2005 Escape. Recently I noticed that when I accelerate it seems as if the car is not really speeding up. I can hear almost like a rumbling noise when I accelerate, but no power is being produced. I have also noticed that the tranny is also acting strange. The shifting has become erratic and I have to let go of the gas for the tranny to change gears. Tranny fluid is topped up. No problem when idling. No weird smells. Any ideas???

 

Plugged catalytic converters can provide similar symptoms.

 

That doesn't sound good. Anything cheaper I can start with?

 

What you can try if really determined,remove an oxygen sensor placed before the converter and see if power changes. That provides a path for the exhaust back pressure to escape. Also if you were to connect a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold , if there is a restriction in the exhaust the vacuum will drop as the engine falters when throttle is depressed.

 

After further investigation, it definitely sounds like the cat. There is a whistling noise coming form the cat and I can now smell the fumes in the car. I ordered the part already Hopefully it comes in soon!