Chevy Truck Losing Power When Accelerating: Let’s Investigate!

Do you own a Chevy truck and find yourself frustrated with its lack of power when accelerating? When your Chevy truck loses power during acceleration, it can feel like you’re hitting a brick wall.

The engine may struggle, and you may notice a lack of responsiveness when you press the gas pedal.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Chevy trucks losing power when accelerating and explore potential solutions to help you regain that much-needed performance.

So, why is Chevy truck losing power when accelerating? A clogged fuel filter is a common cause of Chevy trucks losing power when accelerating. It restricts fuel flow to the engine due to dirt and debris buildup. Faulty ignition systems like worn-out spark plugs or a failing ignition coil can also lead to power loss. Another culprit is a bad fuel pump that fails to supply enough fuel to the engine. Vacuum leaks and a faulty fuel pressure regulator can further contribute to this issue. Additionally, a malfunctioning throttle body or throttle position sensor can result in reduced power during acceleration.

Bonus Read: How much does it cost to fix reduced power mode

Symptoms of Chevy Trucks Losing Power When Accelerating

Here are the symptoms you can observe if your Chevy truck isn’t picking up power when accelerating:

Sluggish Acceleration

One of the most common signs of power loss is sluggish acceleration. You might feel like your vehicle is struggling to gather speed, even when you press down on the accelerator pedal. This can be quite disconcerting, especially when you’re used to a more responsive ride.

This lack of responsiveness can make it difficult to merge into traffic or overtake slower vehicles. When you experience sluggish acceleration, it’s a telltale sign that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle’s power delivery.

Increased Fuel Consumption

When power loss affects engine performance, it often leads to decreased fuel efficiency. If you find that you’re visiting the gas station more frequently or that your vehicle’s fuel economy has significantly dropped, it could be a result of decreased engine performance. 

If the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders does not burn completely, it leads to the wastage of fuel and reduced power output. Incomplete combustion can be caused by factors like a faulty spark plug, clogged fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor.

Engine Misfires

Engine misfires are another symptom of power loss that vehicle owners may encounter. Misfires occur when one or more cylinders fail to ignite properly, causing a loss of power and an uneven running engine. You may experience a rough idle, vibrations, and a lack of responsiveness when accelerating. 

How Do Vehicles Accelerate?

When we press the accelerator pedal, it sets off a chain reaction of events under the hood of our vehicles that ultimately propels us forward.

The accelerator pedal serves as the primary means for the driver to control acceleration.

As the pedal is depressed, APP (Accelerator pedal position) sensor detects the force applied by the driver.

These sensors translate the physical motion into electronic signals, which are then forwarded to the engine control unit.

The ECU commands the throttle valve to open wider or narrower, depending on the driver’s input.

By adjusting the position of the throttle valve, the amount of air that enters the engine is regulated.

To achieve effective combustion and produce the necessary power for acceleration, the engine must maintain the ideal air-fuel mixture ratio.

By opening the throttle valve wider, more air is allowed to enter the engine intake manifold.

As the throttle valve opens wider, the ECU commands the fuel injectors to deliver a corresponding amount of fuel for each intake stroke. This precise control ensures that the air-fuel mixture remains within the optimal range for efficient combustion.

With more fuel burning and a greater amount of controlled explosions taking place, the engine produces additional power.

This increased power output is transmitted to the wheels through the transmission system, which transfers the rotational force from the engine to the wheels.

When you drive a vehicle, the power generated by the engine is crucial for accelerating and increasing its speed.

However, if you’re driving a Chevy truck and you notice that the gears are not engaging properly when you press the accelerator pedal, it will hinder your ability to pick up speed.

This can create a sensation of the vehicle losing power, as it struggles to reach higher speeds. In that case, the problem lies in the transmission of your vehicle.

