Struggles to accelerate

1992 TOYOTA PREVIA
182,400 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MONTANA BEAVI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Struggles especially when depress gas pedal. Sounds like it will stall but has not. What should I check first? Let me elaborate on skill level. I know more than the average person about my car. The basics (oil change, tires, etc) plus a few repairs/replacement parts in detail of my car only, ie: alternator, starter, spark plugs/gaskets. Working on replacing thermostat, just bought it yesterday.
She has been running hot just after freeway driving for about fifteen minutes. I have used gasket leak liquid twice, worked for a several months then got hot, water spraying out of reservoir. At least one collapsed hose. Replaced the two in the front, upper and lower. Then flushed cooling system. Not sure if I 'burped' her correctly, since she keeps running hot. Upon recommendation, I was getting ready to replace thermostat. But on my way to work this morning, she just would not pick up speed unless she feels like it. Accelerates at times even though I am not stepping on the gas and hesitates when I do. I have a book and can look some stuff up. But it is not very detailed. And the pictures are horrible! I am hoping you can guide me though this. Considering picking up a code reader, OBDII?
Jul 17, 2018 at 11:20 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Code reader will not help on this car though you should have one anyway. Here is how you read the codes on this car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/toyota-trouble-code-definitions-and-code-gathering-method-1990-1995

To me it sounds like the catalytic converter might be plugged. Here is a guide that will help you run a test to confirm the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 18, 2018 at 6:01 PM