Failure to Accelerate, especially with AC

EDGE82

MEMBER
2004 SATURN L300
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
36,252 MILES

My car has substantial engine acceleration issues. When trying to speed up the engine revs but pickup is very slow. The problem is worse when the AC is on. The regular fuel injector cleaner and better gas tries have failed. The onboard computer was checked at an auto parts store but showed all was fine. Also, the battary and alternator have been checked and they are fine also.

8 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

Sounds like a plugged cat get the exhaust back pressure tested and that will tell u more its common for those cats to plug and have those problems. Let me know how it goes.
Louie

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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 5:52 PM

AGUNODM

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I had the same problem four years ago. It was a catalytic converter problem -- its innards had disintegrated and began clogging the outflow of the exhaust. My engine was choking to death. Once I had it replaced, the acceleration problem was resolved.

Make sure you get the RIGHT catalytic converter. Initial assessments by mechanics on my car seemed to indicate that I needed a $1,200 cat. But further research four weeks later showed that I needed a $600 cat for my 4-cylinder Saturn. The $1,200 cat was for the 6-cylinder version of my vehicle. Whew!

If you live in a state that does not require a catalytic converter, having it removed will also solve the acceleration problem. Good luck!