Engine low power problem?

This sounds like the catalytic converter is broken apart and needs to be replaced but to be sure these guides will help confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

This could be a couple of things which is why we need to start with checking for codes. Here is a guide that will help with that:

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

The most common cause of this would be a throttle sensor that is causing the limp mode which is what you are now in and it limits the speed and gear in most cases. Here is a guide that will help with this:

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

Lastly here is a guide that will help with more general information about low power issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-engine-power

Let's check codes and confirm this is the issue and then we can figure out what we need to do to correct it. Thanks

It sounds like the throttle bore is dirty this guide can help fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

let me know

That is a heater code so all it does is warm up the 0/2 sensor faster. No effect on a hot engine.

How is the idle of the vehicle, just sitting still, will it stay running on its own or do you have to keep your foot on the gas pedal?

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Is the check engine light on? This car needs to have a fuel pressure test and the ignition system needs to be checked out and tested and also the ECM needs to be scanned for diagnostic codes. You may an ignition system problem (weak spark), could be a Ignition coil problem or sensor problem. But start with a quick scan of the ECM for codes, most autoparts stores will scan it for free if you just ask.

Okay, well an oxygen sensor that is stuck completely lean will cause the ECM's fuel trim to increase fuel considerably because the ECM thinks the engine is starved for fuel, on a Volvo I have seen an O2 sensor to cause this same exact problem. The car would barely move because the O2 was stuck rich and the fuel trim was something like -100% so it was taking fuel away from the engine because it was seeing a full rich system and being fooled. Starving the car of fuel and miss firing every cylinder. You can actually check that O2 with a multi-meter if you have one. It is really not too difficult. The O2 sensor reads only 0.1 to 0.9 volts. So not even a full volt. 0.9 volts is full rich and the lower 0.1 volts is full lean reading. You may want to change that sensor and erase the codes and go for a good long ride, but it will take a little while for the ECM to relearn the new sensor.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If the check engine light is staying on with the engine running, there are diagnostic trouble codes stored in the computer to help diagnose the problem. Therefore, you need to scan the computer so we can get a better idea where the problem is coming from.

Here is a quick video that shows how to scan a computer:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people do not own a scanner. However, most parts stores will do it for free. Therefore, if you can safely get it to one that does it, you can try that. If you cannot, see if they will lend or rent one to you. Honestly, if it is making a lot of noise, I do not want to chance causing more damage.

If you cannot get a scanner and it is making a lot of noise, it may be cost effective to have it towed to a place where it can be scanned.

Once you get the codes from the computer, let me know what they are and I can guide you.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Do you have a check engine light? Might want to try checking the vehicle speed sensor-start here

Check the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). That is most likely the issue.