2000 Lexus ES 300 Acceleration Problems

PETERMW

MEMBER
2000 LEXUS ES 300
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I recently changed my spark plugs plus bought new coils as my car had random misfires on all 5 cylinders.
The problems were solved as there was no engine light but the car does not accelerate more that 2000RPM and a funny noise comes from the engine like, shhhh when you step on the accelerator. Similar sound when a truck releases brakes. It idles fine and will drive slowly with no problem only untill you push the accelerator.
Really need help!

3 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 POSTS

This should have nothing to do with your recent tune up, but from the way you describe it, sounds like plugged catalitic convertor or collapsed exhaust. You may want to have this checked out.

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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 AT 6:41 PM

PETERMW

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your reply as I actually jacked my car today and had my wife start it and step on the accelerator and I noticed where the sound was coming from.
It was coming from where the catalytic convertor is connected to the exhaust flange from the engine. There appears to be some two huge bolts and spring between them, but when I tried to tighten them they were too hard.
When you step on the accelerator too hard, the air seeps out as the two tends to separate and the exaust won't enter the CAT. Can this be caused by plugged cat. The car still won't accelerate more than 20miles on a hill but does well on straight road.