Loss of power when passing a vehicle and going up hill.

Noticed that the car was struggling to overtake and build up speed after I slowed down behind the car.
Also when going uphill I keep having to change down to get up the hill
My car has a manual transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Sounds like the clutch is slipping. As the vehicle is demanding more throttle and forcing the vehicle to drive faster or push the load of the car up a steep hill, the clutch could be slipping making the vehicle seem to have a loss of power, but it really is loosing grip between the engine and transmission. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your clutch.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Airflow sensor: When your airflow sensor is failing or dirty, it can send wrong signals to your engine`s computer that can result in power losses while accelerating. This type of issue usually causes your Check Engine” light to come on and your vehicle to behave sluggishly even when there is power.
Clogged fuel filter

When the fuel filter is clogged, the fuel pump has to work much harder, resulting in a far less efficient drive. This means you can`t get the power you need if you`re trying to accelerate when overtaking or going uphill.

Power Loss

If your clutch slips, you will also lose power. Your engine will be revving high but your wheels won`t be moving forward. A slipping clutch is a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. Again, the clutch is responsible for the power transfer between the engine and the transmission and back to the engine.

Clogged car air filter

If you have a dirty or clogged air filter, not enough air is getting into the engine for optimal combustion, and there will be a lack of power when you are trying to accelerate, especially on Diesel vehicles.

A clogged fuel or air filter can make your engine sputter and your acceleration lag because the engine is not getting enough fuel or air, respectively. The combustion chamber needs the correct amount of air and fuel in order to generate combustion efficiently.
You will feel a loss in power while accelerating and at times intermittent jerks. To solve this issue find the fuel filter located in the engine bay or near the fuel tank in your car`s trunk. If the fuel filter is clogged replace it if you have the skills to do so or get it changed at your local mechanic shop.
One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle`s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine`s fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine`s that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.
Clutch slip is a common issue where the disc which joins to your flywheel is not catching as well as it should, sometimes failing completely. This means that your vehicle won`t get full power to your wheels in the way it should when connected to the right gears.
Trouble accelerating can come from a few different engine issues. These include, but are not limited to, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, and restricted airflow. A problem with the mass airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, or engine speed sensor can also cause a car to have difficulty picking up speed.
Why does my car not accelerate when I push the gas? A car not accelerating properly can be caused by a number of things. It could be due to the throttle body, gas tank, spark plugs, or the ECU. It could also be because you have a dirty air filter or a clogged fuel filter.
The most common cause of engine sputtering are issues with the fuel system. These can range from bad fuel filters, fuel pump issues, or fuel injector issues. The other possible source of the problem would be due to poor ignition – think spark plugs or ignition coil problems.
This is a common symptom of a plug or wire electrical current problem. Air or Vacuum Hose – Another common cause for engine vibration and power loss is when air or vacuum hoses come loose, begin to leak, or rupture. The three necessities for all combustion engines are air, fuel, and spark.
5. The Car Is Losing Power. This can happen for several reasons, but one of the most common is that the water pump cannot circulate the coolant properly. This can cause the engine to overheat, leading to a loss of power.
Engine Surging Can Be an Early Warning Sign of Ignition Problems. Engine surging is usually a warning sign that your car or truck is having combustion problems. Since a vehicle`s ignition wires and spark plugs play a major role in proper engine performance, it is likely time to check your engine`s electrical components …
A car that feels dragging may be due to worn tires, low tire pressure, or a problem with the brakes. A clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, or oxygen sensor can also cause a car to feel dragging. Fuel injectors, spark plugs, and the catalytic converter can also cause a car to feel dragging.
Start the car and let it idle. Install a fuel pressure gauge, run the pump, and note the pressure reading. Then compare it to the manufacturer specification. If the pressure is low, you should address that problem.
“Riding” the clutch is the most common reason for premature clutch failure. Even the slightest pressure on the pedal will partially disengage the clutch, causing the release bearing, pressure plate and flywheel to overheat.
Over time, the clutch plate begins to slip, resulting in a loss of power. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as driving in stop-and-go traffic, or driving with a heavy foot. Clutch slipping can also be caused by a low fluid level in the clutch system.
A slipping clutch is a tell-tale sign that your clutch mechanism is failing or damaged, therefore to fix a slipping clutch your car will most likely need a clutch kit replacement. As the clutch is imperative for vehicle function and safety you need to get it looked at as soon as possible.
A broken clutch takes away the connection between the engine and transmission, leaving your vehicle with the inability to move correctly. With a manual transmission, you can still drive your car. Driving with a broken clutch is NOT recommended.
The most likely issue is that a component is clogged. A clogged fuel filter is the most common reason, although a loss of power in your car could also indicate problems with the fuel pump or fuel line. Impurities or debris may be blocking the system, which causes the loss of power in a car.
Ford 6.0 Powerstroke Problems (2003-2007)

While the 7.3l was famously reliable, Ford and Navistar knew it wouldn`t be able to reach upcoming NOx emissions requirements. Even if it could, the new common rail diesels being used by their competitors were beating Ford in performance.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My car won’t go past 35mph
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you provided, your vehicle has problems with the transmission again. You stated it will not shift into 3rd gear again, like before the transmission was rebuilt. If the transmission is again the problem, it should be covered under warranty. It could be a faulty shift solenoid. The shift indicator not reading properly could be a faulty transmission position sensor. If this is an overall lack of performance issue, according to your last statement, then possibly you have a restriction in the exhaust system. I recommend having your vehicle’s problems inspected and diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic.

