I have an '86 Plymouth Reliant wagon that I've been driving for about a year - it's a great little car and I want to keep it running. Lately the Power Loss has started coming on and I'm not sure why. It has started idling roughly when it first starts up wihich is probably part of the problem. Anyone like to suggest what I should be looking at first? Thanks.

 

First off you need to check the computer. It has a self checking computer. To do this turn the key to the "ON" position and then to the "OFF" position 3 times leaving it in the "ON" position on the 3rd time. The "POWER LOSS" light will go out, the it will start to flash. Count the flashes. It will flash a series of 2 digit codes with a pause between each number and a pause between each code. When it flashes the code "55" that means the self check is done. Call up your local Dodge dealership and ask their service department what each code is, then go from there.[sm=smiley20.gif][sm=smiley2.gif]

 

I should have thought of that Anyway, I get a 24 and a 33. 24 is Throttle Position Sensor if I remember correctly so I guess I should check that but isn't 33 someting to do with Air Conditioning? This car definiteely doesn't have A/C...

 

The only 33 code I have seen is for the A/C, but this is with cars '88 and up. I do not know about what it might be, if anything, for an older car.

 

Have the same problem. Power loss light on. Getting code 24. Replaced the TPS sensor, temperaturte sensor, fuel pump, fuel filter and finally engine controller again. the first two controllers were from the junyard. any help on fixiing this will be appreciated. it too is on an 1986 Plymouth wagon with the 2.2 engine

Car only has 35,000 miles on it.

thanks
alegro

 

A code that is given only means that that circuit is out of the acceptable operating range set by the manufacturer, it does not necessarily mean that a component is bad although it usually does. It could be a broken wire,a short or simply a bad/dirty contact within that circuit.

 

Thanks 71RoadRunner. that has to be it. I have replaced everything. it runs the same with the TPS disconnected. i have looked for bad connections or wires to no avai but i'm still looking. The car only has 34,000 miles on it but low mileage is not always a good thing. We will keep looking an. Any advice on this will be a great help. I guess i will start by striping the insulation off and following it on down the line. Do you know if everything is under the hood or is that some wires and connections under the dash?

Again, thanks

Allegro

 

okay, i cleaned and checked all the wires and the connections. there is a round socket with about six wires on the left fender and i disconnected it earlier and the engine died and the fan came of. i ppugged it back in and stated the engine. the Loss Power light went out. BUT, i then had a couple more codes. each time it started the engine, it ran right and the light went off.

then i disconnected the battery to clear the codes and when i restarted the engine, the code was back and the acceleration was bad.

I did this again and went throught the same procedure. this time, the code did not come back and the light went off. What do you think? bad connection demon in the system?

Allegro

 

Some of the wiring in the plug you were messing with could be the problem, it could have a break in the wiring and moving it around caused it to make contact again and act/run just fine.[sm=smiley24.gif]