Vaccum drop under load?

ZOMB13 · Dec 28, 2006

I took it to a shop near my house to see why my car was acting very weak whenever I stepped on the gas, one guy told me it was the catalyst and was charging me $500 to change it, I said no and went to another shop and ran it thru the computer diagnostic, it came out saying that it had no faulty codes but a manual test showed that the car had a vaccum drop causing the motor to slowly gain speed whenver I gave it gas, he also said it was because of the catalyst and said he would charge me $350 to change it.

Am I getting ripped off?

Also, I cantt change gears whenever I put it in park, I have to put the key in the gear slot to put it in neutral then start the car and go, then I can move freely thru all the gears, what could be causing that?

Is there no realiable shop anywhere in San Diego that knows Acuras and won't rip me off?

paulo57509 · Dec 28, 2006

If you have a plugged or partially plugged exhaust system, the engine won't maintain speed.

I really don't understand the statement, "a manual test showed that the car had a vaccum drop causing the motor to slowly gain speed whenver I gave it gas....." What is this test supposed to do?

When an engine is under load, the vacuum will always be low. Vacuum is high under cruise and decelleration.

You took it to two shops and they both came to the same conclusion.....the cat is plugged. The odds are pretty good that the cat IS plugged.

ZOMB13 · Dec 29, 2006

Whenever I press the gas, the rpms go up to about 2, and the speed SLOWLY starts rising at a gradual rate, something that wasen't like that when I got it, so if its plugged, does it have to be cleaned or have the catalyst converter changed? since Im doing that tomorrow.

murderotica · Dec 29, 2006

ZOMB13 said:
Whenever I press the gas, the rpms go up to about 2, and the speed SLOWLY starts rising at a gradual rate, something that wasen't like that when I got it...

I have this same problem from 2k-3k.... =/ No idea.

ZOMB13 · Dec 29, 2006

I just came back from the shop, turns out the catalyst was fine, so im out $140 and still have the same problem, I will take it tomorrow to the same shop, and they are going to check it over.
I was thinking of making a list of things that are wrong with it (oil leak, gear shift not wanting to change gears from P, weird chipring noise from ABS system) and parts I haven't changed (02 sensor, motor oil, tranny oil)
I picked a bad time to be out of money,

pnoye2 · Dec 30, 2006

ZOMB13 said:
1) My car was acting very weak whenever I stepped on the gas.

2) I can't change gears whenever I put it in park.

1) It sounds like your car has been neglected... when the last time a full tune-up was done, air management systems was service, or maybe, just maybe a vacuum leak; missing/disconnected/cracked vacuum line(s) perhaps.

2) Faulty neutral safety switch could be your culprit and I think this was talked about in the past... have you tried searching our archive.

Hell, where about are you in San Diego... I'll be in National City this weekend for a birthday party at my in-laws. I might be able to check out your car and assist you with your issues.

ZOMB13 · Dec 30, 2006

I think I have neglected it

I live in Imperial Beach, I was just about to take it to the shop and read your post, what time are you available?
is there any way to contact you?
my email is sabu13k@yahoo.com

I really appreciate it man.

Jay P · Dec 31, 2006

more guesses

$140 to find out their diagnosis was incorrect ? yuk

I'd guess a bad cat would show at high rpm when there is lots of exhaust being pumped out.

sluggish car, engine firing properly ;

ignition timing

incorrect gearing, is it a transmission problem ?

dragging brakes, car should be easy to push on flat smooth concrete, does it coast nicely ?

low tire pressure, a good tune up always includes air for the tires, because it produces a noticeable result.

incorrect valve timing, cams off by a tooth ? belts usually don't jump, but I guess a loose one might, easy to check.

restricted exhaust or intake, tons of crud in the intake manifold, bad filter,
collapsed tubing, mufflers don't usually plug up

egr stuck open would rob power, though most often they are plugged up

good luck hunting, Jay

ZOMB13 · Jan 2, 2007

Thanks Jay
I have to add to that list a new problem
"change red cable that connects to battery"
it left me powerless today snce it was very corroded.

so many problems, so little money

x2

Vaccum drop under load?

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