Vehicle Power Generation Process	Description
Press the accelerator pedal	Sets off a chain reaction of events under the hood of the vehicle
Accelerator pedal	Primary means for the driver to control acceleration
APP sensor	Detects the force applied by the driver and translates it into electronic signals
Throttle position sensor (TPS)	Receives signals from the APP sensors and relays the information to the Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Engine Control Unit (ECU)	Commands the throttle valve to open wider or narrower based on the driver’s input
Throttle valve	Regulates the amount of air that enters the engine
Ideal air-fuel mixture ratio	Maintained by adjusting the position of the throttle valve
Fuel injectors	Controlled by the ECU and deliver a corresponding amount of fuel for each intake stroke
Engine power output	Increased by delivering more fuel and controlling the air-fuel mixture ratio
Transmission system	Transfers the rotational force from the engine to the wheels
Problem with transmission	Hinders the ability to engage gears properly, impacting the vehicle’s ability to pick up speed and leading to power loss

Necessary Step If Chevy Truck Is Losing Power When Accelerating

There are several possible reasons why your Chevy truck is losing power when accelerating, and some of them are easier to fix than others.

But, before popping up the hood and messing with your engine to find the exact cause of losing power in your Chevy truck, you can use an OBD2 scanner if your Chevy model is after 1994.

You can use the Bluedriver OBD2 scanner to check for trouble codes stored in your truck’s engine memory.

Don’t worry if your check engine light isn’t on; there still might be trouble codes hidden in the engine’s memory. This will help you identify the root cause of your truck’s power loss when accelerating.

Once you’ve connected the OBD2 scanner and retrieved the trouble codes, it’s time to interpret them. These codes are alphanumeric sequences that provide valuable insight into the specific issues plaguing your vehicle.

They can indicate problems such as sensor failures, misfires, or fuel system malfunctions. Armed with this diagnostic information, you’ll have a better understanding of what needs to be addressed.

Here are some of the common codes related that represent reduced power of your Chevy truck when accelerating:

• P0300-P0308: These codes indicate a problem with cylinder misfire. This means that one or more cylinders are not firing properly due to various reasons, such as faulty spark plugs, wires, coils, injectors, valves, or compression. This can affect engine combustion and cause power loss. If you’re getting this code and want to know which cylinder is misfiring, you can read my guide on Chevy 5.3 firing order to learn more.
• P1125: This code indicates a problem with the throttle actuator control system. This system consists of an electric motor that moves the throttle plate according to the ECM’s commands. If this system fails, the ECM may not be able to regulate the airflow into the engine and cause power loss.
• P0120-P0124: These codes point to issues with the throttle position or pedal position sensor, or circuit. These sensors measure the position of the throttle or the pedal and send signals to the ECM to adjust the fuel and air delivery. If these sensors or circuits malfunction, the ECM may not be able to control the engine properly and cause power loss.
• P2135: This code indicates a problem with the throttle position sensor correlation. This means that the ECM detects a discrepancy between the signals from the two throttle position sensors that are mounted on the throttle body. If this happens, the ECM may not be able to determine the correct throttle position and cause power loss.
• P1516: P1516 code sets when there is a problem with the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module of your engine that affects the Throttle Actuator Position Performance.

Causes of Chevy Truck Losing Power When Accelerating

Here are the causes of Chevy truck losing power when accelerating:

1. Bad Throttle Position Sensor

A throttle position sensor is a small device that monitors the position of the throttle valve in your engine.

The throttle valve, also known as the butterfly valve, is a flap that opens and closes to regulate the amount of air that enters your engine’s cylinders.

The more you press the gas pedal, the more the throttle valve opens, allowing more air to mix with fuel and create combustion.

The TPS is attached to the throttle body, which houses the throttle valve. The TPS is responsible for sending signals to the engine control unit (ECU) about the position of the throttle valve.

These signals then help the ECU determine the appropriate amount of fuel to inject into the engine. When the TPS malfunctions, it can disrupt this process and lead to a decrease in engine performance. 

The ECU interprets the signals from both MAF/MAP sensor and TPS to determine how much fuel to inject into each cylinder and when to ignite the spark plugs.

When the TPS starts to malfunction or fails completely, it can disrupt the communication between the throttle plate and the ECU. This can result in a loss of power during acceleration. Here’s how it happens:

1. Incorrect Signal: A faulty TPS may send an incorrect signal to the ECU, leading to inaccurate throttle plate positioning. This can cause the engine to receive an inadequate amount of fuel and air mixture, resulting in a decrease in power output.
2. Delayed Response: A bad TPS can also cause a delay in the throttle plate’s response to driver input. When you press the accelerator pedal, the TPS should immediately relay this information to the ECU, which then adjusts the fuel and air mixture accordingly. However, if the TPS is faulty, there may be a noticeable lag in the throttle response, leading to a loss of power during acceleration.

