Engine low power problem?

Tiny
HELPME9111
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD FUSION
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
My car just recently stopped accelerating like normal it is like holding back when I push the pedal down then the Rpms jump and then go back down. When accelerating it makes a scraping/flapping noise sometimes. Just happened I changed the oil in the car. Also smells like something's burning Thanks
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 AT 8:53 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
This sounds like the catalytic converter is broken apart and needs to be replaced but to be sure these guides will help confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down these guides and report back.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
ERIC STEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 FORD FUSION
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,500 MILES
While going through a drive thru restaurant, the car shuddered and then the "wrench" light came on in the dash warning area. Have very little acceleration and top speed of about 15 mph.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This could be a couple of things which is why we need to start with checking for codes. Here is a guide that will help with that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

The most common cause of this would be a throttle sensor that is causing the limp mode which is what you are now in and it limits the speed and gear in most cases. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Lastly here is a guide that will help with more general information about low power issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-engine-power

Let's check codes and confirm this is the issue and then we can figure out what we need to do to correct it. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DMOHOLEA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 FORD FUSION
  • 10,000 MILES
Hello and congratulations for your website its very nice and helpfull! My ford fusion has an ugly weird problem: everything works allright untill the engine gets hot, once it gets hot it looses power and I have to pull over wait 30 minutes to cool down then it works again. This started after I changed the battery when we did that the anti theft sistem turned on and didnt recognized the key.I took it to the ford specialists they got the key to work but after that everytime I pushed the break pedal the onboard computer was giving a beep and showed, engine failure, but that eventually went away. What do you think? Preety weird huh? Thankyou in advance!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
It sounds like the throttle bore is dirty this guide can help fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

let me know
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Loss of power and cuts out every now and then
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Would a p0141 code cause loss of power and sputtering
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
That is a heater code so all it does is warm up the 0/2 sensor faster. No effect on a hot engine.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It was the throttle body I followed the guide worked perfect thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2006 FORD FUSION
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 95,000 MILES
Loss of power and sputtering. Using more fuel and is hard to maintain speed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,067 POSTS
How is the idle of the vehicle, just sitting still, will it stay running on its own or do you have to keep your foot on the gas pedal?

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,067 POSTS
Is the check engine light on? This car needs to have a fuel pressure test and the ignition system needs to be checked out and tested and also the ECM needs to be scanned for diagnostic codes. You may an ignition system problem (weak spark), could be a Ignition coil problem or sensor problem. But start with a quick scan of the ECM for codes, most autoparts stores will scan it for free if you just ask.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWALK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The only code was p0141. O2 sen. Bank 1 sensor 2. No other codes. Engine idling good runs. Just loss of power an sputtering every now and then.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,067 POSTS
Okay, well an oxygen sensor that is stuck completely lean will cause the ECM's fuel trim to increase fuel considerably because the ECM thinks the engine is starved for fuel, on a Volvo I have seen an O2 sensor to cause this same exact problem. The car would barely move because the O2 was stuck rich and the fuel trim was something like -100% so it was taking fuel away from the engine because it was seeing a full rich system and being fooled. Starving the car of fuel and miss firing every cylinder. You can actually check that O2 with a multi-meter if you have one. It is really not too difficult. The O2 sensor reads only 0.1 to 0.9 volts. So not even a full volt. 0.9 volts is full rich and the lower 0.1 volts is full lean reading. You may want to change that sensor and erase the codes and go for a good long ride, but it will take a little while for the ECM to relearn the new sensor.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHELBY45
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 FORD FUSION
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 58,000 MILES
I got onto the highway and tried to accelerate and the car would not go above 35 mph. The engine was making a loud noise and then the engine light came on. It does not blink or go off at all. Any time I start the car the engine light is on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,919 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If the check engine light is staying on with the engine running, there are diagnostic trouble codes stored in the computer to help diagnose the problem. Therefore, you need to scan the computer so we can get a better idea where the problem is coming from.

Here is a quick video that shows how to scan a computer:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people do not own a scanner. However, most parts stores will do it for free. Therefore, if you can safely get it to one that does it, you can try that. If you cannot, see if they will lend or rent one to you. Honestly, if it is making a lot of noise, I do not want to chance causing more damage.

If you cannot get a scanner and it is making a lot of noise, it may be cost effective to have it towed to a place where it can be scanned.

Once you get the codes from the computer, let me know what they are and I can guide you.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GLYNNGAUTHIER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 FORD FUSION
  • 156,000 MILES
While driving myn car after it warms up when taking off the speed odometer Start's jumping an it will not let me accelerate I have to let go of the gas then it will let me go today while doing 70 mph the speed odometer started jumping again its getting worse
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light? Might want to try checking the vehicle speed sensor-start here
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,919 POSTS
Check the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). That is most likely the issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 8:35 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links