Q: engine noise, sluggish, leaks

asked by on June 15, 2016

I have 2 questions. 1) When I step on the gas I feel and hear the engine roaring while driving, but it doesn't go as fast as it should I can tell because my brother's 2004 DTS flies when you step on the gas pedal. When I put it into 3rd gear it runs normally, but when I put it in drive it doesn't act right. It's leaking about a dollar size puddle of transmission fluid. I checked the fluids and they are all good. Do I need to replace the tcc solenoid? Could that be the problem? 2) I came home today and parked my car in the garage. 2 hours later it leaked oil the size of a soda can. I moved the car to make sure the leak was from my car and the same thing happened 2 hours later. I checked all the lines going to the motor to see if one slipped off or was cracked and didn't see anything wrong until I looked under the car and saw oil dripping slowly. I checked it yesterday, and was at the regular level. When I looked today it was almost dry. When I lifted the hood my motor and radiator cover had some oil on them. I did a scan on it and didn't get any codes for the motor. The only codes I got are p0174 and p1860. I can tell the difference between motor oil and transmission fluid, and I didn't mix them up. What is going on with my car? Thank you.

Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

First off, the P0174 code is for the system to lean, the P1860 code is for the TCC solenoid electrical system. The P1860 code points to possible transmission issues.

The acceleration issue could be due to many different items such as the torque converter, transmission fluid level, bad fuel pump, or a failing transmission. The oil leak could be coming from many places, but the most common since the leak is on the radiator cover is a oil line that is under pressure. From the symptoms you have described, this car should not be driven until these issues are resolved or the car could be damaged further. A qualified technician from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your leaking issue and engine noise to determine what repairs are needed.

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

Mpg loss 2009 Toyota Tacoma
The cold air intake (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cold-air-intake-replacement) and oil type air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) are the problem most likely. The oil from the filter will contaminate the mass air sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) and cause it to not read correct. It may not set a...
There's an oil leak coming from my valve gasket or VVTI seal oil area
Hello! Unfortunately, you are not able to upload photos. It sounds like your oil leak may be coming from the valve cover gasket not properly sealing. This can happen for a variety of reasons and is usually a fairly simple...
my anti theft light is engaged and my car won't start what can I do to disarm it
The anti thief system on this car is called PATS or passive anti thief system. The use of a key with a chip in it is needed to disable the alarm when you go to start the car. If the...
CV Joint Change instead of the wheel hub assembly.
Customer wants to change the information from having a wheel hub assembly replacement changed to a CV Joint / CV Shaft replaced on the set up page.
Low fuel pressure
Hello. If your vehicle is displaying low fuel pressure then it may be possible that there is an issue with the fuel pump. There are instances where a worn out fuel pumps will still operate but provide lower fuel pressure,...
Vauxhall insignia se nav 2.0 cdti - interference or non interference engine
Hi there. Yes the engine is an interference design. This means that if the timing belt breaks the pistons will contact the valve train when not in time. If the belt has broken, I recommend testing the cylinder head and...
What does it sound like if your water pump is quitting?
A failing water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) can do anything from leak, make no noise at all, or cause a squealing sound if the bearing is failing. A number of other components under hood can cause similar sounds. If for example, the...
Hi I have a 2004 2.4L automatic Hyundai Sonata. I change the timing belt as it has chewed teeth. I also change the headgasket and
Hi there. Since you completed so many different repairs, it unfortunately opens the door to multiple possible issues that might be the source of your hard to start issue. The first thing I would do is knock off the easy...
Car not starting, replaced battery and alternator fuse but now inside fuses are blowing and still not starting
Hi there. It is quite possible that you have an exposed electrical wire or a short somewhere in the electrical system that is the root source of your starting issue. A fuse or relay will continue to break when the...

Related articles

5 Signs Your Car Isn't Shifting Correctly
Improper shifting is a sign of car transmission problems. The solution might be simple or complex, but get it inspected to avoid expensive repairs.
How an Automatic Transmission Works
An An automatic transmission allows a vehicle engine to operate within a narrow speed range, just like a manual transmission does. As the engine achieves higher degrees of torque (torque is the rotational power of the engine), the gears in...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Realtor or Real Estate Agent
If If you make your living as a realtor or real estate agent, you may have a number of considerations when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle. The most common considerations are budget, ability to transport people, and comfort....