Volkwagen Jetta 2000 loses acceleration off highway

2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
117,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TOMACETW
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My 2000 Volkwagen Jetta, after being on the highway going over 60 mph for over 20 minutes or so, loses acceleration once I slow down at the off-ramp and try to re-accelerate. The engine just revs really, really high and I can't go more than 10-15 mph.

It seems fine once I let the car rest for a few minutes and restart. It's very frustrating to be afraid to drive the car on the highway. It only happens after a highway drive and it performs fine for city driving.

I've already had the catalytic converter and engine coils replaced (twice). Any idea why this is repeatedly happening and what is causing it?
Aug 11, 2011 at 10:44 PM
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F4I_GUY
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What size engine is this? And scan the ECM, there will be codes stored.
Aug 11, 2011 at 11:18 PM
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TOMACETW
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The engine size is 2.8 L, 6-cylinder.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is "ECM" and how is it scanned?
Aug 12, 2011 at 7:14 PM
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TOMACETW
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Can anyone help?
Aug 15, 2011 at 6:52 PM
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F4I_GUY
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[url]https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing[/url]
Aug 15, 2011 at 11:13 PM
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TOMACETW
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Thanks, but the check engine light isn't on. I've already fought that battle and it hasn't been on in almost a year. The problem with losing acceleration still occurs though. Why would this happen off the highway? Mechanics can't duplicate the problem because you need to be driving the car on the highway for at least 20 minutes for it to happen. It's very frustrating...
Aug 16, 2011 at 9:41 PM
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TOMACETW
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Anyone? I thought I could get more help than just check the check engine light - which isn't even on.

This is a very strange problem. When I get off the highway, slow down at the off ramp, and then try to re-accelerate, it's like the car is in neutral when I step on the gas - even though its still in drive. It just revs really high and barely moves. The engine gets very jumpy.
Aug 21, 2011 at 12:34 AM
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