super400

So I took my car out to run an errand today and noticed that it was very shaky and had no power going up hills. It almost felt like I was trying to climb a snow covered hill but I never really lost traction and the track light never came on. I immediately turned it around and brought it home. Really can't afford a tow bill. It seemed fine on everything but hills. Ive noticed for awhile that the engine kind of shakes if I'm in park between 1,000 and about 3,000 rpms. I thought that might have just been a slightly worn engine mount. Theres almost 257,000 miles on the car and I am absolutely beyond broke. My worst fear is its the tranny going out but Im really hoping its something else. Any and all help would be appreciated.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

What speed? Mine does that right around 40 mph on uphills, usually in the 1800-2000 RPM, I believe. The best I've been able to figure is it's related to TPS and idle stop screw adjustments -- when they're way off, it does that on the flats (same speed), as well -- but I haven't been able to get it dialed in well enough to totally eliminate the behavior. It could also be that I need to take the throttle body off the car for a more thorough cleaning.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Also, when I disconnected the TPS, it went away altogether, but that threw CEL codes. That would be an easy test if yours is the same thing.

super400

Well the first hill I was going up at about 55mph. Turned it around and went back up my hill (about 25mph) same result both times. Rpms were fine for both. The shakiness going up the hills was a very forward and backwards shake. It didn't do it on the flats though. Im thinking it has to be something with the tranny having to pull harder on the hills. Maybe if I'm lucky I'm just low on tranny fluid. One can only hope right?

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

My first car behaved somewhat like that on any uphill. I had to constantly let off the gas for a second or two to keep it from stalling. It was attributed to the timing belt, but I knew next to nothing about cars back then and may have been led astray by the mechanic.

I'm skeptical that it's the transmission, as that would presumably come into play somewhere along the lines accelerating, not just on uphills.

If I were you I would unplug the TPS and see if anything changes. And definitely check your transmission fluid if you suspect that of being low.