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Chevrolet and GMC Truck Information: Silervado, Sierra, and Colorado

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Chevy Truck Losing Power when Accelerating – Solved

July 28, 2021 by Jake Mayock 20 Comments

We know that your Chevy truck is precious to you and so if your Chevy is losing power when accelerating, that is a serious issue at hand. Vehicle owners usually start preparing for a big and costly repair whenever they encounter motor capacity losses. However, you need to first understand what the underlying cause is and maybe, your Chevy could be fixed with minimal repairs.

The main reasons why your Chevy truck might be losing power when accelerating are low engine compression, clogged fuel or air filter, faulty fuel pump, and so on. Keep reading to find out more about these problems and ways to fix them.

6 Reasons Why Your Chevy Truck Is Losing Power When Accelerating

One of the best ways to know what is wrong with your Chevy truck is to notice the symptoms. Given below are the top reasons why a Chevy truck could lose power while accelerating along with the symptoms you need to look out for and the solution to the issue:

1. Bad Fuel Pump

Your Chevy Truck engine comes with a fuel pump that takes the gasoline from the fuel tank and transfers it to your truck’s engine. Now, the fuel pump needs to transfer the right amount of fuel and send the appropriate pressure. If your fuel pump malfunctions or fails, that could lead to several performance problems like losing power suddenly. Even if the pump is simply clogged, that too could decrease the engine’s throughput and cause malfunctions in the power unit. Fuel pump going bad is normal and happens due to wear and tear, contamination via bad gas or clogged filters, overheating, running the tank very low, and so on.

Chevy Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms

  • Hard starts or no starts
  • Misfires
  • Whining noise from engine near fuel pump
  • Hesitation or surging while driving
  • Lack of power and drivability
  • Check engine light with codes for lean/rich AFR

Fuel Pump Repair Solution

Replacing the fuel pump is not cheap, so you should be replacing the filter periodically. To know if the fuel pump is bad or not, you need to check the fuel pressure. A new fuel pump will cost you $90 or more. If you are unable to replace the fuel pump on your own, then brace yourself for even more expenditure on the labor.

2. Faulty Fuel Injector

The fuel injector’s role is to spray fuel into the truck’s engine where the combustion takes place. If the fuel injector has started to fail or has become damaged, the engine won’t receive the right amount of fuel it needs to execute its work. So, if your engine doesn’t get enough fuel, then the truck can lose power and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Chevy Truck Fuel Injector Failure Symptoms

  • Cylinder misfires
  • Rough idling
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Hard starts
  • Lack of power or acceleration

Fuel Injector Repair Solution

You can clean your clogged fuel injector with a fuel injector cleaner. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then it’s time to replace the fuel injector. A new fuel injector can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

3. Chevy Truck Oxygen Sensor Failure

The oxygen sensor of your vehicle measures the amount of exhaust that is emitted into the environment. This data is used by the ECM to figure out if more oxygen is required for better engine performance. If the sensor gets damaged, then incorrect data readings will inhibit the ECM from determining the correct fuel mixture proportions. This makes it harder to drive your truck because it keeps losing power.

O2 Sensor Failure Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Rough idling
  • Lack of acceleration and overall power
  • Misfires

Oxygen Sensor Fix

If the oxygen sensor goes bad, you need to replace it. Also, it won’t cost any more than $100. But, some of the sensors can be very difficult to replace as per their location.

4. Low Engine Compression

If you want the engine to run correctly, there needs to be adequate cylinder compression during the combustion process. In this case, the motor’s power will be low as well which results in your Chevy truck losing power when accelerating. In addition to that, other signs of low engine compression include misfires, engine not starting, and bad fuel economy.

Chevy Low Compression Symptoms

  • Significant power losses
  • Misfires
  • Hard starts
  • Sluggish overall performance

How to Fix Chevy Low Cylinder Compression

There could be several problems behind low engine compression-like holes in the engine piston, faulty head gasket, damaged camshaft, valves leaking, etc. To fix the issue, you need to first diagnose the truck to find out the part that has been causing problems. Perform a professional compression test to find out what the problem is. You might need to replace the timing chain. However, the cost could surge up if you need to repair the piston rings or the head gasket.

5. Fuel Filter Issues

The fuel filter of your truck is located between the pump and the injectors. Its job is to filter the engine fuel to get rid of all the impurities that would have otherwise been harmful to the engine. In case the fuel filter is clogged or dirty, then it will fail at its job which in turn will give rise to acceleration problems. In addition to that, the contaminants can enter the engine as well, giving rise to many serious issues.

Failing Fuel Filter Symptoms

  • Hard starts
  • Rough idling
  • Engine shuts off while running
  • Misfires
  • Poor performance and acceleration

Fuel Filter Solution

The fuel filter for a Chevy truck is quite cheap and can be bought for as low as $10. Also, you should change the fuel filter periodically for proper maintenance of the truck. It’s an easy procedure and you can replace the fuel filter yourself in no time.

6. Clogged Air Filter

The air filter is yet another component of your truck engine that can get clogged and cause engine issues. You need air to enter the combustion chamber of the engine. Before the air mixes with the engine fuel, it will enter a filter that will remove bugs, debris, contaminants, etc. If the air filter goes bad, these contaminants will enter the engine and cause severe harm to it.

Chevy Air Filter Symptoms

  • Very dirty air filter upon inspection
  • Rich air to fuel ratios
  • Decreased power and acceleration
  • Noisy intake sounds
  • Misfires
  • Black smoke from exhaust

Clogged Air Filter Fix

Cleaning a clogged air filter is possible sometimes, but not always. It is a cheap part that will cost only $5 to $25. It is also very easy to replace on your own. But, if you want a mechanic to do it for you, that is cheap as well.

