My car would not go faster than thirty mph after stopping for gas

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
188,000 MILES • 2.4L
Avatar
PATRICE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I had went to the gas station my car was running fine. My car started idling would not pick up speed thirty mph. Could it be oil? Or what should I do first to fix it?
Jan 4, 2017 at 8:11 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 15,146 POSTS
Okay lets see if we can figure out why your car decided to become a turtle.
You went to the station it was running good. You came out and when you started it up it would only idle and top speed was thirty mph?
Did you fill it with gas? Does that station also sell diesel or E85?
Did it start this as soon as you started it or did you drive down the road a bit and it started acting up?
Is the check engine/service engine light on?
Is it making any strange noises?
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
PATRICE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Just put gas in and thirty minutes later it start jerking. The check engine light came on flashing, wanting to cut out out at the stop signs. when taking off rpms got up to 5000 before it started picking up speed then it jerks into gear.
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
PATRICE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I put $15.00 in the tank. No they do not sell diesel or E85.
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
PATRICE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Service engine light came on and it was making a loud noise.
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 15,146 POSTS
Flashing SEL and the loud noise is not good. Will it still start and run? It could be something simple like a blown out spark plug, or it could be worse.
I would see if you can borrow/rent a code reader from a parts store and post the codes.

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

That would provide some help. Usually a flashing CEL is something like a misfire which would support a bad plug.
Is the noise a rhythmic pop similar to the sound in this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgjk6yggiik
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
PATRICE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, it still starts and runs.
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Hey PATRICE

When the engine is running does it sounds normal? If so it could be that you have a plugged catalytic converter.

Here is a couple of guides that will help you fix it.

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

and

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

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:03 AM