Questions and Answers

Ford Crown Victoria; No Get Up And Go Q. The interceptor starts fine, but exhibits no performance, indeed, backfires and chokes badly until warm. Once warm, it runs fine up to half throttle, and any farther chokes, vibrates, and occasionally backfires. EEC tests show Throttle Position Sensor and Mass Air Flow sensor in fine condition, and mechanically, the intake butterfly is in fine working order.

A new OEM air filter has been installed, and fuel injector cleaner has been used. All accessible vacuum lines and valves, including PCV, have been cleaned and leak tested. Fuel pressure indicates at range between 33 and 42 psi. during throttle operation, as normal.

Suggested clogged catalytic converters, but want a second opinion as to whether this could cause such a severe performance impediment that the car will drop to 30 mph at full throttle? Please help. As a die hard do-it-yourself project guy, I am at a loss.

• 1993 Ford Crown Victoria LX Police Interceptor
• 4.6 liter SOHC
• Multi-Port Fuel Injection
• Automatic transmission
• 127,630 miles

Loran

A. A clogged catalytic converter is not only a definite possibility, but the most likely one. The easiest way to test this theory is to detach the exhaust pipes at the exhaust manifolds. Then take it for a ride. If it gets up and goes, you know the catalytic converter is clogged.