Expert: Debbie Miller - 7/6/2000

Question
i own a 92 plymoth laser RS with a 2-L non-turbo, five speed manual with 92k on it. my problem is this.  usually when i am driving in third or fourth gear, but not exclusively, i will loose almost all power in my car, the check engine light comes on and  i press on the gas but i will not exclerate.  the car will become very jerky when this happens.  after a few moments of this it will almost pop out of this state and go back to normal and the check engine light will turn off.  my thoughts on this is perhaps it is the timing belt.  for the past month or so i can hear the timing belt almost flapping around when i am at low RPMs.  i also had a mechanic tell me he also heard the belt flapping around too.  i am not sure if this is related to my problem, but i would very much appreciate any information you have for me.  thank you very much for your time and effort.  i will be looking forward to hearing from you.

thank you,
matt schmidt

Answer
Matt,
It does sound like the timing belt.  If you do not get the belt changed before it comes off, you will be stranded.  I know from experience.  The timing belt for Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth products needs to be changed around 100,000 miles.  Good luck.
Debbie Miller