What makes your vehicle lose it's power?

Question

I have a 99 Dodge Durango. When I drive down the road it loses it's power so I'll floor it and it will kick in for a second then it'll jerk and jump like it's out of gas or trying to stop. Everytime I get in the vehicle it does this. When I push the gas, that's when it bogs down until I floor it for a second. I replaced the fuel pump a year ago. I have no idea what could be causing this.

Answer 1

Sounds simple but try changing the fuel filler cap - they have a breather hole that allows air to flow in to replace petrol (gas) as the tank empties. If the breather gets blocked, the tank becomes a vacuum and eventually the fuel pump can't pull effectively against this vacuum.

This would be my first thing to check, then follow the fuel system to the engine - in line filter would be next to look at.

Could also be the ignition system??

Answer 2

Okay first off, when u say it looses power u mean that the car will shut off eventually? or when u are driving on a flat surface road the car slows down and you have to make the car down shift by pushing the gas pedal more to let the transmission kick down to a lower gear?? Is the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT on?? if its on i would start there and see what CODES you get might point to the direction of the problem.

FYI the Dodge Durangos have had issues with their transmissions and transmission computers - where they have updated them due to so many issues not to say that this is your problem with out more information from you I cant help any further. Has the transmission ever been serviced?? at least once a year??

p.s. the Fuel Pump - when it was changed , did they change the fuel filter - a partially clogged filter will cause all sorts of problems - not to say that is your answer..

Here is a link that i found for you in regards to your vehicle, not sure what you get out of it but it will answer some questions about your car.
Good luck

Answer 3

it sounds like it has clogged up fuel filter on it,or a bad air filter,they will make one bog down like this,,,also a set of bad spark plugs will do it,they may have a lot of miles on them,and need replaced..you need to take your time and start looking at these things,it may just be in need of a good tune up before winter gets here,,cars always seem to act up when its cold, i own a repair shop,and right now im covered up with tune ups and winterizing,and it will stay this way for about a month or two then it will slack off for a while,,if it was running fine before id just start checking and replacing as necessary,,because i know you dont want to be stranded on the side of the road some where,,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 4

There are so many reasons for engine failure, however
in your case I think it is possibly caused by adulteration of the fuel your are using.Try another
Petrol Station. If this does not help, the engine
may have lost compression and, if so, you may have
to change piston rings or have a complete engine
overhaul. Water in your fuel tank can also cause
the symptoms you describe.

Answer 5

could be a number of things...injectors, iginition, fuel filter, bad torgu converter, bad catalytic converter, o2 sensor

best thing to do is start with maintenance items.
fuel fitler, air filter, plugs and wires, engine flush with oil change, transmission service

if you have a check engine light go to your local parts store and get the code pulled

good luck..hope this helps

Answer 6

silencer choked
clutch slip
brakes tight
engine needs o/h
battery low
over heating of engine
radiator choked
Does engine gets full speed at neutral gear ?

Answer 7

either a bad ECM or clogged injectors .

Answer 8

hmmm you got me!