Acceleration problem service engine light comes up?

Tiny
RWALBROEHL
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
Going back over 2 years ago I had a service engine light comes up and then flashing. Code reader displayed purge solenoid valve, evap, cat converter. I changed the solenoid valve, drained gas to check for water and was fine. Decided to installing new fuel filter. Put engine conditioner in gas and started using high test. Truck was running fine but if you steeped down its would not accelerate past 45mph. Kept driving it as no codes were present. Then started up 2 weeks ago and started running real rough at idle. Then got code po300. Said miss fire cylinder #3. So I decided to Change all spark plugs all ignition wires and coil for #3 cylinder. Started truck back up today after resetting code and runs ok it idle and in park I brought the rpm up and at about 4000rpm drops back off. Im basically back where I started from. Also back when I had the problem the fuel pressure at the rail was 65lbs approx. What do your recommend a the next cause of action. Im traumatized. I thought about taking the upstream O2 sensor out to see if with additional air flow it would give me a hint if exhaust is blocked from the converter but its impossible to get to and is probably frozen in place. Thanks for many input
Bob
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 AT 3:01 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 55,322 POSTS
Hello Bob,

Yep, you have the right idea, it sounds like the exhaust system is clogged due to a plugged up catalytic converter. Here is a video on how to test the converter, also you had the right idea of removing the primary oxygen sensor which can help as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNXh1Lphzr4&pp=0gcJCdkKAYcqIYzv

Can you confirm the engine has 70k on it as well? Also, pleas ego over this video which help us see what's going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1RoG3I-Oww

Please go over these guides and get back to us. Ken

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Monday, April 6th, 2026 AT 9:12 AM

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