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Engine loss of power?

Tiny
RANDYBACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 235,000 MILES
Top speed on freeway 70mph, when climbing steeper grade bogs down to a crawl 15-20 mph.
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 AT 2:57 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Is the check engine light on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Have you checked the catalytic converter to make sure it isn't plugged? Have you checked to make sure none of the brakes are hanging up? I just had a Jeep today that wouldn't go over 50. Up hill it was in 1st gear. check out these guides

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

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
RANDYBACKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks much, no engine lites, but others poss. Will check.
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 686 POSTS
RANDYBACKER

Is there a way to test for a plug cat converter?
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Thursday, July 9th, 2015 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
DODGEBOYS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 211,750 MILES
Pickup truck listed above is a 5.9 liter. Sluggish no power on hills acts like it's starving for fuel. Idles fine just no power.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
How long since a tune-up? Any applicable trouble codes?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DODGEBOYS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have not had it on a machine.I was just trying to get a second opinion. Could it just it be a clogged filter?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
You don't have to use a machine to check for some codes. You turn the key, just till the dash lights come on. Cycle the on--off, on--off, on, then the mil on the dash starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. Your looking for two digit codes.

As far as the fuel filter, that is why I asked, how long since a tune-up? Use a gauge and check fuel pressure.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
What does it mean when it flashes 10 times? Sorry to intrude.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
This means there is a trouble code that needs to be read. here is a guide to help you get the codes then get back to us:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
I put a scanner on it reads no codes. But the dash light for check engine flashes 10 times.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

You may mean 11 times. If it is, that means the system has passed and no codes.

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

As far as no power, there are a couple of possibilities.

1. Clogged catalytic converter which is common. You need to release the exhaust pipes from the exhaust manifold and drive it and see if power returns.

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

2. Low fuel pressure. This could be from a weak fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter. A fuel pressure test will verify.

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

3. In rare cases, a locked up torque converter can cause this as well.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STITCH MITCHELL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
  • 8.0L
  • V10
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 214,000 MILES
The truck idles very rough. When I warm it up. If I push the pedal to 2,000 rpm's. The tachometer will drop down to 1,500 and then go back up to 2,000. Then back down to 1500. Eventually it smooths out and goes up to 3,000. All without moving my foot on the pedal. I've changed the battery and both cables. The passenger side O2 sensor. The coolant temperature sensor. The entire fuel pump assembly. I've inspected the plugs and wires. Tested the coil packs for spark and did a compression test. All cylinders are 125-135psi. She still runs horrible. Down to 7 MPG. Can't spin the tires on wet paving and this v-10 used to smoke the tires! Help!
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STITCH MITCHELL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well. Upon further inspection. My mechanic failed to see the back, driver side spark plug wire sitting on the headers! Trying to find one plug wire now?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Good luck with that one. You might try an auto dismantler or if there is a pick and pull near you you should be able to a spark plug wire there. I would suggest replacing all of them in a set. Also, your mechanic should be responsible for replacing the spark plug wire, so you might try getting him to make it right. Please let us know how it turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STITCH MITCHELL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Roger that! I'm broke busted and disgusted right now. Bought a new commercial fishing boat this year and haven't sold one fish! Been too busy working on dodge V-10 trucks and Detroit diesels! Boat is trashed! Fishing has been closed half the season due to no fish! No fish means no money for me! But, I'm not totally blaming my mechanic for the burnt plug wire. The hold down for the wire broke off. I noticed it when I was changing the IAC valve. I stuck my head in their as many time as he did. It was the back cylinder off the headers. It loops on the fifth cylinder on the headers. Unlike a V-8.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

I completely understand. I live in a small coastal town in Northern California. Crab fishing and logging is what we do legally up here. Detroit Diesels are absolutely bulletproof. I also drove OTR truck for 13 years and never had a problem with one. Anyway, please keep us informed, or don't hesitate should you have any other questions.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN1988
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 240,000 MILES
Hi I have a 97 ram 1500 2wd 5 speed and it revs out at 2800 to 3000 rpm when driving it was reving to 4000 in neutral but now it dose'nt even do that I dont no if it is the rev limiter or not could it be the speed senser or what im stumped if you no what it could be please let me no thanks or could it be full pump or something
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi:
If the engine is original, you may want to check compression to see if there is a problem. Also, has the check engine light come on? Finally, are you sure the catylatic converter isn't plugged?
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+1
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN1988
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yea it was the cat that was plugged I fixed it that night thanks for the fast response though
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM (Merged)

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