# Engine surges or "hiccups"

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surges-or-hiccups/39781>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** hyundai, sonata\
**Created:** [November 21, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surges-or-hiccups/39781 "2009-11-21T01:20:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JohnEd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/97f17d/32.png) [@JohnEd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnEd)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surges-or-hiccups/39781/1 "2009-11-21T01:20:39Z")

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When I get my 2006 Sonata up to 55 miles per hour or higher and then left off a bit on the accelerator it surges or hiccups as if it can’t decide whether to speed up or slow down. If I tap the accelerator or let it get below 50 it usually stops. This problem can occur with or without cruise control.

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surges-or-hiccups/39781/2 "2009-11-22T03:49:16Z")

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You may have a TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) problem.

A broken or loose TPS can cause intermittent bursts of fuel from the injectors and an unstable idle because the PCM thinks the throttle is moving.

Also check for vacuum leaks.