Issue with acceleration going up hills?

Tiny
ATHANASTIA2018
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON
  • 11,273 MILES
My Tucson is not accelerating going up hill RPM go up high there no power. Start Tucson up smell admission fumes. Burns gas. Jerking and driving bad. Hear whining noises.
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 AT 2:37 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,189 POSTS
Hi:

It sounds like it could be a couple of things. First, you may have a plugged catalytic converter. Based on your description, that is my first suspect.

Take a look at this link. It explains how to check one. The easiest thing to do would be to remove the upstream oxygen sensor so there is an additional path for exhaust to exit (before the converter). However, if you have an infrared thermometer or have access to one, it can be used.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

If the converter checks good, confirm the transmission fluid is clean and full. It could be slipping.

Let me know if this helps and what you find. If you have other questions, let us know.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, January 25th, 2026 AT 6:36 PM

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