firstly was sluggish in the morning. engine started well then when took foot off gas to stop at junction or slow down to turn corner there would be delay in accelerating of 5-8 secs. once travelled about 1 mile or less car is fine

last few weeks starts well first problem persists. but when engine is turned off to stop after 1 mile or 40 miles when i restart the engine within 0-3 hours the car judders when stationary and when the foot is on the gas the car goes very slowly and with foot right down on the peddle wiil build up eventually to 30 miles an hour over a first 1-3 mins if i need to stop at a junction or roundabout the same thing happens. occaissionally if i am on a run and i dont have to stop it kicks into action and its fine again but this not ussual. when this happens the rpm are 30-40 but the speed does not reflect this and there is a horrible smell in the car but not under the bonnett? what can it be? i am waiting for a lease car and will be imminently ready.I use my car as jo community based: reluctant to spend any more money on it if poss. thank

susie, February 2010

check the transmission fluid/oil level. it will have its own dipstick going into the gearbox. check your owners handbook for the correct procedure, as you may need to shift the selector through several positions & then check it in a certain position with the engine running. also the oil should be a nice clean red colour, if its a mucky brown colour or smells burnt, then there may be a problem. check under the car for any leaks, oil/fluid may be getting on the hot exhaust.

jim, February 2010

Few ideas

Might be a Catalyst or baffle in the exhaust system breaking up and blocking exhaust gases.
When the engine is running check pressure of exhaust gas at the back box – just wave a hand NEAR outlet. Check again when the car is running properly. If there’s stronger pressure in the latter case then failure of cat / baffle is the cause.
OR
Take it to an exhaust repair place and ask them to check

Also might be problem with torque converter on auto box

Maurice, February 2010