Low Power At Startup
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Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
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Low Power At Startup
Hi,
Bought a 2002 last year with about 95K miles, just turned 100K miles. It was maintained in excellent condition by the previous owner. Overall it's been great and we've enjoyed it. It does have one minor issue. When cold starting (sits overnight or for a few hours)- outside temp doesn't seem to matter- it feels like you don't have much power when you accelerate and the engine has an odd (sorta) whirring sound, but the Durango moves. This lasts for 15-30s (estimated, I didn't time it) and then she runs great. If you stop and start it when it's up to normal operating temperature, it's fine, i.e. no low power and no sound.
After reading the forum the I was thinking maybe the TPS?, but I don't have a lot of Dodge experience.
Didn't see anything similar after searching, but it's kind of hard to describe.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks.
Bought a 2002 last year with about 95K miles, just turned 100K miles. It was maintained in excellent condition by the previous owner. Overall it's been great and we've enjoyed it. It does have one minor issue. When cold starting (sits overnight or for a few hours)- outside temp doesn't seem to matter- it feels like you don't have much power when you accelerate and the engine has an odd (sorta) whirring sound, but the Durango moves. This lasts for 15-30s (estimated, I didn't time it) and then she runs great. If you stop and start it when it's up to normal operating temperature, it's fine, i.e. no low power and no sound.
After reading the forum the I was thinking maybe the TPS?, but I don't have a lot of Dodge experience.
Didn't see anything similar after searching, but it's kind of hard to describe.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,228
Likes: 19
From: Riverton, UT
Welcome to the boards!
Sounds like the clutch fan is engaged then comes out of lock after a little movement. This is normal.
After a clutch fan sits it is next to the radiator so the bands tighten around the shaft. When cold it contracts still engaged. You drive it for a few seconds and it eventually loosens up allowing it to turn inside the fan clutch. This is more noticeable in the summer because of abundant temperature. You can hear wind (whirring) being pulled because the clutch is fully engaged turning the fan full bore.
When the motor gets hot it engages to help cool the motor so you will hear it then too.
Sounds like the clutch fan is engaged then comes out of lock after a little movement. This is normal.
After a clutch fan sits it is next to the radiator so the bands tighten around the shaft. When cold it contracts still engaged. You drive it for a few seconds and it eventually loosens up allowing it to turn inside the fan clutch. This is more noticeable in the summer because of abundant temperature. You can hear wind (whirring) being pulled because the clutch is fully engaged turning the fan full bore.
When the motor gets hot it engages to help cool the motor so you will hear it then too.
Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
Still always engaged. I heard mine in the AM too. When I took it off, it was dry as a bone and there was no way in hell that rusted up spring was doing anything like it was supposed too.
Since a frozen clutch fan only creates more noise and a lack of some horsepower, my money is betting most people don't even realize that is what has occurred.
IndyDurango
Since a frozen clutch fan only creates more noise and a lack of some horsepower, my money is betting most people don't even realize that is what has occurred.
IndyDurango
