Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed my car (2001 Oldsmobile Alero, V-6) has very little power. I need to floor it to get some acceleration.
I had my fuel filter replaced 1.5 years ago at around 80K miles, and my last tune up a year ago at around 90K miles. My car now has 108K miles.
When I am at a constant speed, my car is smooth.
Any suggestions?
A restricted exhaust system or restricted catalytic convertor could cause the problem.
Check the following:
Air filter
Fuel Filter
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Ignition Coil Packs -or- Cap, Rotor, Coil and Timing.
Air Cleaner Assembly
Rectify any problems that you find.
Post back to say if that takes care of it.
-Matt
No check engine light? I’m a bit surprised that the check engine light isn’t on. The OBD-II should have some fault indication. I would start by having the OBD-II fault code read by your mechanic.
No, there’s definitely no check engine light on.
How often should I have tune-ups in my car, anyways?
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter all should be changed at 30K mile intervals. At that time, the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor should be inspected.
Every other 30K service, those “inspected” items should be changed regardless, as well as the plugs and filters.
Other 30K items include the transmission fluid and filter and the brake fluid.
You should change your oil and filter no less often than every 5K miles.
-Matt