My mom has a 2005 Malibu automatic 2.2 75,000 miles. She is having trouble with it reving up to 4000 rpms on very steep hills and only getting up to 45-50 mph. She took it to the mechanic and changed the plugs and that didn't help. He seems to think that it might be the catalytic converter and that it would cost her about $600, but he isn't sure if that is causing her the trouble. The check engine light came on and flickered on and off while the car was reving up to 4000 rpms. Other than on long steep hills it runs and drives fine. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum..

Does the vehicle leak any fluids? The transmission fluid level may need to be checked... The vehicle needs to be running and you will need to get under the vehicle to check the fluid, I would suggest taking it to a reputable shop to have it checked...

If the engine is revving to 4k rpm I don't think there is any thing wrong with the catalyst... usually a blocked cat will bog down the engine....