Car struggles to go up hills and only goes 40-60 mph depending how steep the hill is. What’s wrong with my car?
ANSWER : Hi there:

Anytime a check engine light is illuminated it’s because a sensor has detected a mechanical or electrical fault that impacts the vehicle’s performance. If the mechanic you go to hasn’t completed a check engine light inspection; which means they actually download these error codes; then you should find a different mechanic who knows how to complete this basic diagnostic step. In order to effectively diagnose the source of your Nissan’s acceleration issues, you might want to have one of our mobile mechanics complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection; which will allow them to download those error codes first and determine why your Nissan is sluggish on hills.

Loss of power when passing a vehicle and going up hill.
ANSWER : Hi there. Sounds like the clutch is slipping. As the vehicle is demanding more throttle and forcing the vehicle to drive faster or push the load of the car up a steep hill, the clutch could be slipping making the vehicle seem to have a loss of power, but it really is loosing grip between the engine and transmission. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your clutch.

12 so ic 1.8 5 speed motor blow up replaced it idle is rough spits and sputter has no power to go up a hill no check engine light
ANSWER : The issue you are writing in about is common enough that a specific diagnostic, namely a reduced engine power diagnostic is performed by technicians dispatched by YourMechanic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this issue resolved for you. In your circumstance, the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) has undoubtedly stored one or more diagnostic trouble codes that will identify the "general area" in which the fault lies in the engine management controls. Although the throttle control system is a common trouble area with reduced power, there are quite a few other components and systems that could come into play and, of course, there is always the possibility of multiple, or "coincident", faults. Here are some of the possibilities that YourMechanic dispatched technicians would consider:

Defective throttle position (TP) sensor
Defective oxygen sensor
Defective accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor
Loose or damaged wiring
Defective throttle body
Defective powertrain control module (PCM) (not typical; ONLY if a long, long list of other possibilities is ruled out)
Any fault/error that will affect drivability function
Any fault/error that will affect vehicle performance
A fault/error in the emissions system
A fault/error in the throttle control system
A fault/error in the transmission control system

If you request the recommended diagnostic the mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Electrical issue with window
ANSWER : Hi there. If you are still unsure after testing both components, you could always make a switched jumper wire, or use a circuit tester that is capable of acting as a switch. This way, you can avoid having to buy another switch and taking a chance that it is not the problem. Or you could supply voltage directly to the motor, in a short burst, to see if the motor functions in each direction. Just be aware that you need to be careful not to injure yourself around the moving parts. If you would like to have an expert perform this procedure for you, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the electrical system and follow through with proper repairs.

Vehicle won’t go into gear when running, when turned off, vehicle will go into gear but won’t start. 1998 Ford Explorer
ANSWER : Hello – your clutch hydraulics are the problem here. Check the clutch hydraulics fluid level – and it may share the same reservoir as the brake master cylinder (both use brake fluid as the hydraulic medium). If fluid needs to be added, that means that probably the clutch slave cylinder is leaking – this might be visible as a clear, but bitter-smelling liquid on the ground under the engine. I recommend a clutch hydraulics inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Hi, I have a 2003 Ford Taurus. Going down the HWY it stopped having the driving power to go. Engine is running. Pulled o er and a
ANSWER : It sounds as if you are having further issues with your transmission. If the vehicle will only go forward and not reverse, it is possible that a shift solenoid replacement will resolve the issue. It is also possible that internal transmission damage may have occured. I would strongly recommend having your transmission inspected by a qualified professionial who is proficcient at transmission diagnosis. When your vehicle is hesitating to move forward, this sounds like the transmission is slipping. Maintaining proper fluid levels is essential to proper transmission operation. Be sure to have the transmission checked for leaks as well during this inspection.

I have a 1990 toyota 4runner, has 300,000 miles but only 80,000 on th motor, it seems to have a loss of power going up an incline
ANSWER : Hi there. Quite often when the original motor is replaced with a newer or rebuilt one, it can have minor issues like you described for multiple reasons. First, it’s very common for mechanics and repair shops to swap motors, but use existing filters, electrical and fuel lines and sensors from the old motor. When this happens, it can create ignition or fuel related problems that can cause reduced acceleration problems. In most cases, this problem can be traced to a vacuum leak, dirty or clogged fuel injectors, a defective fuel pump or faulty or damaged catalytic converter. To correctly diagnose and repair this issue, you should have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a loss of power inspection.