Check Engine light and loss of power

[Ozarkian]

I have a 95 Dodge Ram, 318 engine. I have had it 5 years and have never had any trouble with it. I change the oil every 3,500 miles without fail. Any way the other day I was coming home and the check engine light came on and it will not go over 50 mph, the engine just doesn't accelerate. I'm hoping it's a sensor or something. Has anyone ever encountered this problem? The oil pressure is good, and it hasn't overheated. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Ozarkian

 

[biere]

My lt1 equiped chevy needed a tune up when it did that. Just plugs and wires made it happy. I have a code scanner and the code read oxygen sensor problem of some sort, but I never messed with them.

In my area autozone will read the codes for free. You can also buy a sorta cheap scanner for some vehicles if you want to do that. Checking a few new cars out for friends will pay for it in a short amount of time.

I guess it could be fuel related as well though.

I am not that familiar with dodge stuff, but I do like the 318 and what not since they are a simpler older engine with stupid newer fuel infection hanging on them.

I used to work on cars but am getting rusty since I just work on my stuff and a few select friends stuff.

Before I quit though I learned that anything can mess new stuff up. I would make sure you are getting air to the engine, make sure nothing killed the air filter and air hoses. Check fuel pressure and make sure it is too spec. The spark plugs and wires are still working some to run the car so there is little point in checking them out, but I would say if the mileage on the vehicle is up there they could be guilty.

My plugs and wires went 105k miles before causing problems. And it was a sudden problem, not just here and there but running fine one minute until I stopped and went into a store. And then on restart causing problems.

And make sure the catalytic convertor is not glowing red or making neat noises from stuff breaking loose in the case.

 

[DARKSTAR]

If the engine sounds like it is bogging down when put to wide open, check the cat converter. The converter will usually make a rattleing noise before it goes, and the material inside turns sideways or breaks up and clogs exhaust Have had similer problems to these before, but never had check engine light on.

 

[twohawlks]

You need to pull the codes to determine the problem. Chrysler cars have what is called a limp mode when the computer sees a problem that could be potentionly damaging it lets the car
run enought to be driven to get home or a repair shop but not to be driven normaly.

 

[DARKSTAR]

Limp in mode only has to do with the 4 speed electronic transmissions, trucks do not use the limp in programming, Only in cars , does not effect the engine. Trucks in 95 are not electronic yet, overdrive and torque converter lock up only part computer controlled.

Remove O2 sensor from exhaust and go for test drive see if performance pick back up. I have had many rams with converters plugged.