What can cause poor acceleration after gear change?
Posted by LexxBeee@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 5 comments
So I’m having an issue with my car and no one seems to be able to know what’s going on with it as there are no codes and diagnostics are coming up with nothing. The transmission shop says the transmission looks fine and the car shop can’t seem to figure out an issue either. I don’t know what to ask them to check next and I want to get it fixed before it gets even worse. I don’t wanna replace the whole transmission if I don’t have to.
So when I go from one gear to the next, once it is actually in gear it feels like it pulls back and essentially feels stuck or clogged. When I go uphill, it won’t go past like 50-60 mph. Sometimes it only gets to 40. So I cannot drive on places where there is an incline. But again, no codes, transmission shop can’t clearly see anything wrong with it after an hour diagnostic. The only codes that came up (before, they are gone now) were the vehicle speed sensor and transmission temp sensor. But those codes disappeared after a fluid change and he said testing the connectivity was fine.
congteddymix@reddit
It sounds like not a trans issue but something either causing a lack of power. Don’t really have enough info on the particular vehicle in question. But I would maybe look for different mechanic that is willing to go on a test drive with you so you can show them the problem. It’s not a trans issue, could possibly be brakes hanging up though you would smell that after a while driving.
In all honesty it could be something as simple as your air filter being plugged with a mouse nest or if your car is a turbo, a failing wastegate valve, worn Turbo or cracked hose from turbo to intake.
A good mechanic should hook there scan tool on a ride along while you show the symptoms they can look at the values the computer sees and go from there.
albertpenello@reddit
Would need more information but problem could be your brakes are dragging (bad brake lines are causing the wheels to lock up) or you have something with your engine not allowing the car to accelerate under load.
Assume you have a manual based on your description?
If so, can you rev the engine fine with the car in gear but in neutral?
My guess is the transmission is fine, and you either have a problem where your brakes are dragging, you have something with the engine (clogged exhaust) that is not allowing it to make power when it's under a load.
LexxBeee@reddit (OP)
It’s an automatic. Would the bad brakes cause it even if it’s only when shifting into gear ? It’s fine for the first 10 minutes of driving but then it starts.
Question, could bad battery cables be causing this too? Just checked and one of the battery cables is being connected by like two tiny wires. I’m surprised my car still turns on. The fabric sheath on top of the rubber was covering it so I didn’t previously notice.
My brakes are bad too though and vibrating when I stop so I have to get those changed regardless. Would I need the pads and calipers changed if that were the case? Or just the brake pads ?
albertpenello@reddit
So much going on here. Yes, fix the battery cable. Is it possible it's the problem? I suppose. Is it likely it's the problem? I doubt it. But it's not helping.
Dragging brakes can show up after you drive since they get warm and can start sticking.
Given it's an automatic and starts getting sluggish after you have been driving and the car is warmed up, I'm guessing you have clogged catalytic convertors or some other exhaust restriction. That's bogging the engine down and may not throw a CEL.
LexxBeee@reddit (OP)
I meant the rotors and not the calipers oops