Troubleshooting and fixing a bad throttle position sensor:

Here are the necessary steps you can take to troubleshoot a bad TPS sensor:

1. Diagnose the problem: If you suspect that your TPS is causing the loss of power in your Chevy truck, it is essential to diagnose the issue accurately. You can use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any trouble codes related to the TPS. Additionally, you may want to visually inspect the sensor for any signs of damage or contamination.
2. Clean or replace the sensor: If the TPS is dirty or contaminated, you can try cleaning it with an electrical cleaner or a specialized throttle body cleaner. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the TPS altogether.
3. Check the wiring and connections: Inspect the wiring and connections associated with the TPS for any signs of damage or loose connections. Ensure that all connections are secure and free from corrosion. If you identify any issues, repair or replace the affected components as needed.

To test the TPS sensor for the Chevy truck, connect the black probe of the voltmeter to the ground and another red probe to the 5V signal wire of the connector of the TPS sensor.

You can consult the owner’s manual to find out which wire is a signal wire of the harness connector of the TP sensor.

With the ignition key ON, the engine off and the throttle closed (without pressing the accelerator pedal), the TP sensor voltage should be approximately 0.5–1.2 volts.

As the throttle is smoothly open or closed, the voltage reading should smoothly increase or decrease. Make sure to slowly increase or decrease the throttle to detect any abnormalities in the voltage reading of the sensor.

2. Malfunctioning Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APP)

The APP sensor is located on the gas pedal assembly, usually under the dash. It consists of two or three potentiometers (variable resistors) that change their resistance depending on the position of the pedal.

The ECM monitors the voltage signals from these potentiometers and calculates the pedal position and angle.

The APP sensor is part of the drive-by-wire system, which replaces the mechanical linkage between the pedal and the throttle body with electronic signals.

This system allows for more precise and responsive control of the engine performance and emissions.

Basically, throttle bodies are either mechanical or electronic. Mechanical electrical bodies are linked with the accelerator pedal via a mechanical linkage called throttle cable. 

On the other hand, the electronic throttle body is linked to the accelerator via an APP sensor.

APP sensor measures the position of the accelerator pedal and sends signals to the ECU. The ECU then sends electric signals to the motor of the throttle body to open it based on the accelerator pedal position.

If the APP sensor malfunctions, it will send incorrect signals to the ECU. As a result, the ECU will not be able to determine to what extent the throttle valve should be opened or closed.

As a result, the incorrect amount of air will pass through the throttle body, due to which you may also experience fluctuating acceleration, even when the pedal is held steady.

How to test APP sensor?

The chances are that the sensor is fine but the water intrusion can damage the wires of the harness connector of the APP sensor. The method to test the APP sensor is the same as I explained for the TP sensor. You can watch the following video to learn more:

3. Fouled Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are small devices that create an electric spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your engine. They are connected to the ignition coil, which sends an electrical signal to fire the spark plug at the right time.

The spark plug has two electrodes: a center electrode and a ground electrode. The gap between these electrodes is very important, as it determines the strength and duration of the spark.

The ceramic insulator in a spark plug plays a crucial role by acting as a barrier between the center electrode and the metal body. Its main function is to prevent electrical connection and avoid premature grounding of the spark before it can ignite the fuel mixture inside the engine’s combustion chamber.

To put it simply, the ceramic insulator acts as a protective wall that prevents the generated electric current from the ignition coil from short-circuiting and reaching the engine block.

If the current were to reach the engine block, it would cause a disruptive electrical flow and potentially harm the engine’s electrical system.

However, when the ceramic insulator of a spark plug gets contaminated with substances like oil or other pollutants that accumulate on its surface, it can result in an electrical leakage across the insulator.

This leakage can negatively impact the combustion of the fuel mixture inside the engine, leading to incomplete combustion and causing a misfire

What Causes Fouled Spark Plugs?

