Failure to Accelerate, especially with AC

Tiny
EDGE82
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN L300
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 36,252 MILES
My car has substantial engine acceleration issues. When trying to speed up the engine revs but pickup is very slow. The problem is worse when the AC is on. The regular fuel injector cleaner and better gas tries have failed. The onboard computer was checked at an auto parts store but showed all was fine. Also, the battary and alternator have been checked and they are fine also.
Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 8:26 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Sounds like a plugged cat get the exhaust back pressure tested and that will tell u more its common for those cats to plug and have those problems. Let me know how it goes.
Louie
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
AGUNODM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had the same problem four years ago. It was a catalytic converter problem -- its innards had disintegrated and began clogging the outflow of the exhaust. My engine was choking to death. Once I had it replaced, the acceleration problem was resolved.

Make sure you get the RIGHT catalytic converter. Initial assessments by mechanics on my car seemed to indicate that I needed a $1,200 cat. But further research four weeks later showed that I needed a $600 cat for my 4-cylinder Saturn. The $1,200 cat was for the 6-cylinder version of my vehicle. Whew!

If you live in a state that does not require a catalytic converter, having it removed will also solve the acceleration problem. Good luck!
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
BRIANSTEVENSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 SATURN L300
  • 198,000 MILES
Just as I reached my driveway, my car maintained power, but failed to accelerate. I coasted into my driveway. Now when I crank, it starts fine. However, I press the accelerator the engine doesn't rev. After approximately thirty seconds, the engine will cut off. AC and radio continue to play and function.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light?

Check the exhaust for restriction and also the TPS and MAP sensors-start here
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIANSTEVENSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Check engine comes on for approx 30 seconds at start up. It goes off before engine turns off.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Scan the computer for code/s and if any present comeback with the code/s
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one do you have a V6 or 4cyl engine?
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:18 AM (Merged)

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