After slowing down and using the gas pedal, car wouldn't speed up. What's wrong with my car? ?

Question

I had to brake because someone was turning. I came to about 35 mph and attempted to accelerate up to 55. I was flooring it and my car was going slower and slower, until I drifted onto the side of the road. My car is a 1999 Ford Escort. 130,000 miles. My husband thinks he fixed the problem. It's hard to tell because the car is older, loud and unreliable. What could have been wrong with it? I was panicking because I couldn't acclerate. As soon as I turned off the car and turned it back on, i could drive again.

Answer 1

Was the car overheating? sometimes when the car gets too hot it looses all of its power and cant accelerate at all...   and sometimes when you leave it for 5 or 10 min it cools enough for you to drive it...

the only reason why i ask this is because at higher speeds  more air passes through your radiatior and fan allowing the car to stay cool but if you slow down then less air passes through and you lose heat reduction..

Answer 2

there`s nothing wrong with your car, it just probably telling you that he reject you. lol j/k no idea sry

Answer 3

Transmission!  Happened to my car.  Be ready to dish out over $1500 for it.  It sucks!

Answer 4

The EGR = exhaust gas recirculation is part of the fuel flow system and was chocking as a result of your rapid speed change before it cleared itself you applied more fuel but the cars fuel system did not have time to adjust and clear the lines . you would have only needed to lift your foot from the accelerator to give it time to push unused fuel back to the tank and it would have been fine, your car is old and as old myself I can tell you I can't sprint like I did in school but I can still run when I need to, drive your car with that in mind and you will have a more reliable ride, respect the old.

Answer 5

Transmission may have slipped.

Answer 6

Well, if the light's off, and the car's running, it sounds like he DID fix it. Good job!  

Answer 7

no, not the tranny.

your EGR valve is what times and controls gas flow as a response of you pressing down on the gas pedal. If it clogs up, it won't work properly and might jam therefore your car wont accelerate.

seems like your husband cleaned it out...see the following link:

http://www.partsource.ca/doityourself/TI...

P.S. switching gasolines (unless to a lower grade) would not affect this...higher octane is better for any engine :)

Answer 8

Sounds like something with the fuel line.  This happened with my car and there was water in it.  xox