Engine low power - limp mode?

Tiny
JAVONNE HARRISON
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • 72,437 MILES
When I go up a hill sometimes the car seems to shifts gears. After that when I press the accelerator it acts likes it doesn’t want to go especially when I stop at a red light, it acts like it doesn’t want to accelerate. When I put the in park and stop the car and let it rest a little bit, I start the car up again. It’s drivable again. It doesn’t happens sometimes. I took it to hyundai dealership and they said they couldn’t find the issue? What should I do please and thank you.
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 8:28 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Has the check engine light ever turned on while the engine was running? Are there ever any odd smells or smoke when it happens?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
This sounds like the car is going into limp mode. To be sure lets run the codes. here are guides to help us fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 12:14 PM
Tiny
JAVONNE HARRISON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No my check engine light isn't on or no smoke.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

When this happens, is there anything noticeable that is out of the ordinary? For example, a rattling sound under the vehicle? An odd smell from the exhaust?

I have seen the insides of the catalytic converter come loose and block the exhaust on and off. It's a thought. Without diagnostic trouble codes, we have to inspect one circuit at a time (or at least consider one at a time).

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience.

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

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, May 29th, 2021 AT 6:53 PM

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