I need help getting an idea of what could be wrong with my car. As a female and going to garages, I don't want to be taken advantage of ... When I accelerate, my car sputters and the engine light is on too... when it happened on the road and needing to get home - I had to mash the gas and the car wouldn't go over 40-50mph... What could cause this ? I'm working on getting a code reader to see what code it throws... but I still would appreciate any ideas. Please and thank you!

 

Could be anything unless we know the code it's throwing. Had any luck retrieving the code? I think most auto parts stores will pull the codes for you for free, then we can start to troubleshoot.

 

Still waiting to get a code but it's takes premium gas.. could putting a mid grade gas in it cause sputtering/ engine light to turn on? .. excuse my ignorance on this... But I did put mid in and probably the next day my problems started.. did I make a rookie mistake? And as soon as I get a code I'll post it..

 

"Should" have no problems running on mid grade. Your car's computer (ECU) will likely adjust the ignition and timing to use mid-grade without problems. You probably have a bad sensor somewhere that in my estimation will only be a few hundred $$ to replace. We'll know more once you get the codes.