Q: Acceleration and loss of power issue

asked by on November 11, 2016

My truck doesn't have any power and my overdrive light on
My car has an automatic transmission.

The transmission control module (TCM) helps regulate fuel efficiency and power while storing information about the transmission system in its memory. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears.

The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function.

The TCM also controls the overdrive function of your truck’s transmission. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your truck.

I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your loss of power problem and service your transmission speed sensor if necessary. Best of luck.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car won't start - 1998 Dodge Durango
The starting troubles you are having are likely related to your battery or your starter. You will want to start by jump starting the vehicle. If this works, the battery was drained. The battery then may just need a good...
Electric problems
Hello - this sounds like a real mess! Check fuses first of course, to eliminate the simple problems. Then, it's time to break out the electrical diagnostic equipment and dive into the wiring. There are likely multiple wiring and/or connector...
why does my car keep stalling when i come to a stop today it just turned off and now it wont start i already changed the fuel pump
Hi there. If you tested the fuel pump and noticed that it was not "humming" that's either an indication of a fuel pump electrical relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pump-relay) (as you suggested) or a fuse that is broken. It could also indicate that...
Low idle, Stalls dropping into neutral?
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at...
I started hearing like a scraping sound when I brake. What can be causing this?
Scraping or grinding sounds when braking are usually caused by work brake pads or shoes. If the friction material on the brake pads is completely worn away, then the metal backings of the pads will make contact with the metal...
I just put in a fuel pump and its still not starting and its not the fuel relay what could it be?
Hello, thank you for writing in. When it comes to no start (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) and stalling issues, you want to start with the simple stuff. Make sure your batter cables are perfect, the new battery is fully charged, and make sure...
Can I put a 3.8 v6 engine in from a mustang?
Hi there: Since the Mustang engine is smaller than the V6 Ford Explorer engine, i'd recommend against trying to do this type of engine swap. Although in theory, it should align fine with motor mounts, you're going to have to...
Dose a chevy cruze thermostat open with the sensor ontop of the houseing or is it suppose to open just with hot water at 200degree
Hi there. Actually, on modern cars, the thermostat is opened through the interaction of both the sensor and the actual temperature reading on the thermostat. Both components relay information to the ECU which activates control of the thermostat. This is...
coolant low in my van
The coolant level is checked by looking at the plastic reservoir (overflow) tank. You should see a min. (minimum) and max. (maximum) levels marked on the reservoir. When the vehicle is stone cold, the level of coolant in the tank...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Universal Joint (U-Joint)
Common signs of a faulty u-joint include a squeaking noise, clunking sound when shifting, vibrations in the car, and transmission fluid leaking.
How to Find the Keyless Code on a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer
Many Many Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers were manufactured with an option known as the Ford keyless entry keypad. Some models refer to it as SecuriCode as well. It is a five-button numeric keypad that is used to: Eliminate fumbling...
How to Replace a Speed Timing Sensor
Some signs of a failed speed timing sensor include a Check Engine Light and poor performance. It's also known as the crankshaft position sensor.