Here's the situation...

03 OBW 4cyl 21K. With 4 regular sized (~160-180lbs) adults, the car seems to lack power on an uphill climb. Was cruising about 65-70mph on interstate and approached the uphill...speed started dropping after awhile and I stepped on the gas pedal a little harder. (Slope was somewhat uniform throughout at about 3% grade maybe?) Gears did not kick down but engine sounded louder. Stepped on it a little more and it kicked down to 3rd. Engine was loud(the sound of trying to accelerate from 30mph on 4th or 5 gear) at this time but speed did not increase. RPMs was about ~3+K. When I floored the pedal, there is a slight second before it drops into 2nd and RPMs at this time is around 4500. Only now then the speed increases according to gas pedal pressure.

 

Is this behavior typical of AT OBWs? I used to own a 94 MT 2.2 and the power was always there but with this 2.5, I feel that even with more horses, there is not much power on an uphill climb, esp with 4 adults!!!

 

The only thing that I can think of is maybe the fuel filter needs changed. Oil has been changed regularly at 3kmi and I use M1 syn 5w-30.

 

Now if I am the only person in the car, the performance on an uphill is considerably better but still not as good as I would expect. Seeing how it is, I can't imagine having to tow a trailer at all. On a level street or interstate, it doesn't seem to have much of a problem at all.

 

Any ideas?

It sounds to me that the tranny didn't downshift when it was supposed to and the engine started lugging. Some adjustment may be needed for the downshift. Are you using the proper grade of gasoline?

It sounds to me that the tranny didn't downshift when it was supposed to and the engine started lugging. Some adjustment may be needed for the downshift. Are you using the proper grade of gasoline?

 

I'm putting Chevron regular in(the 2.5 does not require premium) and I usually put in the STP fuel injection cleaners every 2-3 months. I also had it check out by the dealership and they said that it was shifting fine. But I assume when they did the test drive, it probably wasn't under load.