Loosing power

CONFUSED

MEMBER
2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
285,400 MILES

My 2003 Pontiac Sunfire is loosing power when driving. The battery light comes on just after starting the car. Somne times the airbag light will also come on. The car will be going along fine then it will loose power and just rev when the gas pedal is pressed. If it still has its power and the battery light has been on, I can pull over to the side of the road put it in park and rev it a bit. The light goes out but comes back on as soon as the rpms drop to between 1250 and 1000. I have just changed the battery and it didn't work.

Sunday, February 13th, 2011 AT 1:24 PM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

You need to get the alternator and its charging rate checked. Insufficient voltage can casue problems with the engine controls resulting in performance and transmission issues.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Sunday, February 13th, 2011 AT 1:34 PM

CONFUSED

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you. I have already purchased a used alternator as I have had them go in other cars. Thanks again for you help.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, February 13th, 2011 AT 1:35 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

You're welcome.

Let me know if you required further assistance.
By the way, have the crank pulley and brive belts checked. If crankpulley is equipped with harmnonic damper, any fault with it can cause inefficient charging due to the alternator turning at a slower rate.

Have a nice day.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, February 13th, 2011 AT 1:44 PM