue with the overheating relay or the ignition system. Other possible causes include fuel injector faults or problems with the radiator.

Stalling on Deceleration/Stop

Does the engine stall when you’re decelerating (braking) or come to a stop? Common causes of this problem include a dirty throttle body, idle air control issues, poorly sealed EGR value, or a faulty oxygen sensor.

At 808 Automotive Inc., our experts can inspect the vehicle’s running performance both at cold and hot start to find the underlying cause of issues.

Acceleration Problems

Is the vehicle showing hesitation on acceleration? Does it jerk while accelerating? There can be several reasons for this, including weak ignition coils, worn-out throttle body sensors, vacuum leaks, malfunctioning mass air flow sensors, restricted catalytic converter, faulty oxygen sensors, or worn-out ignition components. 

The experts at 808 Automotive Inc. can diagnose the exact issue and fix the problems to improve drivability. 

Intermittent Dying

Is the vehicle randomly dying? This issue can directly impact the vehicle’s drivability and be a safety hazard. This problem may be caused by faulty ignition coils or modules, faulty sensors, loose connections, dirty fuel pumps, or grounding issues. However, there can also be other issues that may be more challenging to deal with. 

Lack of Power on Acceleration

Does the vehicle lose power when accelerating, especially uphill? This can be a sign of a jammed fuel filter or catalytic converter. Air intake problems can also result in less power delivered to the wheels. For instance, a dirty air filter or contaminated mass air flow sensor may also result in this drivability issue. 

If the air intake, exhaust system, or fuel system issues have been ruled out, the possible causes may be transmission or clutch-related. At 808 Automotive Inc., our technicians can inspect your air intake and exhaust system before proceeding to the transmission to determine the underlying problem.

Misfires and Backfires

Is the vehicle’s engine misfiring or backfiring? The most common cause of misfires is worn-out ignition components, such as a spark plug. However, sensor issues, especially with mass air flow, can also cause the issue. These ignition issues or lean/rich air-fuel mixture can lead to occasional backfiring. 

Contact 808 Automotive Inc. to Fix Drivability Issues

If your vehicle presents any of the above drivability problems, bring it in to 808 Automotive Inc. in Hubbard, OR. Our seasoned mechanics and technicians can diagnose the problem and repair or replace faulty components. 

From engine mechanical issues to electrical problems, there are a host of potential reasons for drivability problems. But at 808 Automotive Inc., we’ll have your vehicle running smoothly and safely again!