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.
Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:20 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 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.
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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.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 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.
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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
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 10:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,097 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.
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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.
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Sunday, November 19th, 2017 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,453 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 AT 11:18 AM

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