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Vehicle Has Loss of Power Hesitating

Question: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 mileage: 34,000. I was traveling roughly at 65-70 mph when the truck lacked all power and gave the car behind me a white smoke bath. I pulled over at that time and checked the coolant level, there was none in it. I guess, I didn't look at the temp gauge...oppps. Did I wreck the engine? What should I do now?... 

Answer:   It happens more than you think so don't be to hard on your self. First of all locate the source of the coolant leak and repair it as needed. As fear as the over heating, American trucks seem to take over heating a little better, you might be ok.

Question: 2003 Toyota Tacoma mileage 72,000. Hi guys, Last week my truck (mechanically excellent), suddenly started smoking  (super rich, actually had gas drip out the tailpipe!). The check engine light came on of course. I took it in and the mechanic finally identified the excessively rich condition as a fuel injector that was hung open (after he replaced a water temp sensor that OBD said was bad.) They replaced the injector, which stopped the smoking, but now it has a random misfire. They changed the plugs, guessing maybe one had a cracked porcelain, and they said that fixed it. When I picked up the truck, about halfway home (15 minutes of operation) it started misfiring again... badly, but it was totally random. Sometimes I'd start off from a light and it would barely move, the next time it ran perfectly normal. It was like someone was throwing a switch, turning half the cylinders off and on. I pulled over and popped the hood. It shook at idle as if 1 or 2 cylinders were down and the suddenly it would hit on all 8, again totally random. While driving, it felt as though it was randomly dropping half the cylinders. When it wasn't misfiring, it was running great. It really feels like an ignition problem. I tired pulling plug wires one at a time, but it was missing too randomly to figure out if it was a bad wire or what. Now I'm thinking a bad coil. The ignition module is in the computer (which was replaced last fall) so I know that's not it. The odd thing is the misfire didn't start until the car had been driven for 15 or 20 minutes. Heat/resistance seems to be a factor. Any ideas?

Answer:   Scan PCM to check for trouble codes, you may find that you have a ignition coil or coils that are starting to fail. The scanner can pinpoint the cylinder to replace the coil as needed, check system.

Question: 2004 Jaguar X Type mileage: 69,000. While driving up a steep hill on the freeway, I kicked the gas pedal into passing gear and as I approached 70 mph, the engine just stumbled and began running with absolutely no power. I had just tuned the car a few thousand miles ago so I don't think that is the problem. The car starts fine and runs and shifts OK up to about 2000 rpm then the engine just makes a roaring sound like it is sucking air. I checked for vacuum leaks, none. Changed the fuel filter and checked the fuel injection system everything seems to check out. However, while test driving after. If I try to go up even minor grade hills it won't go over 30-35 mph. It seems to run fine all the way up to freeway speed if I don't accelerate hard but as soon as I floorboard it, it just bogs down. I have tried just about everything in my Haynes repair manual but to no avail. If you could give any insight into what my problem is, I would be eternally grateful,

Answer:   Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted. If ok, it sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Question:   2001 Honda Civic mileage: 78,000. On acceleration anything below 2800-3000 rpm the car hesitates and just lacking power but above 3000 rpm it accelerates just fine. I have replaced everything from the fuel filter all the way to the plugs, I took it to the dealership, they did diagnostics, and everything checks out. I had changed the exhaust from the catalytic back to a performance exhaust with 2.00 piping and the mechanics said that this was the problem due to lack of back-pressure to the cylinders but the problem existed prior to the exhaust change so I believe the mechanic was giving me the run around. The engine light is not on. Do you have any ideas?

