A van that suddenly loses power can be frustrating, inconvenient and dangerous, especially when driving on motorways, climbing hills or carrying heavy loads. But what does losing engine power feel like, and why is it happening? Let’s take a closer look and try to answer the question: why is my van losing power?
10 reasons why your van is losing power
Power loss isn’t always a complete engine failure. It can present itself in several different ways, such as slow or poor acceleration, difficulty reaching normal speeds, reduced engine performance when climbing hills, engine hesitation or stuttering, excessive exhaust smoke, the engine warning light illuminating, the vehicle entering limp mode and poor fuel economy. But what could it be that’s causing the loss of van power? Let’s take a look at ten possible causes:
1. You have a clogged air filter
Your engine needs a constant supply of clean air for efficient combustion. A dirty or blocked air filter restricts airflow, therefore reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency in the process. If this is the issue, then you’ll likely experience sluggish acceleration, reduced fuel economy, black exhaust smoke and rough engine performance. The solution here? Inspect the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or overdue for a van service. Air filters are inexpensive and should typically be changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and maintenance schedule.
2. The fuel filter is blocked
A fuel filter removes contaminants before fuel reaches the engine. Over time, it will become clogged, therefore limiting fuel flow. If this is the problem, then you’ll likely experience a loss of power under acceleration, difficulty starting, engine hesitation and stalling. The way to resolve this? Replace the fuel filter. This is routine maintenance on many diesel vans and often restores normal performance.
3. There’s a problem with the turbocharger
Many modern vans will rely on turbochargers for improved power and fuel efficiency. A failing turbo or boost leak can significantly reduce engine performance. There could be numerous causes for a turbocharger issue, including worn turbo bearings, damaged boost hoses, a sticking turbo actuator and oil supply problems. If this is the reason for loss of power, then you’ll likely experience poor acceleration, whistling noises, blue or black smoke, loss of boost, and the check engine warning light will be on the dashboard.
4. It’s down to a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor
The MAF sensor measures the amount of air that enters the engine. Incorrect readings can cause the engine to deliver the wrong fuel mixture, therefore reducing the van’s power. If this is the issue, then you’ll experience hesitation, reduced engine power, poor fuel economy and rough idling. The sensor may simply need cleaning, or it could require a complete replacement. An experienced van technician, like the ones here at VanServ, will be able to determine which solution would be best here.
5. You’re having issues with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
The EGR valve reduces emissions by recirculating exhaust gases. Carbon deposits can cause it to stick, also. You’ll know if this is the culprit because you’ll experience rough idling, reduced power, increased emissions and the engine warning light will likely be on too. There is a way to resolve this issue, including cleaning or replacing the EGR valve. Speak to your van technician, like the professionals in our VanServ team, for further advice and guidance on the matter.
6. The fuel injector isn’t working properly
Dirty or worn injectors simply cannot deliver fuel efficiently. This, therefore, leads to poor combustion. The symptoms of this include: engine misfires, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption and rough running overall. The solution here is to clean the fuel injector. However, if it’s severely worn or damaged, then it will require a replacement as soon as possible.
7. You have a faulty fuel pump
The fuel pump will maintain the pressure required to supply fuel to the engine. If it begins to fail, the performance will suffer. If the fuel pump is the problem, then you’ll experience power loss at higher speeds, difficulty starting the engine, the engine cutting out and sputtering under load. The solution? Have your van undergo a pressure test. This will help to confirm whether the fuel pump requires replacement or if there’s another culprit behind the van’s power loss. This is something we can help with here at VanServ.
8. There are sensor & electrical faults
Modern vans rely on numerous sensors in order to manage engine performance. A faulty sensor will therefore trigger reduced power mode. The sensors in question will often include crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors, oxygen sensors, boost pressure sensors and throttle position sensors. You’ll know if this is the problem because the engine warning light will be on, you’ll experience intermittent power loss, and your van may go into limp mode.
9. Your clutch could be the problem
Manual vans can be affected by clutch slippage. You’ll know if the clutch is slipping because you’ll notice that the engine revs without increased speed, there’s a slight burning smell, and it’s difficult to tow heavy loads or even climb hills, even if the van isn’t fully laden. If your clutch is worn, then it will need to be replaced. This is something we can do here at VanServ. For van clutch replacement services, look no further than our team of highly experienced and fully trained experts.
10. There’s an issue with the ignition system
If you have a petrol van in your fleet and you find that it’s losing a significant amount of power, it could be down to the ignition system. This is because petrol vans rely on spark plugs and ignition coils to ignite the fuel-air mixture. If you’re experiencing misfires, rough running, poor acceleration or increased fuel consumption, then replacing the spark plugs or faulty ignition coils often restores performance overall.
If your van is losing power, or if you need it to be serviced, inspected, or if repairs or part replacements need to be carried out, then look no further than VanServ. We have a team of fully qualified technicians at the helm of our operations, so get in touch with us to get started – we’re always pleased to hear from you.