99 Stratus 2.4L bogs out when accelerating

[rhaigh08]

1999 Dodge Stratus 2.4L engine. Car runs and idles great in park as soon as you take it for a drive it is alomst as if you are driving a car with 1 gear trying to do 55 mph. Upon inspection we have found out the EGR valve is shot and needs to be replaced but we do not think this would be causing a problem such as this. No engine codes, no vacuum leaks that we found other that the EGR issue. The exhaust is blowing strongly out of the muffler so we dont think the CAT is plugged up. Max speed 35-40 MPH RPMS during this speed are 4k Rpms or higher. We are feeling some akward shifting but think it is from whatever is wrong with the engine. SO we thought Mass air flow sensor well I guess the stratus does not have one as that can cause all sorts of similar isssues we are having and that would just be to easy. So now we are stumped and debating if replacing the EGR valve is worth it. The rubber hose that connects the EGR valve solenoid deal thing to the air diverter valve was melted as the EGR valve solenoid thing had come unattached from its mounting place and burned up on the exhaust manifold.ANY Ideas would be appreciated. Plugs and wires are newer as well as the cap and rotor and the trans was serviced not too long ago. also if it helps recently some sort of lower gasket was replaced to stop an oil leak, still leaking though. The valve cover gaskets have been apparently leaking for a while also we think its burning too.

[fredjacksonsan]

I'm thinking transmission, for a couple of reasons: you said you've had shifting issues and also said that it's turning 4000 rpm at 35mph, which says to me it's probably stuck in 1st gear.

You didn't say how many miles are on it, but I'm betting over 100k. Check your fluid first, these transmissions can be sensitive to low fluid levels.