low power on 96 Legacy 2.2

[volcko]

My daughters 96 legacy is lately having low power issues. It wants to
downshift
at the least grade uphill. I haven't driven it lately so I'm just
relating what
she's saying. No engine codes. Could it be a bad tps?

 

[S]

Hi volcko!

My daughters 96 legacy is lately having low power issues. It wants to
downshift
at the least grade uphill. I haven't driven it lately so I'm just
relating what
she's saying. No engine codes. Could it be a bad tps?

Alas, it _could_ be a lot of things.

But first off, put in a fresh air filter, and check the air inlet for
blockage; sometimes mice or squirrels will decide to nest in the air
box . . .

Also, I have seen tired old spark plug wires cause similar symptoms.
Unless you have installed new ones recently, I'd try a new set. And
try to find good ones; either Bosch or NGK.

Beyond that, the first thing to do is a compression test, followed by
a check of the timing belt/valve timing. Having the belt slip even one
cog will cause a dramatic power loss.

Other things to look at would be fuel pump pressure, injector
performance, spark plug condition, ignition timing, manifold vacuum
(vacuum leaks?), and the overall condition of the automatic
transmission/torque converter.

Hope this helps a bit.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[johninky]

How's the exhaust system?

 

[volcko]

Will check air filter. Plugs and wires are new same time as new knock
sensor 1 year ago.new timing belt just installed but problem
precceeded the timing belt.

 

[volcko]

How's the exhaust system?

Seems ok

 

[weelliott]

Will check air filter.  Plugs and wires are new same time as new knock
sensor 1 year ago.new timing belt just installed but problem
precceeded the timing belt.













- Show quoted text -

Not that I think it is the timing belt, but just to point out
something that might nab you: An accepted practice when changing a
timing belt is to make marks on the old belt to note the timing marks
before taking it off, then transferring those marks to the new belt.
The assumption is that what works for one belt works for the next. If
your mechanic didn't know about the low power issue and was just told
to replace the belt, they may have done this. So it is possible that
the belt slipped, thereby causing a power loss, the mecahnic replaced
the belt but unkowingly set the new one up one tooth off.

On the bright side, I think that this is not the case though for a
variety of reasons. First is that the other possible problems are more
likely. Second is that most belts have the marks already on them when
they come out of their box, so the mechanic wouldn't have marked the
old belt and transferred those marks. But I just wanted you to know of
the possibility so your troubleshooting logic wouldn't be hampered.

I'd think that a vacuum leak bad enough to sap that much power would
cause a poor or impossible idle. I'd do a compression test on it and
see what that tells you.

Good luck with it.

 

[volcko]

Not that I think it is the timing belt, but just to point out
something that might nab you: An accepted practice when changing a
timing belt is to make marks on the old belt to note the timing marks
before taking it off, then transferring those marks to the new belt.
The assumption is that what works for one belt works for the next. If
your mechanic didn't know about the low power issue and was just told
to replace the belt, they may have done this. So it is possible that
the belt slipped, thereby causing a power loss, the mecahnic replaced
the belt but unkowingly set the new one up one tooth off.

On the bright side, I think that this is not the case though for a
variety of reasons. First is that the other possible problems are more
likely. Second is that most belts have the marks already on them when
they come out of their box, so the mechanic wouldn't have marked the
old belt and transferred those marks. But I just wanted you to know of
the possibility so your troubleshooting logic wouldn't be hampered.

I'd think that a vacuum leak bad enough to sap that much power would
cause a poor or impossible idle. I'd do a compression test on it and
see what that tells you.

Good luck with it.

Will check compression when I can. Forgot to mention....212k on the
odometer.