The engine sputters on cold morning starts and loses power when accelerating?

2007 DODGE CARAVAN
160,000 MILES • 3.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TRUONG VU
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
My car sputters in cold morning start and loses power when accelerating even if I floor it. I have to release the gas pedal and press again. I notice it happens more in winter time than in summertime. No engine code at all. I just had the tune up, new spark plugs, new leads. Can you tell me what should I replace or check?
Apr 25, 2023 at 9:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Since it happens when cold, the first thing I would suggest is to check the signal from the coolant temperature sensor. This sensor provides information to the powertrain control module that is used to determine the correct air/fuel mixture to run the engine based on outside temperature.

If you have a live data scan tool, check what it is indicating before starting the engine for the day.

Also, has fuel pressure been tested or the exhaust for a partially plugged catalytic converter? If not, those are two other areas that can cause what you described.

Here are two links that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

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

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Apr 25, 2023 at 7:42 PM
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