Engine Performance problem
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 110000 miles
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The RPM goes up to fast up to 5and red section but the car does not go beyond 50miles per hour however much you press the gas pedal.
In addition, the car comsumes so much gas, double what it should consume or more.

What could be the reason for this ?

Does it run rough at all?

Does it pick up speed slowly but engine is revving high?

IS the transmission fluid at the proper level and clean?

IS the idle normal when in park?

Thanks for your response.

Yes, the car runs very rough.
You are right. It picks up speed slowly and the engine revs very high afterwards
The transmission is at proper level and clean
The idle is not normal when in park.

What do you think is the problem?

Kunle

I had to differentiate the problem between a transmission or engine performance problem, which is the latter.


One thing that would be good to know is if any codes are in the computer as this maybe a wide variety of possible sources.

On the basics side, how old are the plugs and wires and timing belt.

Again, get the codes read and post them.
I expect there will at least be a misfire code listed.

Thanks.

While I was driving the car this morning, the engine stopped running in the middle of the road. Upon checking the car, I discovered that the timing belt is loose.
Meanwhile, I replaced the timing belt about 2 months ago.

The spark plugs were changed at thesame time.The wires were not touched though.
Now I have to replace the Timing belt before I can check the codes.

Could the timing belt be the problem all along?
Can you advise me on how to fix the timing belt and the timing because the mechanics in my country, Nigeria (Africa) are not used to American Made cars and there are no chrysler dealers in Nigeria.

Will appreciate your assisstance.
Meanwhile I just ordered the timing belt from NY. I will get it in few days.

Kunle

Timing belt tensioner went bad is my guess. You moved it a few months back more than it is used to moving and a weak spring got put over the edge.


That was likley the cause of the problems. Be sure to determine why the belt slipped, again, the tensioner is a likely culprit.

What is a tensioner and what does it look like.

How do I set the Timing belt. Is there a fixed marker on the car

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=10004+1589+4294967263+9319


This is an interfernece engine, meaning when it goes out of time the pistons and the valves can collide.

There is just too much too pull out for this job from mitchell, IT would be well worth getting a manual on this.

http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm

Thanks. Will update you as it goes