Hello, I recently took my 2003 Ford Escape to a mechanic ...


Hello, I recently took my 2003 Ford Escape to a mechanic and they fixed my [exhaust](/topics-exhaust-ford/) leak with a flex pipe and now it is having a hard time accelerating and the car sounds really loud with rough driving ...

Hello, I recently took my 2003 Ford Escape to a mechanic and they fixed my [exhaust](/topics-exhaust-ford/) leak with a flex pipe and now it is having a hard time accelerating and the car sounds really loud with rough driving Mechanic's Assistant: How old are the hoses? And what driving conditions do you most often encounter? They must be as old as the car because I never changed them and lately I drive in the cold weather, snow, or rain Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Escape yourself? What have you tried so far? No I don't have a clue about cars and I just recently took it in to a shop Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? There is also a [coolant](/topics-coolant-ford/) leak and possibly a clogged [catalytic converter](/topics-catalytic-converter-ford/)

Automotive Expert
Hello and welcome to Just Answer! My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I am here to help answer your questions. I am sorry to hear you are having issues with your vehicle. I will do my best to give you the answer you are looking for. Please allow me a few minutes in between our responses to review your information. I may ask several questions to get more details about your problem. While you are waiting for me to respond I am looking up the workshop manuals and wiring diagrams needed to answer your concerns. **The website will prompt a phone call automatically, not me. So please don't let this automatic service prompt annoy you. If you prefer to talk verses type then please use the phone call option.** Hello, it sounds like you have more than one problem. When they changed the exhaust to a flex pipe it can be causing the noise. The lack of power can also be caused if the flex pipe is the wrong size. A plugged catalytic converter can also cause a lack of power. The coolant leak will need to be identified to know what to repair. A shop would be best to look it all over if you do not know much about vehicles.

Hello Gene, thank you for reaching out and lending me some help and advice.
Automotive Expert
You are welcome, do you need more help with this concern?

How can I tell if the flex pipe is causing the issue or if the catalytic converter is the issue
Automotive Expert
An exhaust back pressure test would need to be done to check for an exhaust problem with the converter. The pip itself would need to be disconnected to see if that is the issue.

What about the catalytic converterI also have a loud whining when I turn my vehicle
Automotive Expert
It would need to be tested by a shop. The converter is part of the exhaust manifold. it cannot be disconnected to check. I am sorry but the question is limited to your lack of power concern. New questions need to be posted as a new post per the website terms of service.

What others are asking

How do I determine if the airbag system is functional?
The airbag system is an important safety feature in your vehicle. In the event of a crash, the system will deploy the airbags and protect the passengers from harm. To determine if the airbag system is not functional. The SRS...
How do I select a song from the list?
You can control your iPod with the sound system controls to help you choose a song. To view all of the songs and choose which one to play, follow these steps: Press the Menu button. Rotate the Tune-Scroll knob to...
Ignition wouldnt turn tried to jimmy steering wheel now steering locked and unable to unlock
Try another key if you have one. If you have no other key then try and get another one cut from the one you have. The key you have could be worn and not working. A fresh cut key may...
Replaced Camshaft Position Sensor, now car idles rough, quits.
Hi there. Why was the cam position sensor replaced? Was there a code stored, check engine light on? If the rough idle and stall started after the sensor replacement, try putting the old sensor back in and recheck the operation....
AWD malfunction message on dashboard 2005 Ford Five Hundred
Hello - there are 2 fairly common causes of the AWD (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-all-wheel-drive-awd) warning light: the temperature/pressure sensor in the rear differential, or the oil pump in the rear differential are malfunctioning. I would recommend an inspection of the rear differential...
Throttle Positions VS Voltage Fluctuation
This may be related to a couple of different possibilities such as a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially a faulty instrument voltage regulator. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the...
whats a fair price to pay someone to install the new brake drums that i bought for the rear of my car.
Hello, thank you for writing in. It is difficult to say what a "fair price would be". Prices for labor will vary greatly based on your location and services available around you. Due to already having the parts you need,...
Alfa giulietta clutch replacement -garage said £1000 as its 3 parts, not the normal 2 is this right??
Hi there. Since we only provide services on vehicles in the United States, we're not quite the right resource for you to ask about repair services outside the United States. However, in the United States, replacing a clutch on a...
95 nissan automatic truck wont shift out of first gear
If the car can shift manually, then you likely have a problem in the electronic controls. If you can get your hands on a scan tool to read the transmission controller, it will help get you moving in the right...