Q: Car won’t accelerate over 10 miles

asked by on December 01, 2017

Car won’t go over 10mph we got it tested at autozone and replaced the accelerator pedal sensor but it didn’t fix it. Says traction control reduce engine power stability trak needs service. We think the catalick converter needs to be cleaned because the pipe was cut to make it loud but not sure

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi Qulicia. Thanks for contacting us tonight. If the catalytic converter has been altered by someone, then this will impact multiple vehicle systems. The entire exhaust system would need to be replaced correctly, in order to get things back on track. However, with so many unrelated systems coming up with your recent trip to the auto parts store, this could indicate an ECU issue. I think the best advice I can offer is to have a professional mechanic come to your location to complete an on-site lack of acceleration inspection to give you a second opinion, as replacing or attempting to repair all those items you listed is likely going to cost more than $3,000.

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

What does the Engine Oil Low – Add Oil message mean?
The Engine Oil Low – Add Oil message will appear on your driver information center (DIC) when the oil level is too low in your engine. When more oil is added, this alert will no longer be displayed on the...
Car won't charge after replacing battery and alternator
From the looks of it, you have done a lot of work on your Mustang. I can understand how frustrating it must be to get this far but still be experiencing problems with charging. The first question I would ask...
The car stalls at low RPMs and during idling
A sticking or stuck idle air control valve can cause this condition. The valve needs to be removed and inspected for excessive carbon buildup. The valve could be cleaned and then then re-installed to see if proper operation can be...
Has a rough idle with no CEL on
I would try and have the fuel injectors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-causes-fuel-injectors-to-get-clogged-or-dirty) and throttle body cleaned out (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body). This should clean out injectors and intake valve carbon deposits that can cause the rough idle. If after driving the vehicle, and the CEL comes...
Squealing
It sounds like it could be your brakes; however, it could be a belt. I have seen issues where the belt won't make noise until you let off the gas. I will give you some steps to go through to...
replace head light
To replace the Low Beam headlight bulb on the Driver Side of the vehicle, you'll need the following tools: a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench, a pair of needle nose pliers and a flathead screwdriver. To replace...
Cadillac CTS OnStar disconnection
Hello. The OnStar system is wired to receive a wide variety of inputs so that immediate assistance can be provided in the event of an accident. For this reason it may very well be possible that the system is tied...
My belt and pulley fell off. What would cause this? Also, there is Green fluid leaking from front driver side.
The idler pulley or tensioner pulley may have seized up causing the pulley and belt to come off the engine. When these parts come off with the engine running, depending on how fast the engine was running (how high the...
Oil Change issues
Hello, thank you for writing in. Your issue is likely something small and silly that you are overlooking. Often the oil filter seal sticks to the engine rather than the old oil filter when you take it off. If this...

Related articles

2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re ready to really get some work done, there’s nothing like a full size pickup truck. These trucks are ready to haul a big load and really get in there and get busy. SUVs are great for moving people,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
Understanding Chevrolet Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) System and Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Chevrolet Oil Light Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.