My 2003 Toyota Matrix has no power up hills or getting up to speed

Tiny
MFENGARI
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA MATRIX
  • 154,000 MILES
Hello, I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix AWD Automatic. It started being a little sluggish on hills about 2 weeks ago. It seemed ok until yesterday when I was returning home on a 3 hr trip. Everytime going up a hill it was taking longer to shift and the engine was working hard, but the car could not keep up the speed. I could not drive on the highway. So I stopped on the way home and got the catalytic converter replaced and it didnt make a difference, so when I got home I had the fuel pump and filter replaced. Also replaced the spark plugs. Nothing had seemed to help. Any ideas?
Friday, June 29th, 2012 AT 3:00 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Is the engine light on? Either way check with your local parts store and see if any will do a free scan. If there is any codes then write them down have them cleared and get me the codes.
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Friday, June 29th, 2012 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
MFENGARI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. The engine light is not on, never has during this problem. Right now the car is at a garage where they will scan for codes. I will let you know.
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Friday, June 29th, 2012 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Sounds great also have them check exhaust flow for a plugged cat converter.
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Saturday, June 30th, 2012 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
GYPSIEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Mine was doing the same. I replaced the PCV VALVE, $10. (Had trouble getting the hose off so I paid my mechanic $20. To do it for me) Engine runs like new. Plenty of power, I can use over drive again, engine quit loping. As soon as I started it I could hear the difference. Engine RPMS are back to what they should be. The PCV valve is part of the vacuum system and also maintains crankcase pressure. Although it’s a simple inexpensive part it is very important to the proper running of the engine. They have a limited life so I usually change them every couple years as part of a tuneup, I guess I just let it go to long this time. Hope this helps.
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Thanks for the addition to the thread, I am sure it will help whoever visits this page.
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 6:28 PM

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