Why when I accelerate at slow speeds it feels like built up air and the car will jolt and jump RPMs?

Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 DODGE AVENGER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 162,000 MILES
Also, when going uphill trying to accelerate it'll do one jerk at a time and if I let off the pedal it'll stop. Just recently replaced throttle body car is not reading off any codes. Idk what it could be. What do you think?
Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 8:11 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,259 POSTS
Hi,

It could be a few things. For example, it could be a fuel pressure-related issue, a large vacuum leak, or even a partially plugged catalytic converter.

When this happens, do you ever notice any odd smells or sounds? Does the engine overheat?

Also, have you checked to make sure the fuel pressure is within the manufacturer's specifications?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,949 POSTS
This can be a fuel delivery problem which means a weak fuel pump or a MAF sensor that has gone bad but is not showing any codes which is possible. First, I would check the fuel pressure,

Here is a guide to help with instructions below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE

400 kpa ±34 kpa (58 psi ± 5 psi)

Fortunately, the fuel pump can be accessed under the rear seat. I have also seen the TIPM start to go out and cause pretty strange problems as well, but we can tackle that as needed. You can rent a fuel pressure gauge at the auto parts store for cheap or free. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

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Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
I notice a rotten egg smell when trying to accelerate at higher speeds. It'll rev really high for me to even go faster speeds. No overheating.
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Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,949 POSTS
This can be a clogged catalytic converter, which lowers the vacuum reading and makes the computer think you are going up a hill and dumps more fuel into the system, which makes the situation worse.

Here is a guide to help us confirm the problem:

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
I have one more question, when driving on the snow or ice if I'm going downhill and when I'm stopping, and I start to slide my axle clunks. And when I'm going slow like turning from out of a parking lot and there's snow or ice on the ground it feels choppy like it's unstable. Would I just have to get the axel replaced?
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Friday, January 12th, 2024 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,259 POSTS
Hi,

We would be happy to help with the new question, but we can only address one topic per post. We do this so it is more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link to start a new post. Simply copy and paste your new question and one of us will be happy to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Again, I hope you understand.

Take care,

joe
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Friday, January 12th, 2024 AT 8:26 PM

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