[6yeartandc]

I have noticed during the past several weeks that my 01 T and C (3.3L), while accelerating, there seems to be about a 3 second, 2 or 3 horsepower loss, and then it goes away for about 5 seconds, then returns in same interval. I only notice it while accelerating. Everything seems to be running fine, motor-wise. It did seem to start shortly after having the transmission fluid and filter changed, but wasn't sure if that had anything to do with it or not. There is 160,000 miles on it. Also, does anyone know if the fuel filter on the 3.3s is in the tank or is it external?

 

[dg98adams]

I think the filter for the gas tank is internal.

You may need to clean the carbon from the throttle body, very common. Course plugs might be needed.

 

[6yeartandc]

I just replaced the plugs earlier in the year. What's the best way to clean out this carbon???

 

[atoman]

fuel filter is external, mounted on top of tank only a strainer screen is internal (which means you need to drop/lower the tank to access filter)..
check or have your fuel pressure checked (make sure it's done at WOT)...

2-3 horses huh? does it happen when trans is shifting gears? (if so disregard and drive it some more after the fluid & filter change OR you can go and have a "quick learn" procedure done @ dealer)

 

[6yeartandc]

No, it doesn't do it when it is shifting gears, just when you are steadily accelerating. You can ever-so-slightly feel it drop for about 3 seconds, then it picks back up again for about 5 or so seconds. The averaged person probably wouldn't even notice (my wife). Shifts good. I do notice that the overall power of the vehicle has gone down over that past year or so, but I might chalk that up to the age and mileage of the motor, plus being just a 3.3, what do you expect? We're getting ready to take it on a pretty long trip, so I'm making sure all of the bugs are worked out of it before we go. I can't really see the problem being the fuel filter since it does it at a certain interval and other than that it runs fine. Seems like if the filter was plugged it would do it sporadically or all the time. Maybe I'll take the title with us on our trip in case she breaks down, I may just leave her lie...