Fouled spark plugs can have different types of deposits on their electrodes, such as carbon, fuel, oil, or ash.

These deposits can interfere with the spark plug’s ability to produce a strong and consistent spark, resulting in incomplete combustion and poor engine performance. Some of the common causes of fouled spark plugs are:

• Incorrect spark plug gap: If the gap between the electrodes is too wide or too narrow, the spark will be weak or erratic. This can cause misfires, poor fuel economy, and loss of power. The gap should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Worn or damaged spark plug: Over time, the electrodes of the spark plug can erode or crack due to the high voltage and heat. This can also affect the spark quality and cause engine problems. Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your vehicle model and driving conditions.
• Rich or lean air-fuel mixture: If the ratio of air and fuel in the combustion chamber is not optimal, it can cause incomplete combustion and leave deposits on the spark plug. A rich mixture means there is too much fuel and not enough air, which can cause carbon buildup and fuel fouling. A lean mixture means there is too much air and not enough fuel, which can cause overheating and ash fouling of spark plugs due to excessive ash.
• Oil leakage: If oil leaks into the combustion chamber from worn piston rings, valve seals, or head gasket, it can coat the spark plug with oil and reduce its effectiveness. Oil fouling can also cause blue smoke from the exhaust and increased oil consumption.
• Engine overheating: If the engine runs too hot due to low coolant level, faulty thermostat, or cooling system failure, it can damage the spark plug and cause blistering or melting of the electrodes. This can also lead to pre-ignition or detonation, which are harmful to your engine.
• Coolant leaks: Coolant leak due to blown head gasket also foul the spark plugs which will result in inefficient combustion of fuel in your Chevy truck.

How to fix?

You can try cleaning the spark plugs using the wire brush and spark plug cleaner to carefully remove any carbon deposits or contaminants from the electrode. Ensure not to damage the electrode or insulator in the process.

First, use compressed air to clean off any dirt and debris. Then, keep the spark plug soaked in the brake cleaner till all the gunk on the spark plug is washed away.

4. Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is an essential component of a vehicle’s fuel system. Its primary function is to prevent particles and impurities from reaching the engine. It is typically located between the fuel tank and the engine, along the fuel line.

As fuel flows through the filter, it traps contaminants, ensuring that only clean fuel reaches the engine.

This helps maintain optimal engine performance and protects sensitive components from damage.

Over time, the fuel filter gets clogged with dirt and contaminants resulting in less power and poor acceleration. 

Here are a few factors that can contribute to a clogged fuel filter issue:

1. Accumulation of Contaminants: Over time, the fuel filter can become clogged with dirt, rust, and other impurities present in the fuel. This is especially true if the fuel tank is not regularly maintained or if low-quality fuel is used.
2. Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including fuel filter replacement, is crucial to prevent clogs. Failure to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule can increase the chances of a clogged fuel filter.
3. Fuel Contamination: If water or other foreign substances find their way into the fuel tank, they can eventually make their way to the fuel filter, causing blockages.

How to diagnose a clogged fuel filter?

Checking your vehicle’s fuel pressure is another crucial step in diagnosing a failing fuel filter.

If the fuel pressure is lower than the required level, it might lead you to consider the fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, or, ultimately, the fuel filter.

A fuel injector stuck in the open position can cause inaccurately low fuel pressure, as fuel flows directly through the injector. This is because if fuel injectors always remain open, fuel couldn’t sustain pressure in the fuel rail.

Instead, it will continuously flow through the fuel injectors, which will also cause a rich mixture and losing power of your Chevy truck.

Similarly, a failing fuel pressure regulator can tamper with fuel pressure and, therefore, affect the fuel filter’s performance.

If you’ve already checked the fuel pressure regulator and fuel injectors and found no issues, it’s time to move on to inspecting the fuel filter.

Before attempting this test, be sure to drain all gasoline from the fuel filter to avoid any potential hazards. For the test, you’ll need a straw (to avoid ingesting gasoline) and the fuel filter itself.

1. Slide the straw over the inline connection, carefully ensuring a tight connection that won’t obstruct airflow.
2. Blow into the straw and observe if the air flows through the filter effortlessly or encounters obstruction.

