SPONSORED LINKS

Engine is lacking power

Tiny
CYNTHIARHOADS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 140,000 MILES
I am lost. I got into my car started driving and is powerless, a loud noise sound like I have no muffler as I put my foot on the gas pedal. I have to shift quickly into gears because it is not getting power to go, if I finally get it moving I can only go forty miles an hour. Help I just bought this car.
SPONSORED LINKS
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:20 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,407 POSTS
If the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned to determine where the problem is coming from. Since you have a strange noise, "like I have no muffler, " it could be a plugged catalytic converter or something blocking the exhaust. That would cause a power loss and a strange sound.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
CYNTHIARHOADS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, the check engine light is on, it is a oxygen sensor check that with a scan. How and why would that choke out the catalytic converter and how do I fix that problem with the converter? Will changing the sensor help or am I in for huge money? I do know how to change the sensor it is expensive but if it will work I am down for it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,409 POSTS
The catalytic converter could have melted already and plugged up. If you had a fault for an oxygen sensor, the system may have been running rich, or if you had a previous misfire that could cause it to melt or break apart causing a restriction.

To test for a plugged exhaust a simple vacuum test can be done. Find a vacuum source like the booster hose. Normal vacuum at idle is around 21" at sea level more or less. Race the engine at 2500 rpm and if vacuum starts to drop really low then the catalytic converter is most likely plugged up.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
CYNTHIARHOADS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks, I hope this was it. That sound like I am running a race car but going no where. It is funny but not. Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 10:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,407 POSTS
Let me know if that is the problem. Also, if you remove the o2 sensor, it will allow additional flow through the exhaust and make the vehicle run differently.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, November 19th, 2017 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
CYNTHIARHOADS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Wow, thanks for that information also, I am going to work on this in a couple of days. I will let you know what happens. Fingers crossed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 19th, 2017 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,392 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:18 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Low Power Content

Fix an Engine with Low Power!
VIDEO
Fix an Engine with Low Power!
Instructional repair video
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
GUIDE
Symptoms of Low Engine Power
The power your car's engine is producing is important. When you step on the gas you need your car to accelerate, mainly to keep you out of trouble when getting onto the...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links