Is the service engine light coming on? If so, there is actually a way to get the trouble codes without having a scanner. All you need is a piece of wire or even just a paper clip. Here is a how-to guide on doing just that.
If the service engine light is not coming on, then diagnostics become a little more tricky. I would start with the catalytic converter. A clogged catalytic converter can cause every symptom that you described. Here is the official 2carpros test for it:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter
Personally, my test, which is a little simpler to run, is just to take the oxygen sensors out and then check the engine performance. With either test, the car will be pretty loud, so you probably do not want to do it in the middle of the night, unless you really do not like your neighbors. You will just need a 7/8" wrench, or maybe you can get away with a big pair of vice grips (not really suggested though). Let us know what you find and we will go from there.
Nov 4, 2018 at 5:23 AM
