[StlExplorer]

‘12 Optima EX 2.4L with 129,250 miles. Feels like I’m losing power with the engine and it tightens up like I’m pressing the brakes. When I press the accelerator it’s better and goes back to the weird feeling once I release the accelerator. No knocking/vibrations. No engine lights or other lights are on. Starts fine and goes into D fine. No change in fuel mpg and no gas smell. Air filter clean. Hooked up OBDII from AutoZone and no error codes. Any leads on how to fix will be appreciated.

 

[Turbonut]

Difficult to diagnose with no CEL, but if it feels like the brakes are applied, sure they aren't?
These cars are terrible for sliders freezing in brackets as well as caliper piston(s) freezing in their bore.
After being driven, check to see if any wheel is hotter than the others, and when in neutral the car should be able to move easily.

 

[KingFatty]

Hmm, could it be an issue with the transmission?

I feel like if you release the gas pedal, the transmission should allow the car to coast without feeling like you are hitting the brakes.

Does it feel like you are stuck in a lower gear, and when you release the gas pedal, the transmission applies the feeling of engine braking through that low gear?

 

[craigbrooks]

Hmm, could it be an issue with the transmission?

I feel like if you release the gas pedal, the transmission should allow the car to coast without feeling like you are hitting the brakes.

Does it feel like you are stuck in a lower gear, and when you release the gas pedal, the transmission applies the feeling of engine braking through that low gear?

That's exactly what it feels like, my 18 EX 2.4 does the same every now and then. Read about it happening here before. Mine doesn't do it all the time so I'm not worried about it. Seems like it happens when the trans is cold in my case. BTW 13,000 miles on mine.

 

[JamesW1988]

Engines are very important, it's better to check the car.

 

[JamesW1988]

Most of all I am afraid of engine breakdown.

 

[Turbonut]

When it happens shift the lever to manual to see what gear it's in.

 

[Sean J]

When was your last oil/air filter change?