1997 Dodge Avenger, Starts but RPM's Don't Go High

by Victoria
(Pekin, IL USA)

We are looking to buy a Dodge avenger. We found one, they say it starts but the rpm's will not go high so it is not driveable. Any ideas of what will cause this?

1997 Dodge avenger 4 cylinder, 5 speed.


Steve Says,

There are a lot of things that can cause this type of car problem. The first thing that I would check is fuel pressure. If the fuel pump is not putting out enough pressure it can cause this type of problem. If the fuel filter is restricted or clogged it can cause it and if the fuel pressure regulator is bad it can do this as well. If you check the fuel pressure it will show you how these things are doing.

Another thing that I have seen cause this type of problem is a dirty mass airflow sensor (MAF). If it is dirty then the computer cannot tell how much air is going into the engine and cannot add the right amount of fuel, thus the low RPM's.

This could also be an ignition problem or another senor that is causing it, but that is not as likely.

This is about as good as I can do with the information that I have. I hope it has helped you.