Summary

If you are facing problems with the acceleration of your Chevy truck, never delay. You need to diagnose the issue as soon as possible and make necessary repairs. Else, you’ll give rise to more problems that will lead to costly repairs. Maintain your Chevy regularly to avoid such problems in the future.

 

Filed Under: Chevy & GMC Trucks

About Jake Mayock

Jake is an automotive enthusiast who has been blogging about Chevy's and European cars for years. With technical knowledge on performance modifications and engine problems, Jake has a passion for helping car enthusiasts fix problems and achieve their performance goals.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gary A Dinehart says

    September 10, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE TWO VERSIONS OF THE 6.5 DIESEL TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. I DON’T HAVE THE BUILD SHEET. HOW DO I DETERMINE WHICH ONE I HAVE AND WHAT THE HORSE POWER IS? Sorry about the all caps.

    Reply
  2. Will Burton says

    November 4, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    Im trying to find out what battery cables i need for my 2009 duramax LT linkage from my steering caused it to be pinched and shorted out.my vin is 1GCHK53659F174876,HELP ME please need part # for battery cables

    Reply
    • Roland says

      May 1, 2022 at 10:19 am

      I have a 2006 GMC Sierra 5.3 4+4 lose power when I step on gas pedal to go faster and up the hill

      Reply
      • philip c middleton says

        December 25, 2022 at 12:33 pm

        hi Roland.. I just came across this post on the internet.. I am having the same symtoms with my chevy 5.7 suburban. Did you have any luck finding the problem? thanks, Phil

        Reply
  3. Richard Dale Emery says

    March 3, 2022 at 11:15 am

    Was getting black smoke from exaust from my S10 4.3 engine, removed cat, replaced after o2 sensor, reset, and now I have now power, starts good, won’t rev up at all, still have 2 more o2 sensors I could do

    Reply
  4. Paul says

    March 7, 2022 at 11:47 pm

    I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado and the truck will only do 30 to 40 mph any idea what could be wrong with it.

    Reply
    • Brian Robinson says

      April 20, 2022 at 2:01 am

      My 03 GMC Sierra is doing the same thing I replaced a fuel pump fuel filter all injectors all the spark plugs and half the coil Banks and still have no power at all

      Reply
      • Lee says

        April 30, 2022 at 7:17 am

        I have a 94 k2500 diesel. Side street driving is perfect. Anything over 55mph I get power loss and lunging/shaking. Replaced fuel filter twice after cleaning tank. Mechanic made sure all lines were clear. I can’t figure the problem out. Already spent almost $2000 at mechanic. Any help is appreciated.

        Reply
  5. Richard says

    May 5, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    My 94 1500 starts sounds good. However I push the gas it goes but sounds like no shifting . Let off the gas then give it gas it will Rev. But not go. Because I was stuck on the other side of town. I found out by shutting off the truck and starting it it seem to reboot it. Allowing me a window to go before it slips out and it would only Rev up. Anyone or do I need to load 12 gage and say so Long old friend.
    Richard

    Reply
    • Riki armand says

      July 10, 2022 at 1:01 am

      Have same problem. Have you figured out problem?

      Reply
  6. Travis says

    May 22, 2022 at 3:58 pm

    My 1990 Chevy 1500 start and runs fine but once I get up to around 55 it start to lose power and run sluggish like it may be over loading with gas

    Reply
    • Jake says

      May 25, 2022 at 12:49 pm

      Travis – it sounds like you could have some fueling issues, however the sluggishness would generally be present at high RPMs and not just high speeds. Have you noticed any issues at lower speeds when you put your foot down on the floor a bit more? The things I would look into are a clogged fuel filter, dirty MAF sensor or throttle body, and fuel injectors. A few other things like a clogged air filter, dying fuel pump, or a bad O2 sensor could also be the issue.

      Reply
    • Larry says

      July 28, 2022 at 8:04 am

      Same thing is happening to my truck too. I can’t figure it out

      Reply
  7. William says

    June 5, 2022 at 4:48 am

    2004 tehoe loosing poor won’t stay running

    Reply
    • Jake Mayock says

      June 8, 2022 at 8:46 am

      William – this sounds like it is probably a fueling issue. Check your fuel pump, filter, and injectors. My guess would be the fuel pump considering it won’t stay running.

      Reply
  8. Jaime says

    August 31, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    2017 Chevy 5.3
    When I hit the gas it doesn’t take off
    For it to be a z71
    I have a 2008 Nissan Titan that’s faster.

    Reply
    • Jake Mayock says

      September 3, 2022 at 8:04 pm

      Jaime – this could be a number of issues ranging from fueling problems to ignition related problems. Any other signs or symptoms that you are experience to help pinpoint the issue?

      Reply
  9. Travis says

    September 30, 2022 at 6:27 am

    You have a 91 Chevy 350 you fired up runs fine. But when u floor bogs down and wants to die I replace the air filter oxygen sensor and the fuel filter do you think it’s possible it might be the fuel pump need some advice

    Reply
    • Jake Mayock says

      September 30, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Travis – very likely could be the fuel pump or something fueling related.

      Reply
  10. Dana says

    October 13, 2022 at 11:48 am

    2009 tahoe.. missing and shuttering/loss of power at times. Put on machine. Misfire on cyl 1 replaced coil pack on that cyl, plugs and wires. Machine also detected vac leak. Mechanic can’t find. Any ideas or guidance? Thank you.

    Reply

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