Sluggish Acceleration and little jerk a highway speeds

Tiny
JAREDR123
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Ok I have a 2003 Cadillac Deville base sedan and am having two problems. First of all I have two engine codes, one is p0101 and other is p0410. My first problem is my acceleration is kind of sluggish. Its takes longer than what I think its supposed to take to get my RPMs up. Ill push the gas pedal down quite a bit (not all the way but pretty far) and it takes the RPMs awhile to get up. It has 275 horsepower so I would suspect it would have more kick than it does. I think this is because of that p0101 code. This is the MAF sensor code and I replaced the MAF sensor with a brand new GM original Delphi one and the code still came back and I'm having the same problems. I brought it to Kheone, a GM dealer and they said the catalytic converter is clogged and is making this MAF sensor p0101 code to go off. I have researched this and this can happen. My air filter is clean, my spark plugs are good and theres a new MAF sensor and wiring is good also. I don't think there are any air leaks. My other problem is that on highway speeds like 63-73 my car will have a little jerk like it loses power for a split second and goes back to normal and then it does it again a few miles later. Sometimes its a little bit more noticeable jerk sometimes you can barely notice it. But if I go 60 or below or 74 or higher it doesn't jerk at all or rarely ever. I am not too sure whats causing this to happen. I was maybe thinking bad torque converter? Could it be these or something else? Can an expert mechanic please try to help me out!
Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 12:03 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The code, P0101 can be set by a number of things. Check the following:

throttle plate deposits or in the throttle bore
check for vacuum leaks down stream from the MAF
a stuck throttle position sensor
loss of vacuum to the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)
poor ground to the MAP
restricted air intake tube / air filter
restricted exhaust. (Possible plugged catalytic converter)

Check these things first.

As far as the P0410, the two are most likely related. Check the following:

low air system flow
excessive exhaust back pressure (possible plugged catalytic converter)
moisture or debris in the air pump
restrictions in the air pump inlet duct or filter

This isn't an easy one to diagnose. It will require a lot of checking to see what the cause of the problem actually is. However, I do feel the two are related. The MAF that you replaced most likely was good.
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
JAREDR123
  • MEMBER
  • 29 POSTS
I brought my car to Kheone and they said my cat could be clogged in the middle and said that's why the p0101 is on. And they said the p0410 is on bc the air pump has water in it
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
That makes sense. I mentioned both things as a possible cause.
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
JAREDR123
  • MEMBER
  • 29 POSTS
So what can cause the sluggish acceleration and jerking (or loss of power for a second) at highway speeds
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The catalytic converter won't allow exhaust to leave the engine. Thus, it causes too much back pressure. That will cause a serious power loss.
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 8:03 PM

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