If air flows through the filter without any hindrance, the filter is in good condition. However, if the airflow is slow or blocked, it indicates a faulty fuel filter that needs to be replaced.

Favorably, fuel filters are relatively inexpensive components, making their replacement cost-effective. However, keep in mind that accessing the fuel pump (if necessary) can be labor-intensive and more expensive.

5. Failing Fuel Pump

A fuel pump is a device that transfers fuel from the tank to the engine. It is usually located inside or near the tank and is connected to the fuel injectors by a fuel line. The fuel pump has to deliver the right amount and pressure of fuel to the engine according to its needs.

A failing fuel pump can cause power loss in several ways. Here are some of the common scenarios:

• Low fuel pressure: If the fuel pump is not able to provide enough pressure to the fuel injectors, the engine will not receive enough fuel to burn. This will result in a lean air-fuel mixture, which can cause hesitation, misfire, stalling, and loss of power. Low fuel pressure can also trigger the check engine light with codes for lean or rich air-fuel ratio.
• Faulty or worn-out fuel pump: Over time, the fuel pump can wear out or develop faults due to various reasons, such as contamination, overheating, running low on gas, etc. A faulty or worn-out fuel pump can cause intermittent or complete failure of fuel delivery to the engine. This can cause hard starting, no starting, surging, sputtering, and power loss. A faulty or worn-out fuel pump can also make a whining noise from the tank area.
• Electrical Issues: The fuel pump relies on electrical power to function properly. Faulty wiring, a malfunctioning relay, or a blown fuse can disrupt the electrical supply to the pump, resulting in poor performance or a complete failure.

Inspecting a fuel pump can be quite expensive. So, make sure to first check the fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter before starting to diagnose a fuel pump. I have already discussed this in detail in my guide on common problems after changing fuel pump.

6. Dirty Air Filter

When a Chevy truck loses power during acceleration, one possible culprit is a dirty air filter. The air filter plays a critical role in the vehicle’s performance by ensuring that clean air is delivered to the engine for combustion.

However, over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt, debris, and other contaminants.

A dirty air filter, on the other hand, can reduce the amount of air that reaches your engine. This can cause your engine to run rich, meaning it uses more fuel than necessary. This can result in poor fuel economy, reduced power output, increased emissions and engine wear.

When you accelerate your Chevy truck, you need more air and fuel to increase the speed and power of your engine.

However, if your air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can limit the airflow to your engine. This can cause your engine to struggle to get enough oxygen for combustion.

As a result, your engine may not be able to produce enough power to meet your demand. You may notice that your truck hesitates, stutters or sputters when you try to speed up. You may also experience rough idling, misfires or check engine light.

How to check and replace a dirty air filter?

To prevent your Chevy truck from losing power when accelerating due to a dirty air filter, you should check and replace your air filter regularly. The recommended interval for changing your air filter varies depending on your driving conditions and habits, but generally, it is every 15,000.

To check your air filter, you need to locate the air filter box under the hood of your truck. It is usually a rectangular or cylindrical plastic box with a hose attached to it. You need to open the box by unclipping or unscrewing the lid and removing the old air filter.

You can inspect the condition of your air filter by holding it up to a light source. If you see a lot of dirt and debris blocking the pores of the filter, then it is time to replace it. You can also tap the filter gently on a hard surface to see how much dust falls off.

Moreover, after every 1000 miles, clean the air filter with compressed air so that it lasts longer.

7. Vacuum Leaks

In an engine, a vacuum is created by the downward movement of the pistons, which draws in air and fuel mixture into the combustion chamber.

This vacuum plays a crucial role in various engine functions, such as controlling the intake manifold, power brakes, and emissions components, such PCV valve, EGR valve and EVAP purge valve. 

A vacuum leak refers to any unintended opening or gap in the engine’s intake system that allows air to enter without being measured by MAF or MAP sensor.

The ideal air-fuel ratio for most engines is 14.7:1, which means 14.7 parts of air for every one part of fuel. If the ratio is too high (lean), there is not enough fuel for complete combustion, which can cause poor performance, misfires, and damage to the engine.

