2004 Saturn Ion Car accelerates sluggishly

CVALLEY

MEMBER
2004 SATURN ION
2.0L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

Out of the clear blue, car won't accelerate normally. It is very sluggish. The more I depress the gas pedal, the lower the tach goes. If I accelerate gently (very gently), eventually the car gets up to speed. At this point, everything sounds and feels normal. If I try to accelerate, nothing happens. Engine doesn't have a "missing sound or feel", just no acceleration. Same thing happens in Low, Drive & Reverse. Car had new spark plugs, fuel service, filter replacement, oil change, etc. 6000 miles ago. 1000 miles ago the oil was changed again. I take my car to a reputable garage. They gave the car the "once over", and suggested no further needs. Last night, I had driven for about 5 miles. Made a right turn. When I attempted to accelerate after the turn, it wouldn't. Shut the car off. 20 minutes later, I started it. It started fine. Drove it home with very little acceleration. Fluid levels are fine. No leaks, etc. The only thing different is the dashboard flashes "coolant" then "oil change", back and forth. It never has done this before.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,872 POSTS

Has fuel pressure been checked? Have you checked to make sure the catalytic converter isn't plugging?

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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM

CVALLEY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It just happened last night, so nothing has been checked. 1000 miles ago, the oil and filter were changed (car was given the once over). 6000 miles ago, aside from the oil and filter being changed, the fuel injection was checked, filters were replaced, etc. If it was the catalytic converter, could it go from acting perfect, to this horrible problem without warning? And, the car was driven approximately five miles last night, when the problem happened immediately. Also, the garage that does my work, checks everything, every time I bring my cars in. Would it be normal for the catalytic converter be checked, or is this something that you don't know there is a problem until there is a problem? Thanks for your input.