Sluggish acceleration from a complete stop

Hello,

The limited RPMs you experience when selecting D and applying the footbrake is caused by the torque converter in the automatic transmission. It is called torque converter stall.
Torque converter stall speed is the maximum amount of engine RPMs that can be achieved in an automatic transmission-equipped vehicle while the transmission is in a forward operating range without generating any driveshaft motion. This limited RPMs is normal. See image 1 below for a torque converter exploded view.

You mentioned that the vehicle does not roll by itself. Have you tried engaging N and pushing the vehicle by hand? It should roll freely with the hand brake off. If not, I would suggest to jack up each corner of the vehicle, securing it with axle stands, and then checking if the wheels can be rotated easily by hand.

You can also carry out a short road test and apply the brakes quite hard several times.
Then stop and check if you can feel a wheel is hotter than the others. this would indicate that the wheels and brakes are binding.

A good video:
https://youtu.be/ySQuETuEhxY

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris

Hello,

Just to clarify, you managed to rev the engine all the way to limiter while the transmission was in D, and you were holding the brakes? If so, then this would point towards a possible torque converter fault.

Have you checked the transmission oil level?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

The transmission fluid color should be red or slightly off red/brown and the correct level on dipstick depending on temperature.

Cheers, Boris

Hello,

On an automatic transmission equipped vehicle, it is normally not possible to hit the limiter when in D, stationery and holding the brakes. This would point towards an issue with the torque converter

It would be best to visit your local transmission specialist in this regard.

Let us know if you require any more assistance.

Cheers, Boris