Engine sputters and lack power

C J SMITH

MEMBER
DODGE RAM

I own a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 ext. Cab pick-up with a 5.2 L engine, it has 125,000 miles. When travelling on the highway the engine of my truck sputters and lacks power or is able to go past 40mph. It has only happened two times and each time it has happen, I used gas from the same gas station. When I pull over and put in more fuel and gas treatment it's as if nothing ever happen, what gives?

1 Reply

SPYDER254

MEMBER
2 POSTS

If your 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 experiences sputtering and lack of power when traveling on the highway, particularly after refueling from a specific gas station, there are a few potential causes to consider:

Contaminated fuel: Poor quality or contaminated fuel can cause engine performance issues. It's possible that the fuel you obtained from that particular gas station was contaminated with water, sediment, or other impurities. Adding a fuel treatment when refueling may have temporarily improved the fuel quality and resolved the issue.

Fuel system issues: There could be issues with the fuel system components, such as a clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, leading to fuel starvation and loss of power. A failing fuel pump may not be delivering sufficient fuel pressure to meet the engine's demands. These issues can sometimes be temporarily alleviated by adding fuel treatment, but they may require further investigation and repair.

Ignition system problems: Faulty ignition components, such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or the ignition control module, can cause misfires and result in a lack of power. If the sputtering and power loss occur sporadically, it could be due to intermittent ignition system issues. A thorough inspection and potentially replacing worn-out ignition components may be necessary.

Air intake or exhaust issues: Restrictions in the air intake or exhaust system, such as a clogged air filter, malfunctioning Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, or a restricted catalytic converter, can affect engine performance. Inspecting and cleaning/replacing these components as needed can help resolve such issues.

Given the sporadic nature of the problem, it would be advisable to monitor your fuel consumption, continue using fuel treatments as recommended, and consider switching to a different gas station to see if the issue persists. If the problem continues to occur, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue more accurately by performing a comprehensive inspection and potentially using diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the sputtering and power loss.