[Solved] Why is My Car Won’t Go Over 2000 RPM While in Drive? 5 Common Causes

If you’ve ever been in a situation where your car won’t go beyond 2000 RPM while in drive, you know how dangerous and annoying that can be. You can experience a lack of power, acceleration, and odd engine sounds.

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 potential causes and how to fix them for engine RPM restrictions, allowing you to pick the next step of action quickly!

What is RPM?

Revolutions per minute, or RPM, is a tachometer-based measurement of the engine’s crankshaft speed. It would help if you accelerated by pressing the gas pedal to increase the RPMs. Conversely, it would help to release the gas pedal to decrease the RPMs. Depending on the car and motor, the car often runs between 4,000 and 6,000 RPMs before shifting. If your car doesn’t accelerate when you push the gas, it may signal an issue affecting normal RPM behavior.

5 Main Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Go Over 2000 RPM: With Solutions

1. Malfunctioning idle Air Control Module

The car stays at 2000 RPM when driving, and the engine won’t rev. Idle Air Control (IAC) valve failure is a common cause of unstable machine RPM. The IAC valve is an essential part of the engine’s control system. The IAC valve regulates the air entering the engine, facilitating smooth RPM levels during idle.

Solution:

Cleaning the IAC valve:

• Start by finding the IAC valve in the engine compartment of your car.
• Take out the valve and check for any debris or carbon buildup obstructing its operation.
• If there is, altogether remove any accumulated residue using an appropriate cleaner.
• Put the cleaned IAC valve back into the engine.

Testing:

• Turn on the car and check to see whether the RPM settles.
• If the issue continues, think about doing more tests.
• Should cleaning not fix the problem, a replacement could be required.
• Replace the old valve with the new one.

Validation:

• Retest the car to make sure the RPM doesn’t fluctuate.
• Verify that the irregular behavior of the engine has been effectively resolved.

2. Catalytic Converter Clogged

It is essential to examine your older vehicle’s catalytic converter if you still need to change it because this may be the reason behind your engine’s lower RPM once it reaches 2000 or 3000 RPM. A blockage in exhaust flow caused by a clogged catalytic converter can harm engine performance.

Solution:

• View the complete guide for information on locating and fixing a catalytic converter blockage.
• For an efficient resolution, follow the guide’s step-by-step instructions.
• If cleaning the seriously clogged catalytic converter is impractical, consider replacing it.
• Select a suitable replacement based on your car’s make and model.

Professional Help:

• It is essential to seek help from a trained technician if you are unsure or uncomfortable replacing the part.
• Professional examination ensures accurate diagnosis and correct installation.

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3. Air Filter Clogging

A blocked air filter, essential to preserving the system’s air balance, may cause engine RPM problems. Blockages or malfunctions in the air filter can affect the RPM levels of the engine.

Solution:

Replacement:

• Replace the air filter with a new, suitable filter if it turns out to be blocked or broken.
• Select an air filter that is compatible with the make and model of your car.

Cleaning (selective):

• Use an appropriate air filter cleaner if you would rather clean the air filter than replace it.
• For optimal cleaning results, adhere to the product’s directions.

4. Blockages in Fuel Filters

This issue persists even when the vehicle is operating beyond reaching speeds past 40 to 60. Replacing a gasoline filter is a typical problem that can lead to issues with a new filter that needs to fit correctly or a blocked old filter. Performance problems may arise from a new fuel filter that needs to be done correctly.

Solution:

Optimal Installation Practices:

• Locate your car’s fuel filter to find the right way to install it.
• Lubricate the new O-ring with a few drops of oil on your fingertips before installation.
• Place the lubricated O-ring carefully in the designated groove, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Safe Installation:

• Hand-tighten the new gasoline filter in its assigned location to guarantee a secure fit before utilizing a wrench.
• To avoid damaging the oil filter, do not over-tighten.

5. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor may appear similar to those of a catalytic converter blockage. Running the engine and removing the oxygen sensor from the exhaust pipe is a simple way to determine whether the problem is with the sensor.

Solution:

• Remove the outdated oxygen sensor from the system by disconnecting its wire.
• Attach the new sensor to the electrical system by placing it correctly.
• Verify that the connection is correct and safe.
• For the majority of cars, the replacement procedure is usually simple.
• Before installing the new sensor, confirm that it is compatible.

Conclusion

Examine the 5 factors influencing engine RPM before repairs with an OBD scan tool. Inspect the components as described for a systematic approach to troubleshooting if no fault codes appear. Hopefully, any confusion you had about RPM is cleared now.