Prefacing this by saying that judging by some of the threads here, many of you are way out of my league technicals-wise, (read - I dont do a great deal of my own mechanical work), nonetheless would appreciate any insights.

While drving home last night, I experienced a marked decline in power when accelerating (both prior to and beyond 6k rpm), it was almost as if the car was choked for air. I've had the SC for about 3500 miles now with zero problems - and now this. It almost felt like maybe something was "sticking" as the problem seemed to correct itself though psychologically the car never felt right all the way home.

Recently changed oil and new filters so should not be an issue there. Only recent changes are the recent drop in outside temp (its hit the 20s and 30s here and was probably in the 30s last night) and I recently added the coastal metals front grill (restricted air-flow maybe? - but I know others with the SC as well as grill and no problems).

Was hoping to tap the wealth of knowledge here. Any thoughts?

 

Might try the MAP sensor route- sounds like a MAP failure. Do a search, I believe tapping the MAP sensor usually helps. If it does, you may need a new one. A not-uncommon failure in our cars.

Other than that... plugs, air filter... the grille shouldn't affect it at all.

SC belt tightness?

 

If it's not the MAP sensor, it could be problems with the SC check valve. Occasionally, it seems to stick when I accelerate hard the first time during a drive, then is OK. This manifests itself as an apparent loss of power, as the car doesn't accelerate as hard as normal.

 

I'd guess MAP sensor too. I had a few MAP sensor problems on my car a long time ago, they went away without actually replacing the MAP sensor; think I used the "tap method".

 

Was it a jerky sort of hesitation, or just a general decline in acceleration? With the first, that sounds like the MAP sensor troubles as indicated above. If the second, perhaps an air leak between the compressor and the engine, or a loose compressor drive belt.

Were there any associated noises? Open up the hood and listen. If you hear a clatter, it's possibly a broken compressor mounting bracket.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan
[B]Was it a jerky sort of hesitation, or just a general decline in acceleration?