adreano17

Sometime, when traveling at a decent speed or even very little, I will give my car WOT, and it doesn't accelerate. Sometime, I will hear the engine work, but not go up in RPM. Others, the RPM will go up without acceleration, but it always kicks in. As if something catches. What is the cause of this? This is intermittent. Isn't always occurring. This is while engine temp gauge is at half way.

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

I am just throwing this out there, but if you hear the engine working as normal it might be a transmission issue. At least enough to make sure that you have correct fluid level, and the fluid doesn't smell burnt. When you start your car cold in the morning does it have a tendency to work better than when it warms up? This, to me, also points to possible transmission issue. As the tranny fluid warms up it becomes thinner, which will reduce transmission line pressure, which can result in slipping if the tranny hasn't been taken care of, or is about to go out. How many miles do you have on your ES? Done regular transmission services?

adreano17

Works better when warmer. Nothing smells like it is burning. But the car has 170k on it, and I don't know the history of the car. It was a fleet vehicle in the day, but I took delivery in 2009. Looks like its been mantained. May just be on the way out. Since Ive had it, I changed the ATF 1 time about a year ago. If it is the tranny, I will probably just sell the car after it fully goes out.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

check the slack on the throttle cable. the car will hesitate to accelerate if it's too loose.

adreano17

Nah its tight, not so much of pressing the pedal before anything happens, i press the pedal, engine works, then acceleration kicks in.

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

If it works better when it's warm, it's not the transmission. I'd maybe take a stab in the dark and try cleaning the MAF sensor. One check I always do, is to put the car in gear, press hard on the brake, and give it full throttle for 1-2 seconds, and see if the engines stumbles under full load.