Symptoms: Car runs normally from 20-40 mph. Above 40 it bucks badly. Below 20 it makes sounds like it's going to stall, and below 10 very hard to keep going. Usually stalls at stop signs and red lights, and sometimes even while in motion if below 15 mph. One, also it's now very difficult to climb steep hills, the power is gone. However, always starts up instantly again. Spark plugs are new, also replaced the Oxygen sensor earlier this year which pepped the car up a lot.
Car was running fine until one day on the highway I heard a loud "clunk" from the engine, the engine light went on, and the car started bucking like mad. It's been that way ever since.
It's a 95 Ford Probe but I imagine these symptoms would pertain to any car.
My friends have suggested the torque converter, a blown valve, or the tranny.
Please help, as I'm desperate -- I've found mechanics take wild guesses and replace one part after another until by sheer chance they finally get it right. (Problem is the car is so old they can't use a computer to ascertain why the engine light is on.) I don't want to spend $1,000 while they take wild guesses what's wrong.
Feel free to email me at geraldrm@earthlink.net. Thanks in advance!!!!!