Losing power while accelerating

2003 SATURN VUE
200,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DEBORAH KARSHNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Just out of no where, my car was not picking up speed when accelerating the gas pedal. Rpm's jump high if I try to floor it. And it makes my car shake. Has not shut off on me. And fires right up and idles decently. I had put gas in it about an hour or so before this happened. So I am thinking bad gas. And sometimes I feel a vacuum hose may be off. I have not been driving it since this happened. It occurred on my way home and I live ten miles out of town. Do not want to end up sitting on the side of the road. Have not had anyone check out the basics yet. Fuel filter, vacuum hose etc.
Oct 8, 2018 at 8:36 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

I am not sure which way to go with this. If the RPM's are jumping high when you try to accelerate but the vehicle does not increase in speed, it sounds like the transmission is slipping. You can get a vibration under that condition. Make sure the transmission fluid is clean and full. To do that, park on a flat spot and allow the engine to warm up to operating temp. Then, with the engine running and the transmission in park, you can check it.

If that is not the issue, can you tell me if the check engine light is staying on while the engine runs? If it is, have you had the computer scanned for trouble codes? Most parts stores will do it for free.

Regardless, there are many things that can cause a power loss (other than the transmission). Here are a list of links for you to review that discuss symptoms as well as how to check components, including for vacuum leaks:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

I hope this is helpful. Any of the topics in the aforementioned links can be related to power loss. Let me know if you have other questions. Also, let me know if how I described the transmission is what you are experiencing.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 10, 2018 at 9:28 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle