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Will not drive over 30 MPH and struggles to go uphill

Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 3.5L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,239 MILES
I seem to have lost power; it drives just not over 30MPH and can only get uphill with a run at it. Transmission is good. Not getting any power driving, I give it gas and it revs. Can a vacuum leak cause you to lose power?
Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 12:09 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,388 POSTS
Hi,

A vacuum leak can cause some issues, but not a major power loss like this. By chance, is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running? Also, are there any odd odors or sounds from the exhaust? I ask because a plugged catalytic converter can cause this to happen. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Let me know as much as you can. For example, does it lose power the warmer the engine gets? Is the check engine light on? Is there anything that seems to make it better/worse? Are there any odd sounds from the engine or smoke from the exhaust?

Let me know. Also, just to confirm, this is a 350ci 5.7L, correct?

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, it is the 5.7L.
Yes, the check engine light is on and stays on well driving.
No smell from exhaust.
White smoke came out only once after it sat for a month and finally started it.
Exhaust system is a cat delete.
And when you say does it lose power the warmer it gets.
If by that you mean the longer it runs, I'd have to say no. It just lost power but drives.
I am waiting on an OBD tool so once it gets here, I will have codes.
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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 1:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,388 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, white smoke isn't a concern at this point if it was after sitting. If the check engine light stays on, there will be codes.

Once you get the scanner, let me know what the codes are that you retrieve. In the interim, let me know if the light stays on solid or if it flashes.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hello Joe,

I am still waiting on a OBD. I have been online reading same year Chevy Silverado symptoms and solutions in preparation of code findings.
One thing I've been wondering, my truck is a 97 and I know it is and older one still on YouTube videos and other online forums (guys with same year truck and specs) have been using the term "Limp mode" does my 97 Chevy Silverado 350 v8 have a "Limp mode" or something similar too it and if so, what is the causing solution?
Thank you for your time.
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
What is the cause and solution?
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,388 POSTS
Hi,

The term "Limp Mode" means basically what it says. When the vehicle's computer recognizes an issue that needs attention quickly, it will automatically go into limp mode so you can "Limp" it to safety.

It is designed to allow the driver to get off the road and to a safe location. In this mode, the vehicle will stay in second gear only, so it is slow to accelerate and won't go very fast.

Let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Does my 1997 obs Chevy Silverado 350 v8 have this feature? A friend told me that only newer Chevy Silverado have the limp mode feature.
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 2:07 AM
Tiny
97CHEVYOBS.OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Could this be what is wrong with my Chevrolet, limp mode?
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,388 POSTS
Hi,

It could be the result of something else. Do me a favor. Record the engine running and upload it for me so I can hear it.

Joe
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 9:39 AM

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