Q: Car loses power while accelerating

asked by on February 05, 2016

Hi. My car runs rough, loses power when accelerating, and the wrench indicator light is illuminated. I also hear intermittent grinding when turning.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi. If your car is suffering in performance and the wrench indicator light has come on, then that means the vehicle needs to be serviced. A professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, should be able to scan the vehicle for trouble codes and help shed some light on what may be causing your performance issues. They should also be able to determine the nature of the noise when turning by driving the vehicle and inspecting the suspected area.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How Can I Extend the Life of my Tires?
Tires can be a costly part of the car owning experience, especially if you happen to be driving a large truck or SUV. Learning to recognize the signs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-i-tell-if-my-tires-are-in-good-shape) that your tires are in good health or not is the...
Battery charge low
Hi. The alternator is the key part of the charging system and helps maintain the battery charge during vehicle operation. A faulty alternator is common and can cause the problem mentioned. A loose wire, blown fuse, or faulty alternator are...
Head gaskets leaking
These engines, if turbocharged, can have various problems; the system over-boosted and blew the head gaskets, or the engine overheated and warped the heads, causing the gaskets to leak. Either way, this may have damaged the heads, so the repair...
Engine shield hanging off
The cover gets torn off by parking stops, and hitting road debris. A technician would need to inspect it to see if it can be reattached, or if it needs to be replaced. I recommend having a mechanic, such as...
Car runs hot and doesnt keep coolant
Hi there. Most of the time, overheating issues (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-causes-a-car-to-overheat) are caused by a radiator leak, leak in the coolant lines, or a failed thermostat. The worse case scenario is that you'd have a blown head gasket. However, if you're seeing...
Engine makes clicking sounds while idling and at lower speeds
Hey there. The first noise you described sounds like valve lifter noise. You will hear this sound if the engine is low on oil. Check the oil level and add if necessary. The lifter noise is not heard at higher...
I have a 2003bmw 525i , I mistakenly put tranny fluid in the power steering canister now it is hard 2steer what 2 do now
Hello, thank you for writing in. While it is not terribly uncommon to run transmission fluid in the power steering system (they are both hydraulic fluids), newer vehicles tend to be designed to be used with specific fluids, and do...
Just want to know if you think a 2004 lexus is300 is a good reliable car with parts that arent outrageous?
The Lexus IS 300 is a fantastic car and as you may or may not know is designed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. As with any car, the life expectancy depends largely on how you maintain the car, the driving...
I have a ford expedition and accidentally drove it in 2nd gear on highway over 45mph for about 5minutes any damage to the tranny?
Hi Brandon. In an older vehicle like your 2000 Ford Expedition, inner transmission seals and gaskets are fairly worn in general. Driving in second gear in an automatic transmission up to speeds of 45 could have possibly damaged inner components...

Related articles

How Long Does a Slave Cylinder Last?
Your Your slave cylinder is within a sealed system, so it will generally last a very long time, and may never have to be replaced. The key word here is, of course “may.” If you’re in the habit of buying...
What Does "Twin-Cam" Mean?
Twin-cam engines use two camshafts to operate the intake and exhaust valves. DOHC engines often have better power and efficiency than SOHC engines.
Is it Safe to Drive With a Faulty Knock Sensor?
Symptoms of a bad or failing engine knock sensor include slow acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and the Check Engine Light turning on.