Loss of acceleration

2004 DODGE NEON
120,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
DILLAGAF69
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My car doesn't have the get up and go anymore. it starts out fine in first gear the rpm's go over 3,000 and i shift and it wont let me get up to 50 by the time i hit fourth gear. When i put my foot to the floor it does not do anything. sometimes it will jerk like it wants to get power. what do i do?
Nov 15, 2019 at 5:26 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
SCGRANTURISMO
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Is your vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp [MIL] or "check engine" lamp illuminated. If so, can you please pull the Direct Trouble Code [DTC] for me. Here is a link below if you are unsure how to do that:

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

Please get back to us with what you find out. We can go from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Nov 15, 2019 at 9:47 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
DILLAGAF69
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, there isn't a code. the check engine light is not even on. that's the thing.
Nov 15, 2019 at 7:48 PM
Avatar
SCGRANTURISMO
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, that's good. So this could be a problem with your vehicle's throttle body needing to be cleaned. As the throttle body moves and ingests air, the air has pollutants in it that over time leave a black tar like substance called coke on the inside of the throttle body that interferes with the Throttle Position Sensor[TPS] signal to the Power-train Control Module[PCM] and when the PCM gets confused it will go into "limp" mode to keep from damaging the engine, while letting you take it in to get serviced. Here is a link below explaining this better:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

If everything checks out a okay with the throttle body then go to this link below.

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

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Nov 15, 2019 at 10:53 PM
Avatar
DILLAGAF69
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My car was a little loud but once the power loss it muffled like it i have single exhaust turned into a dual at the and there is only a converter in there. but it's not real loud and now that i have barely power it muffled like there's a normal exhaust in the throttle body is fine.
Nov 16, 2019 at 6:50 AM
Avatar
SCGRANTURISMO
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Okay, so this might be a plugged catalytic converter. Sometimes the honeycomb part a catalytic converter when damaged can fall off and restrict the flow of exhaust through the catalytic converter and choke the engine. Here is a link explaining what is going on, how to test it and how to fix it below:

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

Please go through these guides and get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Nov 16, 2019 at 8:52 PM