Sudden loss of power(need tune up?)

[Ctown]

My 2001 manual PT is now at 77000miles and lately the car feels VERY weak. I constantly have to be at a gear lower than I'm used to to keep the manual transmission from jerking.........Also when I'm at stop the car occationally shocks a little from time to time like it's going to stall........u know the RPM have a quick drop and than back.

I don't know what the problem is hope some one can help

I haven't tune up for 20000miles and it eats more gas than normal

is it

1)Dirty air filter
2)old spark plugs and wires
3)dirty fuel filter
4)dying fuel pump
5)dying alternator(electrical problem?)
6)just a bad exhaust sensor?

I just don't know

[Jeff V]

I'd start with a tuneup, since it's something you are about due for anyway. But you'd think a dealer could do a good diagnosis.

[bobs turbo pt]

try the tune up, is the clutch in good shape ??

[Mean Green]

Do you have good aftermarket plug wires? If not get some. Change plugs, too. How old is your air filter? Dirty?

[TurboCruiser13]

Another thing to check although I haven't heard of PTs doing this, but the cat may be plugged up in some way. I had my boss' Blazer floored on the freeway and I couldn't get it over 45 one day. Took it to the dealership and they changed the cat and I did 90 on the way home

[Ctown]

My question what do they do in tune up?????????

I haven't taken care of the car regular except for oil change. I do abuse it drive it hard sometimes at night going home driving 100MPH for a long period of time.

1)Clutch - New changed last year but I think I abuse it pretty bad. BUT still the RPM should not be having those small constant drop while I"m in Nuetral.

2)Tune up - is due I'm sure

3)Alternator - Not sure everytime the RPM drop the electrical light seems dim along with it......I suspect the engine is not doing OK

4)Air filter / fuel filter - Fuel filter never change but the K+N air filter haven't been clean for almost 20K miles

I just don't have time to have it fix ...but I guess I really have to make time this time...it's getting worst and worst

[TaylorMade]

Tune Up=New Spark Pluigs and Wires.

Your problem is definitely a misfiring plug wire on one of the cylinders. Ive had the same problem at least 3 times. If you go aftermarket, do not buy magnecore wires. They last about a month

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Mean Green

Do you have good aftermarket plug wires? If not get some. Change plugs, too. How old is your air filter? Dirty?

Agree. Get Crane wires RaceAndStreet.Com, and Champion platinum plugs.
Bet that's it - my '02 did the same thing - plugs & wires cured it. [?]

[Ctown]

Thanks guy

I've check tonight and find that there are few problems

1)my K+N filter is VERY VERY dirty (cleaning it tonight)
2)The + and - on the batter is filled with acid snow flicks (VERY BAD)

both of them are just 1.5 years old

BIG #3 problem....an 3/4 inch diameter acordion type black wire attached to a metal rod underneath the air filter box came off(seperated) if u look under ur HUGH air filter box u'll see a blk wire connect to a silver rod........I'm not sure what it does but it's not good.......any idea?

My guess now is that my cars had with with my neglect I'll get a new battery clean the filter and have my mechanic change the plug and wire for me and I'll let you guys know

[Mean Green]

quote:Originally posted by TaylorMade

Tune Up=New Spark Pluigs and Wires.

Your problem is definitely a misfiring plug wire on one of the cylinders. Ive had the same problem at least 3 times. If you go aftermarket, do not buy magnecore wires. They last about a month

Don't agree. Used Magnecor wires on my modded '03 GT and they worked very well. 11k miles on them when I traded the car in and still going strong for the woman who bought my GT last year. Lots of people running with Magnecor wires. This is first time I've ever heard anything negative.