Answer:  It sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Question: 2003 Volvo S60 Turbo mileage: 85,000.  Oh you 2 are ANGELS for offering this service!!! I'm about ready to shoot my car.  It all started with a simple occasional sputter at low speeds.   Right away, we had it serviced- changed oil, oil filter, air filter, and PCV valve.  This was to no avail.  Then it turned to sputtering up to about 40 mph and then the occasional chug while driving.  I thought I had gotten bad gas.  Soooo, I had the fuel filter replaced and the fuel injection system cleaned.  Things just got worse.  I was told to replace the O2 sensor and did but the problem simply progressed.  Now the car chugs and sputters all the way to 80 mph.  When I accelerate from a stop, it is as if the car isn't receiving fuel at all- even if I floor it.  After creeping through an intersection  (or about 10 seconds) I get this sudden burst of power as if it's saying, "Ah hah!  This is where the gas has been hiding!  I considered the spark plugs briefly but I'm pretty sure I have a while before they need replacement, what kind should I use?.  I don't know what else to do.  This problem only presents itself when my foot is on the accelerator.  My gas mileage has decreased by 7-10 mpg.  Could it be the fuel pump?  I know there's a crack along my muffler pipe or exhaust pipe (is thingamajiggy a technical enough term? ;) could the problem stem from this?  PLEASE do let me know.  Thanks so very much!

Answer:  Your problem may be caused by a failing fuel pump. Replace fuel pump and strainer with new to recheck system and repair problem.  Regarding your spark plug issue, we have found the best practice is to use the spark plugs brand that was originally installed in your car.

Question: 2003 Chevrolet S-10 truck mileage: 68, 000.  When I come to a stop, the truck acts like it wants to die, then will suddenly idle back up.  I had a diagnostic performed, which availed to nothing noted.  Plugs were changed; fuel filter, EGR, and I think the spark plugs.  After all of this was replaced, still has the same problem.  The truck seems to have lost power...especially at top in. could there be a problem with the catalytic converter?  And if so, how can I test it to see if that's the problem?  Thanks!

Answer: First check for vacuum leaks, if there are none. It sounds like you have a ISC motor (idle speed control motor) that is weak and malfunctioning. Replace ISC with new to recheck system.

Question: 2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S mileage: 58,000.  My car has been running like a dream.  I do approximately Over 300 highway miles a week.  About a week ago, I notice my car's pickup or power was not right.   It feels like I am towing something.  Can you give me any answers to this?  My mechanic told me it might be my air filter, my fuel injection filter or a pinch hose. 

Answer:   Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted. If ok, it sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Question:   2002 Chrysler Town & Country mileage: 103,012.  Dear Sirs, My question is: My 'Chrysler has recently been losing power at times on acceleration. It continues to run at these times but won't pick up to more than 20 or 30 miles per hour. Have had it to two different mechanics that can't seem to figure out what is wrong with it.  Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: It sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Question: 1996 Chevrolet Impala mileage: 70,000.  Hi, Bob and Ken. Lately my Impala, while driving seems to hesitate or surge, it's hard to tell.  It started happening first at speeds around 40-45 mph.  Now when it happens, it is doing it at 60 mph and also when I then start to drive slower.  If I accelerate, it stops but then can start again.  It doesn't happen every day and only seems to happen when I've been driving a while.  It feels as if something is not flowing through properly.  I had a transmission flush done at 60,000 miles; they did replace the fuel filter too.  I'm not sure what it causing the problem.  Should I worry about it stalling on me?

Answer: It sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Question: 2003 Mazda B4000 mileage: 70,000.  Please Help?  This truck seems to be shake bit.  This is just the most current emergency.  My over drive light keeps flashing and it won't go into (is it 4th gear).  Truck will only go barely 60 mph.  This just started this weekend with no real warning, or one that I might be aware of.  I am taking it in for a diagnostic check tomorrow am.  But he says he can't do the work for 3 weeks.  I don't think I can go that long.  My whole commute is on the highway.  Help...

Answer: The flashing transmission light is trying to tell you there is a problem. Scan main PCM to check for trouble codes. Repair transmission as needed to recheck problem.

Question: 2001 Honda Civic mileage: 92,064.  The car idles fine but when you go to accelerate it cuts out, loses power.  We have replaced the fuel filter. The distributor cap, wires, coil, gas line, module, and the computer.  What else could be causing this problem?

Answer: It sounds like a fuel pump is starting to fail. Replace fuel pump and fuel strainer (attached to the bottom of the fuel pump) with new to repair problem.

Replace Air Filter

Check Engine Light