engine loses power?

check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. due to hot temperatures pump may be getting hot and giving enough pressure. See links

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please run down these guides and report back.

After I had the catalytic converter changed the check engine light went off. can this problem happen when the check engine is not on?

low fuel pressure can cause it and a lot of times it will not set the check engine light. it is easy to do and cheap to find out if it is the problem or not.

When driving the car is making a straining noise like it's in the wrong gear and not picking up speed like it's suppose to?

Hello,

This sounds to me like your vehicle is in "limp mode".Do you have any Direct Trouble Code(s) present? These are set when there is a problem with a vehicle system. If one is set the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or "check engine" light will be on. Please go to these links down below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please go through these guides. I have also included in the diagrams down below a description of "limp mode" and how it operates on your vehicle. Get back to us with what you are able to find out, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

I had the vehicle checked for codes since the check engine light was on and it gave me two codes. One was P0420 and the other was P0297.

Hello,

DTC P0297 is for vehicle over speed. DTC P0420 is for catalytic converter below useful threshold. This DTC sets when your catalytic converter, through normal wear and tear, wears out and needs to be replaced. I have included a link below for you to go to.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

I have also included in the diagrams down below an explanation and diagnostic troubleshooting for both DTC's. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

P0297. Is that the powertrain control module?

Hello again,

Yes. It has detected that the vehicle has gone faster than the set governed speed programmed in the PCM. This could be from the vehicle that the PCM came out of. I have included in the diagrams down below a pinpoint test for your vehicle's Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) just to be sure. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you find out, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Can the P0420 cause or be related to P0297

Hello again,

No. These are two separate issues. P0420 is a common DTC that is seen quite often and just happens with age to catalytic converters. P0297 is a DTC that is rarely seen and only happens when someone is hot rodding or in a chase or something along those lines, but they are not at all related to one another.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Is the power-train module something like a computer box?

Hello again,

Yes, PCM is short for Powertrain Control Module. The powertrain is the rngine and transmission, though most vehicle's have a seperate computer fopr the transmission called the TCM(Transmission Control Module). Think of the PCM as the "Fuel Injection Computer".

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

On my Hybrid the check engine light will turn on randomly and all of the sudden the car loses power and will not accelerate. We have tried resetting the battery and then it will drive. But the check engine light seems to come back when it wants and then I experience the same issue. Any advice?

Hybrids are in a realm all their own. The CEL (check engine light) could be related to either the mechanical engine systems or the electrical system. Really need it to be put on a scan tool to see what the code(s) are related to. Then form a plan from that.
From the description it sounds like the issue is causing it to enter limp mode.

Two days ago, my car started giving me problems when I try to start it. I have not had to get a jump. It will start eventually start if I hold the key in the turn position & pump the gas. Today, however, I could not get the car to accelerate once started. It glided slowly & felt like it might stall out, so I steered it to the side of the road. The wrench light is now on. It was not on previously. Please help! Thank you!!!!

Hello,

It sounds like the throttle actuator has lost correlation due to coking. I would start by removing the negative battery cable and then following this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

we should run the codes as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back

So right! to clean the throttle bore works great now, it had a high idle for a while but it relearned.

Gas cap light is on. Engine is very sluggish, Transmission unexpected shifting. MPG poor. I checked the gas cap, it is on tight and secure. When driving for a while the enging fan comes on and stays on, like the engine is overheating. Please help me figure this out.

Have the fuel cap checked to confirm it is good. there could be an EVAP issue happening. As far as the trans, can you describe what is happening?