Low power

1996 OLDSMOBILE 88
98,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CRISTY WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I filled my car up with gas. Drove approximately six miles with no problems at all. Went in store came out started car and immediately noticed not normal acceleration. Barely could make it uphill and when I was almost home it shut off completely. No warning lights. Car was running great prior to this. Have owned for three years never did it before.
Aug 2, 2017 at 5:19 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

It sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter. Here are a couple of guides to help you do some easy checks and get the problem fixed.

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

and

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

and

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

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 3, 2017 at 2:39 PM
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