If the ratio is too low (rich), there is too much fuel for complete combustion, which can cause wasted fuel, increased emissions, and damage to the catalytic converter.

A vacuum leak can disrupt this balance by allowing unmetered air to enter or leave the engine. This can cause the ECU to inject either too much or too little fuel into the engine, resulting in a lean or rich mixture which leads to a variety of issues, including a loss of power during acceleration.

Causes of vacuum leaks

Here are the parts of the engine on which you should check if the air is leaking into the engine:

• Throttle body gasket
• Intake manifold gasket
• PCV valve
• EVAP purge valve
• Air intake hose
• Loose or Cracked Vacuum Fittings

How to find vacuum leaks?

One way to find a vacuum leak is to spray the carburetor cleaner around the suspected areas while the engine is running. If there is a leak, the carb cleaner will get sucked into the engine and change the idle speed. You can use a stethoscope or a piece of hose to listen for any changes in the engine sound as you spray.

While the engine is running, listen for any hissing sounds, as they can indicate the presence of a vacuum leak.

Another effective method to locate vacuum leaks is by using smoke testers. These devices introduce smoke into the intake system, and if there’s a leak, the smoke will escape from the affected area, making it easier to identify. 

8. Bad Distributor or Ignition Coil

Chevy trucks usually have distributors instead of ignition coils. If your Chevy has a 4.3 engine, it is notorious for bad distributors.

A distributor is a device that distributes the high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. The distributor also controls the timing of the ignition, which affects the engine performance and fuel efficiency.

The distributor shaft is a long, rotating metal rod that connects the rotor to the engine’s camshaft. It transfers the rotational motion from the camshaft to the rotor, allowing it to spin at the correct speed and timing.

The distributor cap is a protective cover that sits on top of the distributor housing. It holds the rotor and contains the metal contact points for each spark plug wire. The cap is typically made of a durable material such as plastic or metal to withstand high temperatures and electrical currents.

Over time, the contact points of the distributor cap accumulate carbon deposits or wear out, leading to decreased spark intensity. This will cause a decreased power output of your Chevy truck when accelerating.

Moreover, leakage of electric power due to cracks or corrosion in the distributor cap or rotor can also occur, resulting in sparks jumping to the wrong terminals or grounding out.

Lastly, the distributor gear or shaft also wears out, resulting in wobbling or skipping of the distributor and erratic ignition timing.

Important point while replacing the distributor

When you replace the distributor, mark the position of the distributor cap and rotor relative to the engine block and cylinder head. Install the new distributor in the same position. If you don’t follow this, the ignition timing will be affected. You can learn more in my guide on bad ignition control module symptoms.

9. Clogged Catalytic Converter

This should be your last resort to check if your Chevy truck is losing power when accelerating. This is because a catalytic converter is the most expensive component of your vehicle.

The primary function of a catalytic converter is to reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances through a series of chemical reactions. You can learn more in my guide on CAT delete.

However, over time, the catalytic converter can become clogged, hindering its efficiency and causing a variety of issues, including power loss during acceleration.

When the catalytic converter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of exhaust gases, leading to increased backpressure in the exhaust system.

This increase in backpressure interferes with the engine’s ability to expel exhaust gases efficiently, resulting in reduced power output. The severity of power loss may vary depending on the extent of the clog and the specific characteristics of the truck’s engine. 

How does a catalytic converter become bad?

A catalytic converter becomes bad due to following reasons:

• Poor quality fuel that contains impurities or additives that can contaminate the catalysts
• Engine problems that cause incomplete combustion or misfires that send unburned fuel or oil into the exhaust system
• High temperatures that melt or warp the metal casing or the honeycomb structure
• Physical damage from road debris or accidents that crack or dent the catalytic converter

Final Thoughts

There are many potential causes for a Chevy truck losing power during acceleration. A thorough diagnosis is important to identify the root problem, whether it’s a faulty sensor, clogged filter, or other mechanical issue.

A lack of responsiveness when pressing the gas can negatively impact safety and performance. By understanding how the engine and various systems work together to deliver power, owners can better troubleshoot issues and make informed repairs