Hesitation When First Driving

[bonesonbass]

I recently purchased a 2015 Equinox LS, 2.4 L. When I drive it, generally within the first 1/4 mile, it sputters and hesitates briefly. Then, it takes off and it never happens again until it’s been sitting for a bit. Has anyone else had this issue or know why this happens?

 

[Chevy Ecotec]

How long is sitting for a bit? Overnight or an hour or two?

Possible situations based on the information you have given:

Spark plugs. A plug can misfire due to corrosion, flooding, or simply being worn out. The ECM may not detect the misfire at the plug if it is intermittent.

Fuel injector(s). Sometimes, a failing injector can leak into a cylinder when the engine is not running, causing a misfire or sputtering for a short bit after startup. If a cylinder is being "washed" with gas over time, then what you are experiencing could be that cylinder burning it off after you start the vehicle.

If no codes are stored, I would start by inspecting and replacing the plugs if necessary. I strongly recommend ACDelco Iridium plugs for this engine.

 

[bonesonbass]

By sitting for a bit I mean an hour or two, sometimes less. If it’s only been a few minutes it doesn’t happen at all, but even a half hour causes the hesitation. Thank you for your reply.

 

[bonesonbass]

Brought it into a shop for a diagnostic and it turns out it was a plugged catalytic converter. Part ordered and hopefully that will solve the problem.