What to Do if Your Car Wants to Move on its Own Accord
Whenever you jump into your automobile and set off, you like to feel as if you're in control. After all, this machine (even though it is very sophisticated) should respond to your every command, applied through your hands and feet. Yet sometimes, the car feels as if it has a mind of its own and will want to move forward even though you've told it to stop. What is going on here and what can you do about it?
Won't Stop?
If you arrive at a traffic light and bring the vehicle to a halt, you expect to be able to remove pressure from the brake pedal and sit there until it's your time to go. However, in this situation you have to apply further pressure to the brake pedal as the car wants to move forward by itself.
Timing
There are a lot of potential causes, but you should start by looking at the ignition. Check to see if the timing has "slipped," whether this is manual or electronic and bring it back to its original setting. In fact, you may have to consider a complete ignition overhaul to replace (in a conventional engine) spark plugs, ignition leads, distributor and the cap.
Leakage
You may also be suffering from a vacuum leak, where pressurised air is escaping and sending the wrong signals through sensors to the central computer. Get hold of a scanning tool or a reader and find out what error code is being displayed. This will help to point you in the right direction.
Alternator
Next, have a look at the alternator. This is a powerful generator that not only supplies energy to the battery, but also provides power directly to some electronic and electrical items. It may be time for a new one.
Fuel Problems
Now, have a look at how the petrol is delivered. If the fuel pressure regulator has developed a fault, then it may be restricting the correct amount of fuel to the engine during the combustion process. A carburettor could also be causing the same symptom and the delivered result.
Overheating
Have you had a look at the gauges on the dashboard? Is the engine operating temperature high? If it is, then you will have to inspect the cooling system initially. It could be something as simple as a worn fan belt or a faulty thermostat, but you may also have to check the radiator hoses and the radiator itself.
Can You DIY?
As you can see, there are many potential causes for this problem and some of them are quite difficult for the average car owner to fix. Have a word with a local car servicing service, so they can help you bring your trusty steed under control.
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