Serious loss of power tried a few things please help.

942 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by big gear head, Aug 16, 2011

maiello22690

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2011

Hello all! I'm new to this forum and would like some of your wisdom. I have a 2001 3.8l 5spd.

I recently had it in the shop due to a loss of power and one of my cylinders going dead in heavy rain. The day this happened I was driving in the rain and I can tell I'm dragging a cylinder. Not a new problem to me, sooner or later the car dries out and it runs better. So it dries out and the engine is running like normal. Then a little while later there is this sort of "pop" and my power and acceleration just go to pot.

I took it to the mechanic and he changed the plugs, wires, and distributor coil pack thing. He recommended changing the o2 sensors and the maf to help with the power loss but at the time I couldn’t afford it.

Well I've since changed both of the upstream o2 sensors and the maf but to no avail. I still have very little power and terrible acceleration and it's accompanied by a constant yet sporadic ticking sound and really terrible smelling exhaust.

The CEL is still on for one of the upstream o2 sensors and every so often it flashes indicating a misfire. I work as a driver for Domino’s so I need my car, not to mention I don’t like it why my baby is sick…

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wmburns

· #5 · Aug 12, 2011

Try performing a compression test.

Always post the full DTC code(s). There are 1000's and they each have a story to tell.

Check the routing of the spark plug wires. Are they touching any metal parts? Have the factory stand offs and looms been used?

Try this old racer's trick. Run the car in a totally dark location. Look for the blue hue of escaping spark. Inspect the plug wires for white spots which will be evidence of arcing.

Are there any exhaust leaks? Any vacuum leaks?

Does the car use oil or coolant?

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