Acceleration hesitation from a stop

Tiny
FRYER21
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 MERCURY MARINER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
This did not happen all the time when it first started, but now it’s starting to happen more often. When you accelerate from a stop it goes for a split second regularly and then it’s like you have no power. It will do that for about 10 seconds and then it goes to normal. It also sounds like a low rumble while it’s doing that. I have taken it in because I thought it was the transmission, but it’s not. The transmission shop tore the whole transmission apart and nothing is wrong with the transmission. I only ask because sometimes in this traffic we have here I don’t have time for it to decide when it’s going to do that. Do you have any idea of where to start to look at this?
Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 11:43 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that you hear a noise makes me think you have a catalytic converter issue. What can happen is this. The internal components in the converter can become loose. If they move into a position that reduces exhaust flow, you certainly will lose power.

Do me a favor. Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust system to see if you can reproduce the sound. If you hear it, try to locate where it comes from.

Also, take a look through this link and let me know if anything mentioned seems to mirror what you experience:

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

Let me know your thoughts and what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
FRYER21
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I took it in to a repair shop and now it is currently getting fixed. It was a combination of the charcoal canister and the purge valve.
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm surprised there were no diagnostic trouble codes related to the emissions system. Also, I'm not sure how those items would have caused a rumble, but anything is possible.

Regardless, I'm glad to know the problem was found. Also, please take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 2:04 PM

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