Very sluggish acceleration

[Skybear]

I need your advice!

I have a 2000 Saturn, SL1 with 135k miles. It's been a great car. But recently, the acceleration has been very sluggish on flat or inclined roads. I'm also getting a p0404 code. After reading a 2009 posting from this site, I tried cleaning the EGR valve (which did have some carbon in it) and installing a new gasket. I'm not a mechanic, but felt comfortable doing the work myself after reading the posts here and watching YouTube videos. But the cleaning didn't help. So, I decided to replace the EGR valve. I just got done doing installing it at the parts store and then driving a mile to get home. However, the acceleration is still pretty slow. I think I read somewhere about needing to get it calibrated. Is that right?


Within the past 2 months, I've had the front breaks, all 4 tires, and the water pump replaced. I don't make a lot of money, so I'm reluctant to take my car to a mechanic. I appreciate any help you can give me.

[fdryer]

Search threads about the faulty engine coolant sensor and replacing it with a flat nosed brass one if yours is still the original round nosed one. The replace the thermostat too, with a 195F one if the temperature gauge still hovers over the 1/4 mark.

[AlainMDavos]

Have you replaced the plugs and wires? Bad ones will cause sluggish acceleration. If not, replace with NGK plugs and a decent set of wires.

[magtec]

NGK copper plugs.

[Skybear]

Thanks for all of your advice. I have the engine coolant sensor and will replace that. But I don't have a way to raise the car to empty the coolant and replace the thermostat. Is there a way to empty the coolant without raising the car?

I will look at replacing the spark plugs, though, if replacing the sensor doesn't work.

[fdryer]

Know anyone with a jack and jack stand to borrow? While the jack and jack stand is the safest way to have the car up at home you can use the tire jack that's in your trunk too. The scissor jack is not completely safe but if used on firm level ground and removing a tire to place under the car for insurance, the tire will be a hard spacer to crush if the jack should give. With three tires keeping the car from moving (e-brake on), this can be an alternative method since its used when changing a blown tire.

[ssewall]

If you decide to do your own maintenance a set of jack stands and a hydraulic jack is a worthy investment

For things like draining coolant the rhino ramps aren't a bad idea.

[magtec]

the spark plugs are cheap and should probably be replaced anyway if they haven't been replaced recently (~30k miles).

[Skybear]

The problem turned out to be the clutch. It was damaged beyond repair. Even the fly wheel was ruined. They had to replace both of them. The mechanic said it was not my a result of my driving as my car has 137,000 miles on it and the clutch is only supposed to last 120,000-140,000 miles.

[fdryer]

Thanks for the follow up.

[Skybear]

You're welcome. Hopefully it will of help to others.