Engine low power problem?

Tiny
JALOTTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
It cranks fine, but shortly down the road it will not accelerate. Just "is", without any acceleration. He can do a couple of things that will "reset" it and it will run fine until the next episode. He can sometimes (not all the time) push the clutch in for a second and let it out, and the truck will run correctly.
Most of the time (and this works all the time) he will have to turn the key off and then back on. Engine will accept more fuel then, and run fine.
It does this during cold weather; doesn't do it during warm weather. Runs like a champ otherwise.
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 5:25 PM

25 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
I would start by scanning the PCM (Computer) scanned for any trouble codes it may have stored. The truck may need to be driven with a scan tool on it, then checked when it begins malfunctioning, in case it doesn't set a "hard" code. Cycling the key is resetting the PCM, so that's why it may need to be watched while running Please check out these guides to help us fix it.

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

and

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

and

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

Let me know.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 22nd, 2010 AT 7:55 AM
Tiny
ALBOJ26
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 112,785 MILES
If I drive slow or normal my 2001 dodge ram 1500 runs great. But when I floor it or give it alot of gas. Like when I get on the freeway. The r.P.M.'S jump up in to the red and the truck does not gain any power. Why does it lose power and not engadge
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
It sounds like either you are low on transmission fluid or the clutches are slipping. Check the fluid to make sure it is clean and full. Also, see if it has a burnt smell to it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGFOOT62
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
Has low power and spark knock upon acceleration, codes 300,305,306 are showing. It acts like the timing is severly retarded.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNYT73
  • MECHANIC
  • 924 POSTS
I have read around and this seems to be a very common issue that some have fixed with various fixes. Some fixes were PCM reflash, colder spark plugs (part # 3923) and colder thermostat (180 degrees), de-carb intake and valves, and intake plenum gaskets going bad. I think I would try the colder plugs and thermostat (easy and cheap test).
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIREGUY79
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 142,000 MILES
So basically my truck has no power when climbing steep grades or any type of incline it it loses power really bad it seems that it has a problem staying at high rpm when you give a lot of gas to it it sounds like it is sucking a lot of air and it is just a really loud noise, but no power coming out of it. You can put it in neutral and floor it and it will get up to about 4000 rpm and just stay there and cutting in and out and then will just slowly start to die back down to nothing. It starts and idles fine only when you want to use the power I put new fuel pump and map Denver and throttle body sensor and oxygen sensors took off injectors they are clean my check motor light is broke but had it scanned and no codes. Put cap and rotor and plugs and wires about six months ago. It never dies when doing these symptoms just has no power on flat grades it is fine unless you want to drive it like you stole it. Is it a clogged catalytic converter or broken distributor gear or bad cap and rotor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KOOLCADDY6
  • MECHANIC
  • 60 POSTS
Sounds like a clogged catalytic converter. Try to remove the o2 sensor before the catalytic converter and see if you get your normal rpm range.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIREGUY79
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Okay, and if it works can I just leave it unplugged until I can get a new one?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIREGUY79
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Ok and if it works can I just leave it unplugged until I can get a new one
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KOOLCADDY6
  • MECHANIC
  • 60 POSTS
No, the o2 sensor controls the amount of fuel the engine needs to run.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RAMPAGERAM1500
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 127,000 MILES
I drive a dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.9 and when in overdrive it loses a lot of its power and makes a grinding noise what is my problem? The sound comes from the front of the trans and sometimes its sounds like it comes from the differential. It sometimes does this when it is not in overdrive.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Does the sound seem to come from the transmission area? Have you checked trans fluid to make sure it is clean and full?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RAMPAGERAM1500
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes it comes from the transmission area sometimes and very rarely it seems like it comes from the differential. I have checked the fluid and it was clean and full. It usually only does this when in overdrive or when going up a hill.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RAMPAGERAM1500
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I forgot to mention it isn't and has not thrown any codes because of this problem (yet).
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Just to add, it sounds like you have a torque converter issue in the trans. The grinding may be the converter itself. Have seen this in the past. Have a trans shop verify this and give you a bid.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RAMPAGERAM1500
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, thanks a lot for both of your help. Maybe it will end up just being a torque converter issue. My wallet is wishing that's the case.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AJUDSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
I bought a used 2001 diesel w/86k miles. The lift pump and injector pump have both been replaced. The truck starts fine but after reaching operating temperature it starts to lose power and I can't keep it running. It's been worse during these extremely hot days. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is the check engine lt on and is there any smoke visible
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DPWD23
  • MECHANIC
  • 136 POSTS
Check to make sure that the oil lines to your turbo charger arent plugged up at all! Change oil and filter, and run a bottle of injector cleaner/upper end lube thru the fuel.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Low Power Content

Fix an Engine with Low Power!
VIDEO
Fix an Engine with Low Power!
Instructional repair video
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
GUIDE
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
The power your car's engine is producing is important. When you step on the gas you need your car to accelerate, mainly to keep you out of trouble when getting onto the...
VIEW MORE