2007-03-06 14:43:47 · 7 answers · asked by talewis1979 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Probably the catalytic convertor has gone bad.
A plugged cat will cause a blockage in the exhaust, which causes reduced acceleration and power. It can also cause a hissing type of sound since it's struggling to push the air out of the restricted exhaust.
All vehicles sold in the US have a federal emissions warranty of 8 years 80k miles, so if it's under that, and it's the convertor, it should be replaced under the warranty at no charge to you. If it's under the factory basic warranty, the problem should be covered unless it's a wear item causing the problem (belts, hoses, filters, etc). Take it to the dealer and have them check it out to see for sure what the problem is if under warranty. You could also have it checked at an independent repair shop, then take it to the dealer if it's the convertor, but likely the check-out fee will be about the same at either place.
Most dealerships should have a backpressure tester to check it and see if it's plugged or not. I would imagine that exhaust shops and better independent repair facilities would have them also. But small local shops don't always have up to date equipment and tools, so ask before taking it to one of those.
If it's out of warranty, take it to your local dealer or repair shop and have them check it out. The convertor will usually be a lot cheaper at the local independent shop, or exhaust shop than what the dealer will charge, but always price at both, you'd be surprised at how many times the dealership is about the same, or sometimes less than independent shops, and you get original equipment parts put back on your vehicle.
I've also seen exhaust systems get bent up from backing into parking stops, curbs, etc causing an exhaust restriction.
2007-03-06 15:02:09 · answer #1 · answered by Mark B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's NOT the catalytic converter. A catalytic converter isn't going to be able to deter the vehicles acceleration to that degree and then produce a squealing sound. Part of me wants to say it could be a transmission slippage problem, but that's probably unlikely that it would be causing a squealing. Squealing is most likely caused by a worn or misaligned belt. Check the belt's condition for cracks or grooves.
2007-03-06 23:08:44 · answer #2 · answered by theslowandthefrustrated 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would agree with the possibility of a restricted convertor. It sure WILL deter your acceleration and depening on the type of exhaust joints can make a whistle noise.
I would keep other possibilities open. Older grand ams used to suck a piece of body patch into the air cleaner snorkel. Had the same symptoms. Just have a reputable shop look at it.
2007-03-07 00:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by Arnon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dad is a mechanic, is it a automatic? Maybe the alternator belt?
2007-03-06 23:29:34 · answer #4 · answered by Melody F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
need more information please. What kind of car do you have and what kind of squealing noise you are getting. email me and I will be glad to see if I can help.
2007-03-07 08:50:52 · answer #5 · answered by cleind3278 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your engine oil, a loose belt wont slow your car down but not having enough oil WILL destroy you engine.
2007-03-06 23:59:31 · answer #6 · answered by monotonous_life7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
might be a bad belt
2007-03-06 23:01:16 · answer #7 · answered by davedebo198305 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