What's wrong with my car?

Question

I have a 94 Dodge Intrepid and it won't pick up speed when I go up a hill but when I go down a hill or if I'm on a straight stretch of road it will. It is burning gas really fast. Someone said it might be my convertor b/c the center console gets warm if I drive for a while. If you have any idea or suggestions please post them.

Answer 1

I am a Dodge dealer. It could be several things. The catalytic converter could be bad and causing back pressure. The car may simply need a tune up and throttle body service. It could be ignition wires. It could be a clogged fuel filter. If you have been maintaining the car on a regular basis, I would suspect the converter. If you have not been maintaining the car, I would guess it needs some maintenance.

Answer 2

You can also check your ignition timing. When the timing is retarted, you won't get any acceleration. Therefore you might not feel the difference on straights or downhills, but going up a hill will be a problem. Secondly, since you do not get any acceleration, you need to press the accelerator more just to get the car up to speed, even on straights. This will explain the increase in fuel consumption. Finally, incorrect ignition timing also causes your engine to overheat. This also explains the warm centre console, since that's where your cat converter is. I'd say try to get your ignition timing tuned first before doing anything else. Reason : It'll only cost you a few bucks, rather than spending a lot more to replace other parts and find out in the end that the problem still isn't solved.

Answer 3

converter, meaning catalytic converter? I suggest going to a garage and have them look at it. Save you time.

Answer 4

A clogged cat will kill power and mileage. A muffler shop can check it real quick.

Answer 5

Catalytic converter is plugged.

Answer 6

its the converters get them replaced and your problem will go away