The engine is sluggish and it vibrates in idle while in park and drive, is this a leak?

Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 DODGE AVENGER
  • 164,000 MILES
I'm trying to figure out why my car is so sluggish and it's vibrating in idle while in park and drive. The engine is loud when accelerating. I have to press down on my gas hard for my car to even go past 40 MPH. Then I looked under my car and seen this? Could this be the problem?
Monday, January 15th, 2024 AT 9:08 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,239 POSTS
Hello, and thanks for the video. Yes, you do have a coolant leak, so please be careful. Allow the engine to cool down before you check the coolant level and do not drive the car until it is fixed, or you might ruin the engine.

This video will help:

https://youtu.be/GSE9skKnOgY?si=ycd62fnfGWg0YZc1

It is difficult to tell here is it coming from by the video, but it looks like it is the radiator which is common. If you raise the hood and look you might be able to see where it is coming from.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

To change out the radiator you will need to discharge and refill the A/C system.

This guide will show you what needs to be done in case of a radiator change:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
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That video is the back of my car by the muffler. Not the front. Isn't the radiator in the front of the car?
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,239 POSTS
Sorry I couldn't tell if it was the front or the rear. If water drips from the exhaust system this is normal until the engine gets hot. I would wait until the engine is cold though and check the coolant level.

Please go over this video to help:

https://youtu.be/GSE9skKnOgY?si=ji0ufI3dpNdTF1Td

Please start a new thread for your other problems so we can help you.
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Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
JAYJOHNSON0318
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
I live In MN and it's cold. I recorded that video when my engine was already warm. Could there be a problem with my exhaust?
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Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,239 POSTS
No, it is just condensation for the engine which is normal, was the coolant level low?
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Thursday, January 18th, 2024 AT 10:28 AM

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